The Santa Snatcher: A Christmastime story (Trace Newater)

Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy.
The lights shine a little brighter, strangers become a little kinder, and for a few short weeks, even the busiest cities seem to slow down just enough to remember what matters. Families gather. Children dream. Santa Claus appears in shopping malls across the country, reminding everyone, young and old, that there is still room for a little wonder.
But not everyone sees Christmas the same way.
For some, the season stirs old regrets. Forgotten promises. Long-buried pain. And sometimes, those wounds grow into something far darker than anyone could imagine.
When one of Washington D.C.’s beloved mall Santas disappears without a clue just days before Christmas, what begins as an unusual missing-person case quickly unravels into something far more dangerous. Agent Trace Newater soon discovers that beneath the cheerful decorations, holiday music, and smiling faces lies a mystery built on secrets, deception, and a threat capable of stealing much more than Christmas spirit.
As Trace follows the trail through snow-covered streets, crowded shopping malls, and unexpected places, he’ll be reminded that the greatest gifts are rarely found beneath a tree… and that hope has a way of shining brightest when the world seems darkest.
So settle in, pour yourself something warm, and enjoy a Christmas mystery where not everything is merry, not everyone is innocent, and even Santa may need someone to save him.
Welcome to The Santa Snatcher. A Trace Newater, Christmas novella.
NOTE: This Christmas novella takes place within the world of the Trace Newater series. While each novel tells a complete story, the relationships, history, and character growth build from book to book.
If you’re new to the series, I’d encourage you to begin with To Finish a Feud, followed by Revealing the Passage, before coming back to this story. I think you’ll find the experience richer, as you understand the character relationships and past case references.
However, if you elect to read this story on its own, you will find it to be a new twist on retold Christmas narratives while getting to know these beloved characters during this special time of year.
I truly thank you for your support and I hope you enjoy the story.