THE VERY NAUGHTY LIST by Michael D.A. Clarke (Independently published, December 15, 2024) Paperback, 135 pages. ISBN # 9798303823020
Synopsis on the Goodreads website . . . . .
When a down-on-his-luck shopping mall Santa is abruptly fired just days before Christmas, he decides to unleash holiday hell on the staff who wronged him. As the body count rises, shoppers at Merryvale Mall will soon discover that this Santa’s got a bag full of wicked surprises - and he’s ready to deliver!
The Very Naughty List is a wickedly funny, twisted, blood-soaked yuletide horror.
My Four-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .
This short novella would make a suitable gift for any department-store Santa Claus that is a friend, relative or associate. I can think of several faux Santas who would appreciate a bloody revenge story against the selfish employers that hire them, as well as the bratty kids and entitled parents that often disrupt what is meant to be a warm, family experience. It sure beats asking these part-time Santas to keep smiling and bite their tongue.
The main character, who prefers to be called Santa Claus in lieu of his actual name, lives and breathes for the seasonal job he's held as Santa at a shopping mall for many years. He gets harassed by some ignorant teens, and when they threaten his female Elf helper he has to step in and put a stop to it. Naturally, the teens video the whole experience, edit it to present Santa in the worst possible light, and spread it all over social media. This results in Santa being fired, and then getting revenge on those who have wronged him.
It's a tightly written story, with some scenes of dark humor to help break up the gory killings. Despite the short length, Clarke manages to give us some character development/insight into the various players - - and subtly mock some human stereotypes. I appreciate that he allows us to peek inside the characters, as without that I would not be vested in the proceedings as they would seem like simple killings no matter how gruesome or creative.
Santa himself is an interesting character, reminding me of Norman Bates in his life outside of the shopping mall. The story ends satisfactorily - - all the wrongdoers see justice at the hands of Santa. Things are left open-ended for the possibility of a sequel (there is one).
A fun read in any season, and especially welcome at this time of year or whenever the holiday marketing gets to be too much.
The back of the book contains the opening chapters of two other books by Clarke, including the Santa sequel, and reveal a talented and creative (often funny) writer.
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