A Margin for Murder

Book 8: Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery

by Lauren Elliott

Genres: Amateur Sleuth; Culinary Cozy Mysteries

Synopsis

Bookshop owner Addie Greyborne must put the brakes on a killer after a death occurs behind the wheel of a bookmobile . . .



Addie leaves her Greyborne Harbor bookstore, Beyond the Page Books and Curios, in the capable hands of her assistant while she travels to the neighboring town of Pen Hollow to attend a book sale at a library that is closing due to lack of funding. But the real find is a bookmobile bus, which she's excited to refit as a traveling bookstore to hit all the summer festivals. The bookmobile also holds a surprising treasure: several classic first editions and an early edition of Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses.



But before the bookmobile can be delivered to Addie, a fatal car crash occurs. When an autopsy reveals poison in the victim's system and the first editions go missing, it's up to Addie to determine what would drive someone to murder. If she's not careful, however, she may be the next one to be dead on arrival . . .

Release date: April 26, 2022

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Print pages: 281

Sample

Addie Greyborne stood on the sidewalk, gazing into one of the display windows of her book and curio shop, Beyond the Page. However, she wasn’t admiring the classic romance book selection embellished by a watering can, multiple butterflies, and clusters of spring bouquets that her assistant manager, Paige Stringer, and shop assistant, Catherine Lewis, painstakingly spent hours creating. No, her mind replayed the last words Simon Emerson had said to her that morning.

Promise me that you’ll get back to Greyborne Harbor in time for the special birthday dinner I have planned for you tomorrow evening.

Then he’d swept her into his arms and kissed her like they had never kissed before—a scene that played out right now in her mind, very much like one directly out of the pages of the romance novels in her window.

Her gaze settled on her own reflection in the glass. Sunlight glistened off her diamond-encircled emerald earrings, and she softly smiled. Even the thought of his words and that embrace sent her heart racing as she studied the mirrored image of the earrings. They were the ones he had given her as a gift last Christmas.

She recalled how hard she had tried Christmas morning to hide her disappointment when he produced a small blue jeweler’s box, revealing the earrings instead of the ring she truly wanted. Thankfully, Paige had warned her. Bless her heart. Otherwise, there might have been tears and a whole lot of embarrassment.

“Perhaps tomorrow,” she whispered.

“Earth to Addie.” An annoyingly chipper voice broke through her thoughts, bringing her back from her dream world.

Addie stared blankly at her best friend, Serena Ludlow, and dropped her gaze to her friend’s heavily extended abdomen before making eye contact again. Addie could tell by the set of Serena’s jaw that she expected an answer. “What did you say before that?”

“I . . . asked . . . you if Paige is ready to go? I have the Wrangler all gassed up.” She waved the keys in Addie’s face. “We’d better hit the road soon or we’ll miss the sale.”

Addie took a deep breath and tried to switch gears in her mind to focus on Serena’s words. “We’ve been through this already. There’s no way you can come with us.”

“Why not?” Her bottom lip trembled, and tears formed in the corners of her round, brown eyes.

“Because you’re due to have your baby any day now.”

Serena crossed her arms over her heaving chest, and her blotched, freckled face tilted into a pout. “I don’t believe that, so you shouldn’t either.”

“But that’s what Doctor Dowdy told you two days ago at your last exam, isn’t it, and he’s your doctor and should know these things.”

“Doctor Dowdy-Shmoudy. I don’t think he knows anything anymore.” Her voice quivered with tears. “First, he tells me I’m due in late June—well over a full month from now—and then suddenly he says any day now.” She thrust her hands on her rounded hips. “You tell me if that’s a doctor who knows what he’s talking about. Besides,” she huffed, “I’m tired of missing out on all the fun.”

“Aw, hon,” Addie cooed and stroked her hands up and down her friend’s sundress-exposed arms. “I know this is hard on you, but remember, you’re building an amazing little Serena or Zach inside you right now. You’re doing something that’s far more important than I am with going to this book sale and haggling over prices.”

“I can haggle better than you. You’ve seen me at garage and estate sales, so you need me with you today, right?”

“Yes, you are the best negotiator I’ve ever seen. By me saying no today, I’m thinking of you. This is an old library. There’s lots of flights of stairs to hike up, and from what I’ve been told, there isn’t any air-conditioning in the building. You’d be miserable and hate every minute of it.” Addie placed her fingertip under Serena’s chin and tipped her downcast face up, forcing Serena to look into her eyes. “Don’t you see? After all the times you’ve looked out for me, this time, I’m looking out for you.”

“Yeah, I suppose you are. No air-conditioning, really?” Serena shuddered. “I don’t think I could handle that.” She cradled her bulging tummy.

“That’s right.” Addie studied her friend’s face in case her words brought on another round of tears. “The building’s too old, and to refit it would cost a fortune. It’s one of the many reasons why the library is being closed down.” She eyed Serena, who, from the way she gnawed on her bottom lip, was still fighting back hormonally-charged tears. “I hear it’s stuffy, and the air’s filled with dust motes—ghastly is one way a customer described it.”

Of course, that wasn’t entirely true, but Addie knew the more horrible it sounded the less likely Serena would feel she was being excluded from an adventure. Besides, what if she went into labor when they were on the highway? The mere thought gave Addie the heebie-jeebies. What did she know about delivering a baby?

The closest she ever came to something like that was when Carolyn, her friend and Simon’s sister, had her last baby in the back room of Martha Stringer’s bakery. Even then, Martha had relegated Addie to keeping watch for the ambulance and told her to phone Carolyn’s husband, Pete, from the front of the store. Martha helped with the delivery, not her, so she wouldn’t have a clue what was expected.

“And you promise you’ll be back tomorrow?” Serena sniffled.

“Yes. We’re not staying for the entire weekend sale, so I promise, we’ll be back tomorrow by noon.”

“I still don’t understand why you have to stay the night, anyway. It’s only about a fifteen-minute drive from Pen Hollow. You could be back tonight for dinner.” Serena’s eyes filled with hope.

Addie fought her inner eye roll. They had been over this for the past two days. Serena’s raging hormones or not, the whole conversation was becoming tiresome, but she bit her tongue. Anything she said at this point, even reminding her friend again that Paige wanted to treat Addie to a mini pre-birthday excursion, wouldn’t matter right now. They’d still continue to go around and round in circles. Clearly, her friend had lost all sense of recall and comprehension. She glanced at Serena’s tummy and sighed, struggling to find the words that might end this tired conversation once and for all. To Addie’s relief, Paige popped her blond curly head out of the front door of Beyond the Page.

“The Mini’s filled and in the back. Should I gather up Pippi’s toys so we can head out now?” Paige’s gaze flicked from Addie to a teary-eyed Serena. “Or not?” She stepped out onto the sidewalk. “Is everything okay?”

Addie looked fleetingly from Serena to Paige and gave a helpless shrug when Serena’s tears renewed and rolled down her splotchy cheeks.

“Oh no, sweetie, what’s the matter?” cried Paige, hurrying to Serena’s side.

“I just feel so useless and left out of everything,” she sobbed.

“You’re not either of those, and you know it. You’re doing something very, very important right now.” Paige wrapped her arms as best she could around Serena and held her close.

“That’s what Addie said, but I feel so sidelined, and I hate it.”

“It won’t last forever, and you’ll see, soon enough you’ll be back to being one of the Three Musketeers,” Paige murmured softly.

“That’s easy for you to say,” Serena said, stiffening as she pulled away from Paige. “You have a mother that takes your little girl whenever you want, plus four sisters that take her on holidays with them whenever they go away. I have no one. I’ll be left out for the rest of my life.” Serena swiped at the tears tumbling down her cheeks.

“Serena, that’s not true.” Addie stroked her friend’s heaving back. “You have a whole village of people here that love you, and your parents will dote on your baby, not to mention your brother. He’s already such a proud uncle.”

“Do you really think the high-and-mighty Police Chief Marc Chandler will change dirty diapers and walk the floors at night with a screaming baby?” Serena’s eyes flashed. “I think not, and as for my doting parents, it seems once I was safely married off, they decided it was time to travel and see the world. I’ll be lucky if they pop in for a visit at Christmas.”

“You have us and Catherine,” said Paige meekly.

“Yes,” echoed Addie, “and we’re not going anywhere.”

“But if you help me with the baby so I can have an adventure or two, who will I be having an adventure with?”

And . . . here they were . . . talking in circles again just as Addie predicted.

“Look,” said Paige, “I know right now it seems your life has ended, but believe me. It’s only Mother Nature’s way of preparing you for the incredible new adventure you’re about to embark on. All these mixed emotions you’re feeling right now will become nothing more than a hazy, distant memory the moment that you finally get to hold this precious little baby in your arms for the very first time.”

Addie stared at Paige, and a wave of pride and awe surged through her. This meek, mild-mannered young girl, who wouldn’t say boo when she had first come to work for Addie, had blossomed into a highly aware, intelligent young woman.

“Paige is right,” said Addie, “and she knows what’s she’s talking about, so you need to listen to her.”

Serena looked at Paige and shrugged. “I guess you would know better than anyone about what I’m going through.”

“I have a good idea even though we each deal with this process differently. Just remember, each step through this is only a phase and soon passes onto the next one. Today you feel lonely and left out. Tomorrow, and I am being completely honest here, you might feel overwhelmed and at your wits’ end with no sleep because the baby has days and nights mixed up. But remember that no matter what, each phase only lasts a short time, and then a new one starts and in time, it’s all just your normal life. You’ll take it all in stride because when you gaze into your little one’s eyes, you will see nothing but pure love.”

Serena wrapped her arms around Paige. When she pulled back, Serena had something on her face that Addie hadn’t seen for a few weeks. A smile.

“Here, you guys take my Wrangler in case you find loads of books at the sale. It holds more than the Mini does.” Serena dangled the keys in front of Paige, who glanced questioningly over at Addie.

Addie nodded, and Paige scooped the keys into her hand.

“Thank you, Serena,” said Addie. “It will really be a big help if we don’t have to arrange to ship too many books back from the sale. Paige will give you the keys for the Mini, so you have something to drive today.”

“Not sure I could fit behind your wheel, so I’ll call Zach to pick me up when he has some spare time between patients.”

“Sure, whatever, but we’ll leave the keys with you just in case. Till he can get away from the naturopathic clinic, why don’t you come inside and keep Catherine company? She’s not used to running the bookstore by herself, and since you’re on maternity leave from your tea shop, you can give her a hand—from your perch at the counter, of course.” Addie laughed as they made their way inside the bookstore.

At the sound of Addie’s voice and the overhead bells tinkling, Pippi shot out from behind the counter and clickety-clacked her pin-like nails across the wooden floorboards to Addie’s side.

“I think,” chuckled Catherine from behind the Victorian bar Addie used as a sales and coffee counter, “that your little friend knows something’s going on.” Her silver-highlighted bob swung freely with her laughter.

“Hey there girl, do you sense an outing in the making?” Addie bent down and scratched the little Yorkipoo behind the ear.

“Are you sure you want to take her?” asked Catherine. “It is only for one night, so she’s more than welcome to stay with me.”

“What do you think about staying with Auntie Catherine?” Addie looked down at the ball of fluff by her foot.

Pippi’s ears perked, and her head cocked to the side as she looked over at Catherine then at Addie. She let out a little yip and danced gopher style on her back legs, her front paws scouring the air to get to Addie’s arms.

“I guess that answers that question.” Addie laughed while she scooped Pippi up and cuddled her.

“It’s just that I know it will be a long afternoon for the little thing, and I don’t want you to have to worry about her while you’re trying to shop.”

“I know,” said Addie, nestling her face into the silky fur behind Pippi’s head. “I have the doggie carrier, and she likes the cozy comfort it brings her. She’ll be fine. Besides, I really don’t like waking up and not having her beside me, like when she adopted my cousin last fall and didn’t sleep with me for a week.”

“But that was different,” said Serena. “She knew your cousin needed her.”

“I know,” said Addie, “but I need her too.” She chuckled and ducked her face away from the lapping pink tongue searching out her lips.

After giving last-minute instructions to Catherine, Addie transferred her overnight luggage, Pippi—stowed safely in her carrier—and Pippi’s things, including Baxter, her favorite toy bear, from the Mini into Serena’s Wrangler. As Paige pulled away from the alley parking space, Addie settled in the passenger seat and waved farewell to a misty-eyed Serena and beaming Catherine.

“I sure hope Catherine doesn’t feel overwhelmed running the shop by herself for the rest of the day,” said Paige as they pulled out onto Birch Road.

“It’s not her I’m worried about.” Addie swiveled in her seat to look back up the alley. “I don’t ever recall Serena being so disagreeable and ornery as she has been these last few weeks, do you?”

“She’s at the final stages of her pregnancy and feeling a bit like a beached whale, I imagine.”

“Yes, but when Carolyn had her last one, she wasn’t so disagreeable.”

“You’re forgetting that was Carolyn’s fourth, and she knew what to expect. This is Serena’s first, and I’m pretty sure, on top of being tired of lumbering around, deep down she’s petrified.”

“You’re right. The whole thing must be very scary for a new mom.”

“It is. But you’ll see when she and Zach get to hold that little baby and finally get settled into a routine, it won’t take long for the same old Serena we all love to return to us.”

“I hope you’re right. This new version of her is a little terrifying.” Addie settled back and prepared to enjoy the drive, but when they came to the intersection on the highway, Addie’s eyes bulged, and she grabbed the dash. “What are you doing?”

“Umm . . . driving to Pen Hollow? Remember?”

“I know where we’re going, silly, but why are you going this way?”

“Because this way takes fifteen minutes.”

“But the other highway is far more scenic,” cried Addie. “So let’s take it.”

“Why would we spend an hour getting there when we can be there in a flash this way? Don’t forget my sister’s neighbor has to give us the key, and she has to be at the doctor at ten, so we don’t want to miss her this morning. Besides, didn’t you say you had arranged with the head librarian for us to shop earlier than the noon sale start or something?”

“Yes, but . . .” Addie’s fingers tightened around the armrest on the door panel. The mental vision of the switchback curve that would greet them at the top of Cliff Side Road sent her mind reeling. Her hand glowed white on the armrest. She struggled to force air into her lungs. This was why Addie had always avoided the short trip to Pen Hollow. It was a too painful reminder of the day her father died on this very highway.

Addie couldn’t move. She was frozen in time—the time Marc had brought her up here so they could take a look at the scene of her father’s accident for themselves because something in the state police report hadn’t sat right with either of them. That’s when she had peered over the guardrail down the three-hundred-foot drop where her father’s car had crashed onto the rocks below.

“Isn’t the scenery up here amazing,” said Paige, her attention focused steadfastly on the winding road before them.

Addie squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head as she fought the lump growing in the back of her throat and the pressure in her chest that was rising to meet it. Certain she was going to vomit, she pawed at the closed window and frantically pressed the button to open it.

“When we get to the top here, look over the railing. I’m sure you’ll agree with me that this route is just as scenic as the other longer drive up the coast. Look, now! You can see the entire peninsula Pen Hollow sits on. Isn’t it beautiful? I just love coming here,” Paige said excitedly as she slowed down to make the sharp, hairpin curve. “Should I stop so we can get a picture?”

“No, just go!”

“What’s wrong?” asked Paige, glancing over at Addie. “Why are you so—Oh jeez, in all my excitement about going to Pen Hollow for the night, I completely forgot. I’m sorry. Keep your eyes closed. We’ll be down to the intersection at the bottom in a minute. Hold on. Can you ever forgive me for my stupidity?”

“Just drive,” Addie sputtered, squeezing her eyes shut.

After what seemed like an eternity to Addie, but in actuality was only moments later, Paige’s soothing voice broke through the noise in Addie’s mind. “See, we’re down at the bottom and just up ahead is the intersection of Coast Highway and the road onto the peninsula.”

Addie hesitantly peered through her thick dark lashes and glimpsed the blurred image of a huge stop sign. “Okay, thanks,” she hoarsely whispered and blew out the breath she’d been holding.

Curious to see how Pippi had fared on the harrowing switchback ride, Addie glanced into the back seat where her little furry friend was securely seat-belted in her doggy carrier. Pippi’s face poked out of the circular opening of her enclosure, revealing eyes closed in sleep. A wave of envy swept through Addie. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be a dog during moments like this?

The Wrangler came to a smooth stop at the crossroads and out of habit, Addie checked left and then right—all clear—but there they sat. Questioningly, she glanced over at Paige, whose hands gripped the steering wheel.

“Addie,” she choked huskily, “I don’t know where to begin in apologizing to you. I never even thought. Emma and I make this drive almost every Sunday when Logan works, so I can spend the day with my sister, Brianna, and her kids. It didn’t occur to me until it was too late that was the road—” She swallowed hard. “The road where—”

“It’s okay, don’t worry.” Addie reached over and patted Paige’s hand. “It was a long time ago, and I have to learn to face my fears. Maybe being forced to do it today will help me bury another ghost from my past. I’m fine now. Let’s just get to that book sale and later, since you’ve spent so much time in Pen Hollow, you can be my tour guide. What do you say?”

Paige’s somber face lit up, and she gave Addie an impish grin. “I say, let’s have some fun this weekend doing what we both love to do best. After all, it is your mini-birthday getaway.”

“That’s the spirit.” Addie grinned as Paige pulled out onto the peninsula roadway. Addie glanced out her window when they came round a curve on the road. An involuntary shiver quivered up her spine as the base of the cliff on the seaward side of the peninsula came into view.

The landmass distinctly widened as brightly colored, small, wood-clad houses poked out of the tree groves and replaced the coastal view. Addie stretched out her still tightened fingers from the harrowing ride. “Are those the summer cottages you told me about, the ones you dreamed of buying someday?”

“Yes, the smaller, more affordable ones are on your side, what some call the sea side of the road. But, if you look to your left through the trees that lead down to the bay side of the peninsula, you can just make out the rooftops of some of the mansions that were built here back in the nineteenth century. I’d love one of those, but they’re a little out of any budget I might ever have in this lifetime.”

Addie craned her neck to get a glimpse, but apart from some towering turrets peeking through the foliage, and an odd gabled roofline, she really couldn’t see much of the houses. “From what you’ve told me before, it sounds like this cape has quite the past?”

“Yeah, it does, and I would have loved to have seen it during its heyday.”

“It’s heyday?”

“Yeah, according to what Brianna told me, back around the late eighteen hundreds, an adventurous family from Boston stumbled on the sleepy little fishing village of Pen Hollow and fell in love with the unspoiled area. It didn’t take them long to build a summer estate home. Many of their friends followed, and it became the best-kept secret of the then Boston aristocracy. It didn’t hurt either that the land was cheaper and they could buy bigger lots and build larger summer homes than they could on places like Cape Cod.”

“It sounds like there’s lots of money here.”

“Yes, and old money at that. Although with the shifting economy these days, some can’t afford to have two houses anymore, so a few live here year-round. Most owners, though, still come out around Easter to start opening their summer houses for the season.”

“What about these smaller cottages on my side? Are they lived in year-round?”

“No, they’re mainly just seasonal holiday homes and belong to families in the region.” Paige shifted in the driver’s seat. “Just wait until we come around this next curve. You’ll see how the landscape abruptly changes.” She slowed down for the sharp corner. “Now, look out my side. What do you see?”

Addie bobbed her head to see past Paige and gasped. “It’s so different. What happened to the trees? And the water in the bay . . . it’s as smooth as glass.”

“On this side of the peninsula, there are miles of soft sandy beaches, but when we get around this point up ahead, and then drive past the amusement park and boardwalk, you won’t believe the change on the sea side of the peninsula. It’s like a different world on that side.”

Addie scanned her surroundings as they passed the amusement park. “Is the park fairl. . .