Gift of Murder

Book excerpt: When Emma Cassidy, a budding graphic designer, returns to her sun-soaked hometown of Citrus Beach, Florida, she's expecting a tranquil holiday season. But her plans take a turn for the mysterious when she finds herself at the center of a baffling Christmas murder. Reunited with old friends, Jake and Kim at Susie's Diner, Emma's holiday cheer quickly turns to intrigue when she arrives at the Anderson estate, home of her new client, and makes the shocking discovery of a lifeless body under the Christmas tree. When it is discovered that a series of diamond ornaments have also vanished, Emma is drawn into her clients’ inner circle, full of secrets and simmering resentments and finds the line between sleuthing and yuletide shenanigans blurring as she becomes more involved with the Andersons. Enter Travis Anderson, the client's son, who's as charming as he is frustrating. He waltzes into the investigation (and Emma's thoughts) with the grace of a reindeer on a rooftop. Sean Young, an old friend an old friend who's swapped playground antics for police badges, agrees to their offered help. Emma navigates through a maze of quirky characters, including the elusive gardener with a green thumb for trouble and Oswald McAllister, the eccentric diamond collector, knowing she must unravel the truth before the thief strikes again. With her new puppy Dixie by her side, Emma finds herself in a race against time, deciphering clues that lead her from the sandy beaches to elegant mansions and festive parties. As the investigation heats up, so does the chemistry with Travis, tangling her detecting skills like a string of Christmas lights. "Gift of Murder" is a whirlwind of suspense, humor, and holiday spirit, where sunlit shores hide dark secrets, and finding the truth is as tangled as the Christmas lights. Can Emma solve the mystery before the festive season turns fatal? Join her in this cozy, quirky, Floridian adventure where eggnog isn't the only thing spiked with surprises.