North Pole Noir

By Justin M. Kiska

Behind the enchanting façade of the North Pole–the fantastical winter wonderland where sugary delights and candy canes reign supreme–exists a world of surprises and hidden secrets. When Jangles van Hoosen Keebler Frosten McFlurry, executive director of Santa Co. Limited, is discovered “wrapped up” in a deadly predicament, suspicion falls upon his mischievous brother.

Enter Ruddiger...just Ruddiger, the North Pole’s one and only private detective, to solve the mystery. As he delves into the investigation, he finds himself surrounded by a cast of colorful characters, including a vivacious showgirl from the Red Ribbon District, the ever-watchful Elftenant Blinker of the North Pole Constabulary, and Big LeRoy, the formidable leader of the elf union.

Can Ruddiger prove his client is as innocent as a snowflake and unmask the true culprit? Venture into the whimsical world of North Pole Noir to uncover the truth hidden beneath the snowy veneer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wildside Press
• Release date: Dec 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781479467785

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COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

NORTH POLE NOIR, by Justin M. Kiska

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

Copyright © 2023 by Justin M. Kiska.

Original publication by Wildside Press, LLC.

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NORTH POLE NOIR,

by Justin M. Kiska

The snow had been coming down pretty steadily for close to thirty days straight, which is what usually happens the closer it gets to Christmas Day. But even with all the flakes floating down from the sky, the amount that lingered on the ground was a perfect seven inches. Not six inches, not seven and a quarter. Seven exactly. That’s just how it was at the North Pole. Some said it was just part of the magic of Christmas that flowed from Santa’s workshop. Those were usually the happy, jolly residents of The Pole. The ones who worked within the walls of the Santa Co. Limited compound smack-dab in the center of the city. Those who actually knew what they were talking about knew the maintained snow level was all because of the extremely complicated weather management system the elves in Santa’s Atmosphere Technology Department had been perfecting for centuries. I was one of the ones whose head wasn’t filled with cotton candy and marshmallow fluff.

North Pole City is really just like any other city anywhere else in the world. Sure, all the buildings are decorated with candies and cookies and the ever-present aroma of gingerbread constantly wafts through the air—and it isn’t uncommon to buy your morning paper from a talking penguin at the corner newsstand or have to wait to cross the street until a squadron of reindeer march by. But other than that, it’s just like anywhere else.

One popular misconception about The Pole is that it’s all gumdrops and jellybeans. Well, let me tell you, North Pole City has its problems. The farther out you get from Santa Co. Limited’s massive headquarters, the grainier everything becomes. Not everyone here makes their living building toys and working for the big man in red. You’ve also got shopkeepers and teachers and sanitation workers too. Like I said, the same as you find anywhere else. Granted, there’s also candy cane stripers, flying sleigh propulsion engineers, and icicle cleaners. You wouldn’t think it, but icicle cleaning is a dangerous profession. Those icy spears can be pretty sharp and one wrong move and well... let’s just say I’ve known my share of elves that now walk around with a festive eyepatch. But I digress.

I guess by now you’re wondering who I am. The name’s Ruddiger. I’m North Pole City’s foremost private eye. It doesn’t matter that I’m The Pole’s only P.I. No need to dwell on minor details.

Growing up here, most of us are taught that