Murder by Christmas: Serenity Bay Mysteries, #4

By J.J. Brass

Join amateur sleuth Lucy Larkin as she attends a festive Christmas Eve party with the cast and crew of Serenity Bay's beloved holiday musical. The partygoers make the best of it when the lights go out and a winter snowstorm traps everyone inside, but the evening takes a chilling turn when murder rocks the celebration.

 

As hidden secrets are revealed, Lucy finds herself entangled in a web of jealousy, love, and unexpected motives. With no way in or out, it's up to her to unravel the truth and expose the murderer among them.

 

Can Lucy uncover the killer's surprising identity before the snow melts and the holiday spirit is forever tainted?

 

Dive into a winter wonderland of mystery with "Murder by Christmas," a cozy holiday tale that will keep you guessing. Experience the magic of the season tinged with suspense as snow falls, secrets unfold, and Lucy discovers that, even in the midst of celebration, darkness can lurk where you least expect it.

 

Get ready for a holiday read that combines the joy of Christmas with the whimsical comedy of a charming cozy mystery!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rainbow Crush
• Release date: Dec 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223605829

Book preview

Chapter 1

A Christmas Omen

Though it was barely six in the evening, the sun had descended over the picturesque town of Serenity Bay hours ago. It was Christmas Eve, and the townsfolk were immersed in the festive spirit. Festooned with holiday lights, the quaint streets sparkled with the anticipation of merriment, and the air was filled with the scents of pine, cinnamon, and roasting chestnuts.

Lucy Larkin stood in the front hall of her uncle Frank's cozy, cottage-style home while her cheerful uncle hovered nearby. The house was lovingly adorned with wreaths, garlands, and fairy lights, which gave it a magical charm. The two of them had put hours of effort into the decorations.

Dressed in a festive crimson sweater, Lucy wore her long chestnut hair loose and cascading gracefully around her shoulders. Her bright green eyes sparkled with excitement. In one hand, she clutched a gift wrapped with care for her friend, Breanna. The other held a delicate snow globe with a tiny, serene winter village that played a soothing melody when shaken.

Lucy, dear, Uncle Frank said, a warm smile spreading across his face. I can't express how grateful I am to you. This house wouldn't be half as cheerful without your enthusiasm for Christmas.

Lucy beamed with affection. Aw, Uncle Frank, we make the perfect team. And you know very well you put as much effort into the decor as I did. Maybe more!

Before you head out for the evening, he began, disappearing into the kitchen. We can't have you showing up empty-handed at Breanna's festive do.

I'm not empty-handed, Lucy exclaimed, holding up her friend's daintily-wrapped Christmas gift. I got Breanna a present she's really going to like.

Reappearing with an enormous paper bag from the boot store in town, Uncle Frank said, I'm talking about food, my girl! Food!

The Heart and Sole Boot Emporium does catering now, does it? Lucy teased.

Clicking his teeth in mock-frustration, her uncle told her, It's the biggest bag I could find, daft girl. And I needed a big bag to fit in all the delectable appetizers and desserts I've prepared for Breanna and her guests.

Uncle Frank! Lucy squealed as he removed the snow globe from her hand and replaced it with the heavy bag of food. Wow, that's a weight! It's very thoughtful, but you didn't have to do all this.

Of course I didn't have to, he proudly agreed. But I wanted to, Lucy, dear. Now that Breanna has opened her home to these performers from the Footlight Festival, she can't keep a grain in the homestead. You said yourself the actors who are rooming with her devour every morsel in sight.

True, Lucy conceded. But the festival pays her really well to house those actors, and I think she enjoys being a landlady, overall.

If dear Breanna's contract with the Footlight Festival gets renewed for the summer season, Uncle Frank suggested, might she consider giving up her job at the cafe?

I don't know, Lucy replied. I think she actually really likes being a barista, and it gets her out of the house. Otherwise, she'd spend one hundred percent of her time cooking and cleaning for the festival players. That's the kind of existence that could wear on a person, I think.

Before her uncle could remark upon the amount of time he spent cooking for and cleaning up after Lucy, she quickly added, Anyway, thanks for all this home-cooked grub, Uncle Frank. I know everyone will appreciate it a ton.

I certainly hope so, Uncle Frank began before giving Lucy instructions on how to reheat certain appetizers. Now, off you go to Breanna's house. Have a splendid time at the party. We can't keep all that holiday spirit to ourselves, now, can we?

Lucy chuckled, her heart warmed by her uncle's devotion. You know, Uncle Frank, you could come along if you wanted. Breanna invited you, too.

Uncle Frank chuckled heartily. Ah, that's sweet of her, but Breanna's parties are for the younger generation. You lot have your own way of celebrating the festive season.

Lucy couldn't help but feel grateful for her uncle's selflessness. "I won't be too late coming home.

Her uncle offered a jubilant smile. Stay out as late as you like, my girl. You're only young once!

Putting on her hat and her boots, she said, Yeah, but I'm worried you'll be all alone when the snowstorm hits. They're forecasting a big one tonight, and freezing rain to follow.

Frank waved away her concerns. Serenity Bay has always been a haven from major weather events. It rarely even snows here, let alone storms. Crystal Glen, now, that's where the big ones hit. Over here, we're mysteriously protected.

I'm sure a meteorologist could explain the metrics, Lucy replied. But I still feel bad for leaving you alone on Christmas Eve. You should really think about coming to the party.

Brushing off the suggestion, her uncle said, I haven't got time for any party, my dear girl. Irene and Jovedi are popping in tonight, and they'll be joining us tomorrow for Christmas luncheon.

Glad to hear it, Lucy replied. But don't spend the whole evening talking shop, okay? There's more to life than flowers.

"Never speak those words in my presence, dear girl. To a florist, flowers are life! He gently ruffled her hair with a hearty laugh. Now go on, Lucy. Enjoy yourself at the party. It's Christmas Eve. I want you to have fun with your friends."

With a final hug, Lucy said, Come to Breanna's if you get lonely or bored.

The look on her uncle's face seemed sad as she left, and that made her feel guilty for leaving him alone. She wasn't sure if she believed him, about Irene and Jovedi stopping by. He hadn't mentioned it before.

Maybe he wanted some time to himself.

When Lucy was a kid, Uncle Frank and Uncle Rico went all out for Christmas. Uncle Frank probably missed his late husband, which was something Lucy could relate to, big-time. The festive season felt unreal after the death of her parents, but her way to escape those crushing emotions would be partying with her friends.

She would rather forget all her troubles than dwell on them.

As she embarked on her short walk to Breanna's house, she found the streets of Serenity Bay awash with the shimmer of holiday lights. The air grew cooler as she approached her destination. The tall Victorian that belonged to her friend, Breanna, stood proudly in the center of its property, aglow with lights that beckoned all inside.

When Lucy knocked on the door, she couldn't help but anticipate a night filled with laughter, good company, and the heartwarming Christmas cheer that only friends her own age could provide.

But before Breanna answered, Lucy noticed how still the winter night had grown. As she waited, a solitary snowflake drifted down from the heavens, landing gently on her outstretched mitten. She marveled at its intricate beauty, watching as it shimmered under the soft porch light.

For a moment, the sight was pleasing, invoking the enchantment of the holiday season. But as Lucy gazed up at the darkened sky, she couldn't shake the ominous feeling that crept over her. It was as if the snowflake heralded more than just a snowy evening.

Something felt different, and a shiver passed down her spine.

Lucy took a deep breath, pushing aside her unease and focusing on the cheerful sounds of the party within. As she gave the door another soft knock, the snowflake clinging to her mitten whispered an ominous message. The cozy town of Serenity Bay was in for one long, dark Christmas Eve.

Chapter 2

A Christmas Lie

Lucy had always been a fan of Christmas parties, and Breanna sure knew how to throw one. As she stepped into her friend's festively decorated home, the vibrant atmosphere enveloped her like a lively dance. Rainbow-colored LED lights adorned the walls, casting a playful glow as wireless speakers thumped in the background.

Breanna, the queen of the soiree, dashed to greet Lucy as she entered. Her short hair was pulled into a silver poinsettia clip on one side, and her eyes sparkled as brightly as her silver-sequined mini-dress. Her tights were almost the same shade of purple as her hair, which was freshly dyed amethyst.

Dude! You made it! Breanna cried out, giving Lucy a playful air-kiss.

Wouldn't miss it for the world, Lucy replied, mimicking the gesture. Uncle Frank sent along this whole big bag of appetizers and stuff.

Bless his heart! Breanna cried, imitating a southern belle. And will your uncle be attending our evening's festivities?

No, he will not, Lucy said, trying on a southern accent and abandoning it just as quickly. I told him he was invited, but I think he just wants a night to himself. Anyway, he was concerned about all these actors eating you out of house and home, so he gave me all this food to bring.

We're gonna need a bunch of food to soak up the bubbly, Breanna cheered as she guided Lucy toward the kitchen.

En route, they cut through the dining room, where Lucy set Breanna's gift on the cushioned seat by the bay window.

When they reached the kitchen, its only