Jessica Williams adores everything about the holiday season, the mulled wine, the twinkling lights, the sugar-dusted nostalgia. But most of all, she loves the perfect excuse Christmas gives her to deal with those who make the season miserable for everyone else. What better disguise for a vigilante with a screwdriver than the jolly, motherly figure of Mrs Claus at the Ellsbury Christmas Market grotto? After all, who would suspect sweet Mrs Claus of cold-blooded murder?
Fearne Dixon can’t stand Christmas, not the carols, not the fake snow, and definitely not the endless tinsel her husband insists on draping across their lives. As the market manager’s increasingly bitter wife, she’s barely holding it together when a string of gruesome deaths starts rocking the market. And just as Fearne’s nerves begin to fray, an old enemy turns up, stirring memories she’d rather leave buried under the snow.

Christmas came early this year when I was lucky enough to receive a pre-approved copy of Sarah Bonner’s brilliantly twisted new crime thriller, How to Slay at Christmas. This festive installment continues the darkly comic brilliance of her previous books, How to Slay on Holiday and How to Slay at Work. Bonner once again delivers a razor-sharp tale of female serial killers with a mission, to rid the world of the worst people. It’s packed with festive mayhem, wicked humour, and morally grey women you can’t help but root for, even as they cross every line. Think holiday cheer but with a body count. If you're a fan of pitch-black comedy, fierce female leads, and crime with a deadly twist, How to Slay at Christmas deserves a spot on your TBR pile.

Thanks NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’ve really enjoyed Sarah Bonner’s funny suspense novels. They remind me of the Finlay Donovan series. At times, the action seemed to be happening a little too fast for me in this one. That said, I was not expecting that ending. I love how Bonner could work in a twist. This is definitely a book worth checking out when released in August.

I really really really loved this !!
So wish I read it at Christmas time it was such a fun
Christmas book with a little murder definitely my favourite kind of books
I loved Jessica she full of banter think she’s one of my all time favourite characters!
I loved the others too even Sebastian at the end.
The ending i actually didn’t see coming completely took me by surprise! Was the Perfect Christmas read!

What an entertaining Christmas read! Jessica loves Christmas and was born to play Mrs Claus. She also happens to have a secret talent for taking out the bad guys. Fearne is stuck in a thankless marriage and finds more than she bargained for with the drama surrounding this year's Christmas market. Particularly when bodies start showing up around town.

A fun read that will definitely get you in the holiday spirit! The characters are particularly well written and I found myself wanting to be friends with them all. Filled with humour and the joy of Christmas, this book is the perfect holiday read.

The perfect holiday read!
Jessica Williams loves the Christmas holiday season. She is Mrs. Claus at a Christmas market grotto and uses it as a time to write her own naughty list and eliminate people. This season the bodies start to pile up quickly. It gives a whole new meaning to being on the naughty list.

Fearne Dixon hates the holiday season and everything about it. She is married to the manager of the Christmas market. She becomes fast friends with Jessica. Fearne makes a mistake and Jessica is there to help her through.

This book is hilarious and fast paced adventure. It has found family, fierce friendship and romance rolled into one great read.

𝐇𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐬. 𝐀𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐈'𝐦 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐀𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦. 𝐀𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭.

I'm in my Female Rage era, and I've never been happier. The third book in the "How to Slay" standalone series is set during what should be the most festive time of the year. However, the holidays can be stressful, and they certainly are for Fearne Dixon. Fearne's husband runs Ellsbury Christmas Market, and each year is a delicate balancing act with the vendors, booth placement, and a host of other headaches. When an old enemy returns to Fearne's life and targets the livelihood of the market, she reaches her breaking point.

Meanwhile, Jessica Williams loves everything about the holiday season--the sights, the sounds, the food, and the opportunity to wrap festive twinkle lights around the throat of a miserable person who dares try to ruin this magical time for others. The best part is, no one would ever suspect Jessica, who takes the job of Mrs. Claus at the market that Fearne's husband manages.

When the paths of these two woman converge, it's a darkly comedic good time that will have you rubbing your hands together with glee. Because sometimes someone just deserves that place on the naughty list. Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this fun early copy. Look for this one August 7, 2025.

While this is part of a series, this can be read as a complete standalone. The dark humor had me cackling as it was right up my alley! There was so much festive chaos that I could not put this book down. Definitely add this to your holiday TBR!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ How To Slay At Christmas - Sarah Bonner

I’ve never read any of Sarah’s books before - but this one was a real festive romp!

With slight tones of Killing Eve about it - this thriller has a light edge to it, sprinkles of humour, extremely easy to read - and packed with such a great plot that it keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

Might have to search out Sarah’s other ‘How To Slay’ books now - as I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Add it to your TBR pile now!

This is the first book I've read by Sarah Bonner but certainly not the last.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.

How to Slay at Christmas is a new addition to the How to Slay series and is a standalone, like its predecessors. I do believe this is my favorite book in the series yet, and definitely has the most inventive plot line. My favorite character is our serial killer, Jessica, who seems really into Christmas - to the point where she is all about being Mrs. Claus each year at a different town’s Christmas fair. Granted her love of Christmas is also married with her killer tendencies, but her goal is always to kill those most deserving of it through their reprehensible behavior. In How to Slay at Christmas Jessica finds the perfect town for her Mrs. Claus act and we the readers meet Fearne, a resident who hates Christmas with a husband runs the fair (and he seems like a candidate for Jessica’s naughty list), and a mystery perspective of someone who is onto Jessica.

There’s a lot going on in this book but it’s done so well it’s never too much. I love the dynamics between the characters, the dark humor, and the way this was wrapped up - though I’m still surprised. My final thoughts are that I really wanted to go hug some dogs (and a mini horse) which I didn’t think I’d get from a serial killer story.

I have not read any Sarah Bonner books before but I picked this one up thinking it might be similar to 'Assistant to the villian'. It has the same sort of vibe to it. It's an easy read. If you've ever dreamed of getting rid of the people who annoy you, this is the book for you.

The book is full of dark humour and despite the profession of the main character, the author has written her as likeable. It's not too gruesome so if you hate guts and gore, then you won't need to worry about this book.

I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.

I had not read any books by Sarah Bonner prior to this but I will certainly be picking some more up now! So thank you bolwood books for pre authorising me for this read based on my reading history as I don’t think I’d have picked it up otherwise.

I smashed through this book in one setting, it was such an easy read that was entertaining throughout and still had twists and turns to make you question situations. This book has a host of strong female characters and females on the road to becoming strong independent women.

Jessica the powerhouse of a lead female character, loves Christmas, the food, the drink and festivities and of course her trusted naughty list. Jessica’s need to rid the world of despicable/disgraceful men who have made others suffer is strong and what better to cover up her murderous intentions with the leading role as Mrs Claus. After all who would suspect Mrs Claus of such horrendous crimes.

On the other hand we have Fearne the Christmas hating, long suffering author, with what I can only describe as a a***hole of a husband. Watching Fearne and Jessica’s relationship grow throughout the book keeps you on edge, Jessica is risking her love of murder to help build up a fellow woman.

This is a comic thriller/cosy crime (in my opinion), the whole book is full of humor, murder, empowerment and new and growing relationships. A great easy read and it didn’t feel wrong reading a Christmas themed book in the 38 degree heat - which to me shows it’s a great bit of writing that drew me in and kept me engaged!

There is one section in the book where Hanna is messaging Jessica where I think there is a typo - the text message image shows Jessica as having sent a message to Hanna but I am pretty sure it is the other way around - I forgot to note the location but it is when Hanna is arranging drinks with Ferne and Jessica.

Review of ‘How to Slay at Christmas ’ by Sarah Bonner, due to be published on 7 August 2025 by Boldwood Books.

Two main female protagonists - Fearne, wife of Sebastian, organisers of the Ellsbury Christmas Market (who hates Christmas) and Jessica, newly appointed ‘Mrs Claus’ and a killer secret (who loves the whole Christmas season).

Add in the gorgeous Alvi, ready to steal Jessica’s heart, his sister Hanna, 17 year old runaway Lena, Fearne’s daughter Immy - and not forgetting Fearne's arch nemesis *Erin*Winters!

Friendships are formed, secrets are hidden, until their lives entwine in spectacular fashion - their friendships are put to the ultimate test of trust, loyalty and honesty.

The story is full of dark humour, has mystery and suspense and is a fabulous run up to Christmas read. I really enjoyed it, and will definitely read other outings for Jessica - the Slay Queen!

Another absolute riot.

This is going to make a great present for those that love the series or love clever, funny, fast paced novels.

This book follows Fearne who absolutely hates all the things that comes with the Christmas season whereas Jessica loves it, she’s a poker pro with a great side line in serial killing. This book becomes impossible to put down once their lives intertwine.

You’ll love it and so will pretty much everyone you know.

Read in one sitting at the beach — the perfect mix of sunshine, bratwurst, and body bags.

How to Slay at Christmas is festive, funny, and just the right amount of feral. If you’ve ever wanted Sweetpea, Bad Sisters, or How to Kill Your Family wrapped up in fairy lights and bloodshed, this is your moment.

Jessica Williams, professional poker player turned seasonal vigilante Mrs Claus, is totally unhinged — and somehow still likeable. She’s chaotic, calculating, and convinced she’s doing the world a favour by taking out the truly awful. Enter Fearne Dixon, the deeply relatable Christmas market wife who hates December, her husband, and everything in between. Their storylines unfold side by side until they finally (and violently) intersect.

This book is so much sharper than it first appears. There’s real craft in the pacing, the humour is wicked, and even the background characters feel textured. It never gets too heavy, even when the bodies start piling up — think mulled wine with a poisoned twist.

Yes, you have to suspend your disbelief. But if you’re here for festive chaos, dark humour, and morally questionable women doing what they do best… you won’t mind one bit.

Bonner’s writing is self-aware, punchy, and full of sly commentary on gender, power, and small-town perfectionism. This is satire with a body count, and I devoured it.

Highly recommend for fans of comic thrillers with bite. I’ll be slipping this into stockings — for the right people, obviously.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

I'll start by saying I love these types of stories, How To Kill You Family, How to Kill Men and Get Away With It Sweetpea etc etc.

You definitely have to suspend belief and just not question certain things!

In 'How to Slay at Christmas' we meet Jessica, a 30 something woman who plays poker during the summer months and Mrs Claus during the festive months. She loves Christmas, animals, moves around a lot, helps vulnerable people and murders wrong uns in her spare time.

This year she gets the Mrs Claus gig at the Ellsbury Christmas Market ran by Sebastian Dixon who expects his long suffering wife Fearne to drop everything to help him. It doesn't take long for Jessica to start offing some bad guys intent on ruining the lives of others. She befriends Fearne who resents her husband and is downcast when her old work rival arrives to oversee the market. There's just so many people trying to make others miserable...

The story is well written and page turning, we get to know the main characters pretty well as well as a few side characters and a mysterious person lurking in the background.

I've not read How To Slay At Work yet (now on my list) but have read the Holiday one and much preferred this. These Slay books are very different to Sarah Bonners earlier thrillers which I also enjoyed.

Thanks to Netgalley for the early access to this great read.

The two main characters in this story could not be more different. But they might find an unexpected connection - or at least, a crossover point...

There are people who love Christmas, and there are people who hate it. And they have a variety of reasons in either case.

Fearne hates the pressure that the season puts on her in work terms. Jessica loves the opportunities it provides for her in work terms.

Though Jessica's work is more of a passion really. And an opportunity to be Mrs Santa Claus provides an excellent cover for her to increase the cheer of the festive season by offing some of the people whom you really don't want around your Christmas table!

A cleverly plotted, funny offering in the vein of recent female serial killer novels, this one's worth a read.

Ok so I accidentally finished this in one sitting. There are definitely twists and turns and the protagonist is complex! I hated her initially and then was on her side and then things got weird. This book gets more wild as you read.

This is definitely a fun one for year round despite the holiday cover and I’ll be scratching my head at this one for a bit.

I wish I had liked the protagonist more but I think I’m meant to slightly dislike her. I’m impressed with the emotions the author was able to illicit from me with this one.

Thank you for this treat! I received an eARC and am leaving this honest feedback voluntarily.

I always enjoy Sarah Bonner books. Her latest, How to Slay at Christmas was very good. It’s out soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

Jessica Williams loves Christmas. She also casually offs bad people (mostly men) on her Naughty List who destroy her festive spirit by being awful human beings. To avoid detection, she travels a lot. This year she is Mrs Claus at the Ellsbury Christmas Market grotto, where she makes friends with Fearne, Hanna and Lena. But is letting her guard down a good idea? Soon the bodies pile up and suspicions are raised. Who is the person looking into Jessica's background and what are their motives?

Fearne Dixon hates Christmas. For years she has been assisting her annoying husband Sebastian in running the Christmas Market but she's really an author of regency romances, and - her real passion and moneymaker - erotica that she writes under a pen name as Sebastian would never stand for it. Is this Christmas the one where she finally snaps?

What a wonderful addition to the How to Slay series this is! The first book How to Slay at Work was a sensation, the second, How to Slay on Holiday, not quite as good, but this one is fantastic again. Both Jessica and Fearne get a POV, the writing style is easy to follow and I read the book in a day.

I loved all the side characters, from Fearne's daughter Immy to young homeless Lena, to Hanna Jakkinen and brother Alvi from Finland who is an animal rescuer. Even Sebastian redeems himself at the end, and Fearne's nemesis Effing Erin Effing Winters is easy to hate. There is plenty of dark humour and I loved the twist at the end. It looks like the best people in the book are the killers! Highly recommended and I can see this book in a lot of Christmas stockings this year! Read if you like subversive humour and vigilante violence that comes with a dash of festive hot chocolate (with Baileys) and Bratwurst.