Lights, Lanterns, and Lies

Book 36: Dune House Cozy Mystery Series

by Cindy Bell

Genres: Mystery; Holiday books; Animal Cozy Mysteries; Female Sleuths

Synopsis

The Winter Lights Festival was supposed to sparkle with joy, not murder.

Suzie and Mary are soaking up the holiday atmosphere of the Winter Lights Festival. But the celebrations come to a grinding halt when the dead body of a social media influencer is found in a dazzling light display.

Determined to uncover the truth, Suzie and Mary dive headfirst into the investigation, only to stumble on a web of lies and deceit. And just when they think they've cracked the case, a shocking twist turns the investigation on its head.

Suzie and Mary head straight toward trouble. Can they catch the killer before there's another victim?

Join Suzie, Mary, Pilot, and the rest of the crew for a clean, heartwarming, fast-paced cozy mystery by USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Cindy Bell that will keep you guessing until the end.

Read more

Release date: November 16, 2025

Publisher: Cindy Bell

Print pages: 153

Sample

Chapter One
Suzie Allen shivered against the cool breeze that fluttered through her brassy-
blonde, shoulder-length hair. She glanced over at Mary Brent who hurried down the
steps to join her.
“Are you sure you’ll be warm enough in that little jacket?” Suzie plucked the
sleeve of what she considered to be a spring jacket.
“You know me, Suzie. I’m always warm.” Mary laughed, then tugged on her
arm. “Let’s go, I’m so excited to see all the lights. It was nice of the organizers of the
Winter Lights Festival to let the hosts have an early walk-through since we’ll be busy
handing out drinks and treats later.”
“It is, you’re right. It’s been exciting to see all the light sculptures going up
around town. I’m so impressed with how they’ve transformed everything, even Dune
House.” Suzie smiled as she stopped beside the sculpture in front of their bed and
breakfast.
Since Dune House sat on the beach, the artist had designed a rising wave
with a mixture of blue and white lights outstretched toward a beam of sunshine.
Mary snapped a quick picture and then stood back to admire it. “I wish it could
stay all year. I might talk to the artist about whether we can buy it. Wouldn’t that be
great?”
“Absolutely. It’s a beautiful attention grabber. But there’s so much more to
see.” Suzie gestured around her.
Setting foot on the street felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The pavement had
been transformed by swirling, shimmering snowflakes of all different colors that
created a path through the various light sculptures. Among the traditional igloos and
polar animals, were splashes of bright color that strobed, representing different
traditional holiday stories.
Suzie immediately spotted a towering Santa Claus whose long red hat
glittered, while the fluffy white ball at the end cast streaks of light. The reindeer
gathered close to him were all lit up with gold outlines and cheerful designs along
their backs.

“Is that an elf riding a reindeer?” Mary laughed as she leaned close to her.
“That’s a new idea.”
“A dangerous one maybe?” Suzie grinned. “It might give the kids some ideas!
Oh wow, just look at that.” She took a sharp breath as she viewed a stunning snow-
themed castle that stood tall against the backdrop of the entrance of the local park.
Its towering turrets and arched windows each contained tiny glowing figures that
followed a winter theme, from bright red cardinals to silvery-white doves, and even a
few fairylike creatures.
As they continued along their walk, Suzie looked up at the arches that
stretched from one side of the street to the other. Some had sayings etched in lights,
and others featured ivy and poinsettias. At the center of each was a handcrafted
lantern that cast a golden glow. Each one had a unique design, though most followed
a stained-glass theme. Some were shaped like giant Christmas bulbs, while others
were star shaped.
Dazzled by the beauty of the scenery, Suzie held her breath. There were
moments in her life that were so wonderful, they seemed impossible. This was one
of them.
“We’d better get back to the house.” Mary smiled. “Our guests will be heading
out, and we need to prepare for all the people who’ll be stopping by for hot cocoa
and marshmallows.”
“You’re right.” Suzie glanced over the displays again as they headed back
toward Dune House. She held back a laugh as Mary snapped pictures of every
sculpture.
“I have to send these to the kids!” Mary was always sharing things with her
children, who were now in their twenties.
“They’ll love them,” Suzie said.
The next hour was a whirlwind of preparing treats and tending to their guests.
“Who knew we could have a full house in the winter?” Mary stirred hot cocoa
in a big pot on the stove and smiled as the rich chocolatey scent filled the kitchen
and drifted into the dining room and entryway.
“Not me.” Suzie grinned as she set down a tray of cups to fill, along with a
large bowl brimming with marshmallows and peppermint sticks. “Every room’s full,
thanks to the festival.”

“I just love that they decided to have it. So many people think Garber is just a
seaside town and only a vacation destination during the warmer months, but now the
entire town is glowing. It’s so beautiful.” Mary began ladling hot cocoa into the mugs.
“Too bad not all our guests are enjoying it, though. I haven’t seen Darren leave his
room. I might offer him some cocoa later.”
“It might be best not to.” Suzie cast a glance up at the ceiling where she knew
Darren was in his room on the second floor. “He did request privacy, remember?”
“I do,” Mary said. “I just hate to think of him missing out on all the fun.”
“Let’s go enjoy it ourselves.” Suzie picked up the tray. “Most of our guests are
either out strolling through the lights or gathered on the porch. We won’t be needed
in here for a while.” She took a step toward the door.
Pilot, their yellow Lab, stood up at the same time and bolted toward the door.
“What’s gotten into him?” Mary watched Pilot jump up against the front door
and whine.
The door suddenly swung open, and a woman in six-inch heels with a ponytail
almost as high, and bright makeup that seemed to reflect the luminous celebration
the town was hosting, burst into the foyer while holding her phone out in front of her
face, on a long stick.
“And this is the absolute quaintest little bed and breakfast I’ve ever stayed at.
It’s so adorable, and so are its owners.” She flipped the phone around toward them.
“Say hi, Suzie and Mary!”
The pair offered enthusiastic smiles and waved.
“Hi, Chelsea,” Mary called out.
“Aren’t they just the cutest?” Chelsea cooed. “Best friends who decided to
open a bed and breakfast together in their senior years. It’s like the best story ever!
And wait until I show you all the themed rooms!” She turned the phone back toward
herself.
Suzie started to correct Chelsea about when exactly a person entered their
senior years, considering that she and Mary were only in their fifties, but Mary
tapped her arm lightly.
“The cocoa’s getting cold. Let’s head out onto the porch before we miss the
people walking past!” Mary gestured toward the door.
Suzie agreed and waited while Mary held Pilot’s leash and opened the door
for her. They’d volunteered to take part in the stroll by handing out hot cocoa from

their wraparound porch to the people wandering through town enjoying the various
lights.
Several of their guests had gathered on the large porch to get a bird’s-eye
view of the colorful displays as they planned their route through town.
“It’s going to be a fantastic night.” One guest smiled at them as she held up
her camera. “I can’t wait to get some great shots.”
“Have fun, Jody!” Mary waved to her.
As Jody hurried down the steps to join the crowd flowing along the street,
Suzie smiled to herself. Her life had changed drastically. She’d gone from being an
investigative journalist, traveling through some of the most dangerous areas in the
world, to an interior designer, focused on making every space she was in beautiful,
and then, out of the blue, she’d discovered that she’d inherited a property from an
uncle she barely knew, in a place she’d only visited when she was much younger.
Now it was the place she called home, and the town she loved. Seeing it lit up
and crowded with people, both locals and visitors, filled her with a sense of pride that
she’d never experienced before.
“This was such a wonderful idea. Do you know who came up with it?” Mary
sat on one of the large rocking chairs and let out a contented sigh, as Pilot settled at
her feet.
“Gail, the accountant. And, of course, along with Dune House, there are
several other sponsors. Gail, the café, Rick the tour boat operator, a few local shops,
and even a couple of other professionals.” Suzie handed off a few cups of hot cocoa.
Tara, a woman in her mid-twenties, walked toward the porch carrying a wicker
basket filled with battery-lit paper lanterns.
“To help make the town glow.” Tara handed a lantern to Suzie and another to
Mary.
“Thank you.” Mary admired their delicate design. “They’re lovely.”
“The event turned out great, didn’t it?” Suzie smiled.
“Yes, all the promotion has paid off.” Tara glanced around.
“It certainly has. Would you like a hot cocoa to take with you?” Suzie offered.
“Yes, please.” Tara accepted the cup, balancing it against the basket on her
arm.
“Peppermint stick or marshmallows?” Mary pointed at the bowl.
“Marshmallows, please.” Tara smiled.

“Here you go.” Mary used the tongs and put a couple in Tara’s cup. “How’s
your aunt doing?”
“Better every day. She’s itching to get back home and into the shop. She says
that I’m the manager now, but I don’t think she’ll ever let go.” Tara had recently
returned to town to run her aunt Violet’s art and craft shop while Violet recovered
from a fall, and it looked as if she was staying for good.
“That sounds like her.” Suzie smiled.
“Exactly.” Tara gave a quick laugh, then waved, and headed down the street
as she passed out more lanterns to the crowd.
Mary filled some more cups.
Suzie handed one to Paul North as he walked up to the porch. “Well, well,
look at you, Captain.” She grinned as she winked at him. “I wasn’t sure if you’d still
be out fishing or if you were going to show up tonight.”
“I’m here.” Paul laughed as he took the cup. “I’m tired, but I’m here.” He
spread his free arm to hug her.
“I’m glad you are.” Suzie guided him up onto the porch with her. “Sit for a bit.
Relax. We have coffee inside if you’d like that instead.”
Paul patted Pilot’s head as he sat up to greet him.
“This is perfect.” Paul gestured to the rocking chair beside him. “Don’t you
want to join me?”
“In a bit.” Suzie scanned the crowd.
“Suzie, come sit.” Mary’s soft voice held a demanding edge. “All the hard work
is done for the day. Our guests have had dinner, everything has been taken care of.
Even Pilot’s been for his walk. Now is a chance to rest and enjoy.”
“Okay, okay. Can you believe this crowd?” Suzie sat between Paul and Mary
and couldn’t help but smile at the moment.
Being with her best friend and her boyfriend on a beautiful night, the air just
crisp enough to make her grateful for her warm sweater, felt just right.
When Paul’s hand curved around Suzie’s, she noticed the roughness from
long hours at sea and the permanent sun-darkened tan. Her relationship with the
rugged fisherman had been another surprise she hadn’t expected.
Suzie closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. Laughter drifted
from the shoreline, where a few guests sat on beach chairs, around a bonfire,
lanterns glowing beside them, sipping cocoa as the waves brushed against the sand.

A car horn sounded softly, and Pilot’s ears perked up before Suzie even saw the
headlights weaving through the crowd, as a patrol car pulled up to Dune House. ...