I think I have hated her since the day she was born. No one suspects. I’m good at hiding things, but nothing will ever make me stop hating her.
She awoke abruptly, the familiar waves washing over her, making every nerve ending come alive, leaving her bathed in sweat. She waited, eyes closed, for the tide to crest, then as it finally ebbed, she reached for the glass of water she always set on her bedside table.
As the chairwoman for Santa Louisa, California’s Fourth of July celebration, Mary McGill had thought that her most challenging tasks would be judging the canine costume contest while also ensuring that her own beloved black Cocker Spaniel Millie was shielded from the loud fireworks event. That very same explosive display is used to cover the shooting of the town’s newest visitor Ian Miller, whom Mary had seen being very fascinated with a necklace displayed in Lowell’s Jewelry store.
St. Mark’s was hosting their annual spring rummage sale, which for the first time was being combined with a cat and dog adoption event. Not only that, but a portion of the proceeds would benefit the local no-kill pet shelter. Not on the list of expected donations was the body of Miss Emilie Plym, the eldest remaining Plym of one of Santa Luisa’s most prominent families.
Despite having retired from teaching, Mary McGill never seems to have a minute to spare as she manages the Victorian Christmas Extravaganza in Santa Louisa, California. Not included on her to-do list was coping with the discovery of the body of Cliff Mathews in St. Theresa’s manger. While Mary has fond memories of the benevolent veterinarian, his alcoholism led to the loss of his license after a series of tragic mistakes left traumatized pet owners in its wake.
“Idle hands are the devil's workshop.” We have lots of entrepreneurs in this month's mysteries to help keep your hands and mind busy with fun reads!
Jane Steward is organizing a Valentine's week of activities at her book-themed resort, Storyton Hall. It all goes to hell when Rosamund York, one of the most celebrated authors in attendance, is killed. Rosamund had plenty of enemies: fellow novelists, a former lover, and dozens of angry fans.
