A Deadly Brew

Book 0: Tourist Trap Mystery

by Lynn Cahoon

Genres: Culinary Cozy Mysteries; General Fiction

Synopsis

A Halloween short story by the New York Times-bestselling author:Four couples spend a weekend in an abandoned house—and have an unexpected ghost…
 
The house has sat empty for fifteen years, taking up prime real estate along the picturesque coastline. Its last known owner, Maryanne Demerit, vanished without a trace. Now her home will be demolished for a condo development, but until then, it’s the perfect spot for a Halloween haunted house.
 
Jill Gardner, owner of South Cove, California’s Coffee, Books, and More; her boyfriend; and three other couples are spending the weekend in the Demerit home. But what begins as an all-in-good-fun fright fest turns into a mystery begging to be solved as Jill is contacted by the ghost of Maryanne . . .
 
Praise for The Tourist Trap Mysteries
 
“Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective…A cozy lover’s dream come true.”—Susan McBride, author of The Debutante Dropout Mysteries
 
“An absorbing, good fun mystery.”—Fresh Fiction

Release date: September 4, 2018

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Print pages: 112

Sample

Chapter 1

Brightly colored paper fall leaves and gauze ghosts hung in the air on thin wires all around Coffee, Books, and More. I’d hit my head on more than one low-hanging happy ghoul since Sasha and Aunt Jackie had decorated for tomorrow’s Halloween party. Of course, we’d had some seasonal decorations up since the calendar had turned from September to October, but now my bookstore/coffee shop looked like the Great Pumpkin had arrived a few days too early.

I’m Jill Gardner and I’m the owner of the only bookstore in South Cove, California. I’d say the only coffee shop too, but some of the old-timers and farmers still go to Diamond Lille’s to drink her coffee and gossip. Which is fine with me. I don’t need a group hanging around in the morning asking for free refills and interrupting my time. You see, the morning shift is mine, and after the commuters leave, I get a lot of reading done. I call it research. My aunt calls it being lazy.

I had the weekend off—as soon as I could finish up the list of tasks my aunt had given me to help prepare for the kids’ party we were hosting on Saturday. All the stores were having all-day trick or treating, but the day ended at our bookstore where we had several spooky readings scheduled along with other fun activities for the local children.

“And you’re sure we have enough apples for the bobbing tub?” My aunt glanced at the bags of groceries I’d brought in from my trip to Bakerstown. I’d almost emptied their candy shelves and had bought as many small apples as I could find. Sasha was still bringing in gallons of apple cider for the party.

“If we don’t, it’s too late now.” I moved the bags closer to the tile floor where we’d set up the station. “Besides, we didn’t have that many kids come by last year. We should be good.”

“All of Olivia’s classmates are coming with their parents. The day care sent home Darla’s promotional flyer with the kids. They think it’s a great alternative for trick or treating. Olivia’s so looking forward to wearing her fairy princess costume. You’re going to miss a great party.” Sasha set four gallons of cider on the counter. “Your car is empty. I’m leaving these here for a bit because I have to make room in the walk-in. It’s full.”

“Sadie already dropped off the treats?” I felt disappointed. I’d hoped to see my friend when she stopped in. Between her baking schedule for Pies on the Fly and my work schedule, we hadn’t even seen each other, much less had time for coffee and chat, for over a month.

“About an hour ago. She said for you to give her a call on Monday.” Aunt Jackie grabbed the list of to-dos from my hand. “Looks like you’re done. And just in time too.”

I started to ask her what she’d meant, but then I saw Greg coming into the shop. Greg King was the police detective for South Cove and my boyfriend. A smile curved his full and totally kissable lips as he saw me watching his approach.

“You have got to be ready by now.” He gave me a quick kiss, then leaned over to kiss my aunt on the cheek. “Good afternoon, Jackie. Please tell me that Jill can come play with me? We have dinner plans with the group before we head over to the lock-in.”

“You make it sound so romantic.” I swatted his arm. “Besides, I just got done.”

Greg looked up at the ghost swaying in the air-conditioned breeze. “I should hope so. I don’t think you could cram any more Halloween decorations in the shop if you tried.”

Sasha grinned at him. “Aren’t those great? My daughter’s preschool has them all over the lobby too. That way the kids get decorations, but they are totally out of reach. Childproof ghosts.”

I wasn’t sure that Greg agreed with Sasha’s evaluation of the décor, but he wouldn’t be here for the party. Aunt Jackie, Sasha, and Toby were in charge for the weekend. Greg and I’d be locked up with three other couples in South Cove’s version of a real haunted house. The mansion was a few miles out of town on the coastline and overlooked the ocean. In a few weeks, the city was tearing the house down and selling the land to a condo developer. With what they charged for those types of places, this was the only time I’d be able to sleep that close to the waves unless I took a sleeping bag out to the beach. I watched as Greg formulated his response. Ever the politician, even though he swore he wouldn’t go into politics even on a dare.

“It’s very thoughtful. I don’t think I’ve ever considered the childproofing aspect of a Halloween party,” Greg said, which was totally true. The only child he’d ever had to take care of was his brat of an ex-wife, Sherry. And she only acted like she was a child. “Are we ready then?”

I grabbed a couple of books off the counter where I’d set them and tucked them into my purse. “I’m ready to be scared.”

“You’re planning on having time to read?” Greg took my arm and led me out to the front where his truck was parked. He’d stopped by that morning to get my duffel for the weekend and pick up the key for Toby. Toby was babysitting Emma while we were gone. Emma liked Toby. He took her for runs on the beach just as often as I did. When you have a golden retriever, you have to keep them busy so they don’t eat the couch pillows. Which was my dog’s favorite pastime when I was out of the house.

“Aloud, maybe. I picked out three of the scariest books I know. I have King’s classic The Shining, another by the master, Salem’s Lot, and one from Peter Straub, appropriately called Ghost Story. They might be old, . . .