Margot Finch loves everything about October in Hollow Creek—the golden leaves, the crisp lakeside air, and especially the annual Harvest Moon Festival that brings the whole town together. As owner of The Copper Candle, her cozy shop on Lighthouse Lane, Margot knows everyone's favorite scents and listens to their troubles over cups of tea. But this year's festival celebration turns deadly when Trevor Blackwell, the town's wealthy and ruthless real estate developer, is found dead in his locked office, the victim of carbon monoxide poisoning in what appears to be a carefully planned murder.
Trevor had enemies everywhere—the hardware store owner he was forcing out of business, the investor he swindled out of her life savings, the former business partner he destroyed with forged documents, the daughter he controlled and stole from, and the girlfriend he lied to about everything. When the police investigation stalls and suspicion falls on nearly everyone with a motive, Margot finds herself piecing together a puzzle that's been months in the making. With her observant corgi Ember by her side and her gift for noticing what others miss, Margot discovers that this wasn't a crime of passion but a methodical plan executed by someone who'd been preparing for the perfect moment to strike.
As autumn deepens and the investigation grows more complex, Margot must untangle a web of fraud, desperation, and long-simmering revenge to uncover which of Trevor's victims finally decided that murder was the only justice they'd ever get. But finding the truth means confronting uncomfortable questions about right and wrong, legal justice and personal vengeance, and whether someone pushed to the breaking point can ever be redeemed. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries who love lakeside settings, autumn atmospheres, and an amateur sleuth who understands that sometimes the most dangerous secrets are the ones people have spent years planning to act on.
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Trevor had enemies everywhere—the hardware store owner he was forcing out of business, the investor he swindled out of her life savings, the former business partner he destroyed with forged documents, the daughter he controlled and stole from, and the girlfriend he lied to about everything. When the police investigation stalls and suspicion falls on nearly everyone with a motive, Margot finds herself piecing together a puzzle that's been months in the making. With her observant corgi Ember by her side and her gift for noticing what others miss, Margot discovers that this wasn't a crime of passion but a methodical plan executed by someone who'd been preparing for the perfect moment to strike.
As autumn deepens and the investigation grows more complex, Margot must untangle a web of fraud, desperation, and long-simmering revenge to uncover which of Trevor's victims finally decided that murder was the only justice they'd ever get. But finding the truth means confronting uncomfortable questions about right and wrong, legal justice and personal vengeance, and whether someone pushed to the breaking point can ever be redeemed. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries who love lakeside settings, autumn atmospheres, and an amateur sleuth who understands that sometimes the most dangerous secrets are the ones people have spent years planning to act on.
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Used availability for Maisy Marple's Bonfires and Betrayals