When a restaurant rivalry turns deadly in her coastal California town, Coffee, Books, and More owner Jill Gardner King must solve the murder before she can celebrate the New Year . . .
Turns out Jill will not be ringing in the New Year with her new husband, Greg, on a relaxing getaway in Mexico. Instead, an accident involving her store’s manager keeps her in South Cove, where she finds a competition heating up—to a deadly degree—for a local restaurant to win a float appearance at the New Year’s Parade.
Lille Stanley, the not-so-beloved proprietor of the town’s beloved diner, Diamond Lille’s,is going head-to-head with a hot new soup shop. But when its owner’s husband is found dead, clutching a secret recipe from Diamond Lille’s, the diner diva finds herself deep in the soup. Now it’s up to Jill to make sure justice is ladled out to the real killer—before Lille goes from behind the counter to behind bars . . .
Release date:
November 24, 2026
Publisher:
Lyrical Press
Print pages:
224
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Praise for Lynn Cahoon and Her Irresistible Cozy Mysteries
CONFESSIONS OF AN AMATEUR SLEUTH
“Entertaining . . . recommended for fans of
Jenn McKinlay and Essie Lang.”
—Library Journal
“Plenty of suspects and engaging characters
add up to a diverting read.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“What a delight! Sure to be a favorite on all cozy bookshelves.”
—Essie Lang, author of the Castle Bookshop Mysteries
AN AMATEUR SLEUTH’S GUIDE TO MURDER
“The prolific Lynn Cahoon starts another winning cozy series!”
—Criminal Element
“Cahoon launches a promising new series with endearing characters and a charming locale.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Plan a cozy day by the fire with a cup of tea, snuggle in, and enjoy. The day will be over before you know it. And there may even be time to make Lynn’s Yummy Murderous Mac and Cheese for dinner.”
—Nancy Coco, author of the Candy-Coated Mysteries
“If you love cozy mysteries, you will love An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder—a delightful mixture of a practical guidebook and a clever fictional mystery.”
—Valerie Burns, author of the Mystery Bookshop Mysteries
FIVE FURRY FAMILIARS
“A fun read for those who enjoy tales of witches and magic.”
—Kirkus Reviews
THREE TAINTED TEAS
“A kitchen witch reluctantly takes over as planner for a cursed wedding . . . This witchy tale is a hoot.”
—Kirkus Reviews
ONE POISON PIE
“One Poison Pie deliciously blends charm and magic with a dash of mystery and a sprinkle of romance. Mia Malone is
a zesty protagonist who relies on her wits to solve the crime,
and the enchanting cast of characters that populate
Magic Springs are a delight.”
—Daryl Wood Gerber, Agatha winner and nationally best-selling author of the Cookbook Nook Mysteries and Fairy Garden Mysteries
“A witchy cooking cozy for fans of the supernatural and good eating.”
—Kirkus Reviews
A FIELD GUIDE TO HOMICIDE
“The best entry in this character-driven series mixes a well-plotted mystery with a romance that rings true to life.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Informative as well as entertaining, A Field Guide to Homicide is the perfect book for cozy mystery lovers who entertain thoughts of writing novels themselves . . . This is, without a doubt, one of the best Cat Latimer novels to date.”
—Criminal Element
“Cat is a great heroine with a lot of spirit that readers will
enjoy solving the mystery [with].”
—Parkersburg News & Sentinel
SCONED TO DEATH
“The most intriguing aspect of this story is the writers’ retreat itself. Although the writers themselves are not suspect, they add freshness and new relationships to the series. Fans of Lucy Arlington’s ‘Novel Idea’ mysteries may want to enter the writing world from another angle.”
—Library Journal
OF MURDER AND MEN
“A Colorado widow discovers that everything she knew about her husband’s death is wrong . . . Interesting plot and quirky characters.”
—Kirkus Reviews
A STORY TO KILL
“Well-crafted . . . Cat and crew prove to be engaging characters and Cahoon does a stellar job of keeping them—and the reader—guessing.”
—Mystery Scene
“Lynn Cahoon has hit the golden trifecta—Murder, intrigue, and a really hot handyman. Better get your flashlight handy, A Story to Kill will keep you reading all night.”
—Laura Bradford, author of the Amish Mysteries
TOURIST TRAP MYSTERIES
“Every day in South Cove, California, has all the charm to be expected from a cozy getaway town mixed with a little light magic.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“This is one of my go-to cozy mystery series, bookish or not, and I’m always eager to get my hands on the next book!”
—Hope By the Book
“Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective: Guidebook to Murder has it all! A cozy lover’s dream come true.”
—Susan McBride, author of the Debutante Dropout Mysteries
“This was a good read and I love the author’s style, which was warm and friendly . . . I can’t wait to read the next book in this wonderfully appealing series.”
—Dru’s Book Musings
“This mystery novel was light, fun, and kept me thoroughly engaged. I only wish it was longer.”
—The Young Folks
“If the Shoe Kills is entertaining and I would be happy to visit Jill and the residents of South Cove again.”
—MysteryPlease.com
“In If the Shoe Kills, author Lynn Cahoon gave me exactly what I wanted. She crafted a well told small town murder that kept me guessing who the murderer was until the end. I will definitely have to take a trip back to South Cove and maybe even visit tales of Jill Gardner’s past in the previous two Tourist Trap Mystery books. I do love a holiday mystery! And with this book, so will you.”
—ArtBooksCoffee.com
“I would recommend If the Shoe Kills if you are looking for
a well written cozy mystery.”
—Mysteries, Etc.
“This novella is short and easily read in an hour or two with interesting angst and dynamics between mothers and daughters and mothers and sons . . . I enjoyed the first-person narrative.”
—Kings River Life Magazine
Chapter 1
The sun was shining outside my bookstore, a clear indicator that the coming day would be warm for late December, perfect weather for a leisurely walk on the beach to think about the coming year’s goals and promises. Yet I was stuck inside. Marvin Baylor, mayor of South Cove, was still droning on about the upcoming changes for our charming small town on the coast of California for the year while I tried to focus on something else. Like my growing to-do list for the day. He told us a third time that he expected next weekend’s New Year’s celebration to be the biggest one in South Cove history.
I really didn’t care. I wouldn’t be in town, and I’d called in every favor I had to make sure that the bookstore and our festival participation would be covered while I was gone. Well, while we were gone since my husband, Greg, would be lying in the beach chair next to me starting tomorrow. I had to tie everything up before I left my shop, Coffee, Books, and More, today. Tomorrow morning, Greg and I would be in the Jeep, driving down the coast to arrive a few hours later in Mexico at an all-inclusive resort where all I had to do was plan my personal and business goals for the next year, read, and work on my tan.
Drinking frozen margaritas in one of the three new swimsuits already packed in my suitcase was also on my to-do list for the week. I almost bought four, but since I had three in rotation and in great shape, I resisted the cute yellow one that didn’t go with my skin tone. I wrote down one more reminder for Evie, the bookshop’s business manager. She would be in charge for the seven days and six nights, not that I was counting, that I’d be out of South Cove and unavailable on the phone. Greg’s rules. Mostly that rule was to keep Marvin Baylor, our esteemed mayor who was extending this meeting, from calling him back to work. Greg was the lead detective and ran the South Cove police station. In truth, my employees could be a little needy too.
This morning, I just had to get through the business-to-business meeting, a chore I couldn’t or wouldn’t hand off to my worst enemy. We still had thirty minutes before it was over and a few more agenda items. That was if Darla Taylor, committee chair and the owner of South Cove Winery, could keep the mayor within his time limit. I wasn’t holding my breath.
I wasn’t sure that a seasoned WWE wrestler would be able to cut off the mayor when he got on a roll. Even if someone tackled him and wrestled the microphone away. His wife was watching how his words were hitting the chamber members. She didn’t have to watch; everyone at the table was like me, bored and waiting to leave to get back to their stores and lives.
“Our city council is working hard on the Best of South Cove float and has accepted invitations from everyone who has a spot. Except one. Well, two, since our hostess, Jill King, will be deserting us this weekend.” Marvin glared at me. “Unless you change your mind. Mexico will always be there. You could go in August.”
Sure, only Marvin would suggest August when it was hot and miserable. I smiled as I shook my head. “Sorry, our reservations are already made. Besides, Evie Marshall, the store manager, is excited to be representing Coffee, Books, and More.”
“Your loss.” He checked his list. “The other seat is for the winner of the best of the food division. Pies on the Fly only qualified since she sells wholesale to several retail sites, like this bookstore. And we needed more entries, especially since Diamond Lille’s and the Beach Bar have owners who are close.”
The problem with a small town. Yeah, there was a connection between the two restaurants since Lille was engaged to Dominic, the owner of the bar that he was trying to turn into a go-to grill. Tourists loved the spot, but locals still remembered its connection to Dominic’s former hardcore motorcycle gang who, according to him, had gone legit. It was always something in South Cove.
Marvin must have realized he was going overtime because in a short twenty minutes later, he handed the meeting back to Darla. She thanked him—unnecessarily in my mind, but Darla was more polite or maybe just more political than I was. A fact my husband brought up time after time.
“To recap, this Wednesday, the community center will be the focus with the Best Bite of South Cove along with booths from local small businesses and crafts. The craft fair will be open all day on Wednesday and on Thursday morning too. Please make sure you have a special New Year, New You sale on at least one item to bring people into your store. We’re expecting a lot of walking traffic since the weather is supposed to be beautiful. And remember, we still have Main Street blocked to vehicle traffic until Sunday when it reopens. We’ll be discussing that policy next meeting.
“On Friday night, South Cove city hall is sponsoring fireworks on the beach, and then everyone needs to be set for the parade on Saturday. Even if you don’t usually open on a holiday, please have at least morning hours to support our first festival of the year. Last on the agenda”—Darla ignored the groans from around the table—“is a proper welcome to our newest member, Sally Kirkson. She and her husband, Vic, have opened Soulful Soups across the street from the winery. I can attest that their clam chowder is to die for.”
“You’ve never announced my soups at a business meeting before,” Lille Stanley said as she shot daggers out of her eyes at Darla. I was keeping my mouth shut, mostly because Lille had been looking for an excuse to ban me from Diamond Lille’s for years. I loved the café’s food. And, before Soulful Soups arrived, Lille’s restaurant was the only place I could walk to for a meal.
Darla ignored Lille and urged Sally and Vic to stand. Sally, looking nervously over at Lille, stood and gave a little wave. “We’re excited to be part of South Cove’s active business community. Thanks for the warm welcome.”
She sat down quickly, but her husband pulled her back up. “My wife’s a little shy. Soulful Soups will be one of the premier lunch destinations on the left coast. We’re looking forward to being part of South Cove as well as developing franchise opportunities for more outlets up and down the great state of California. Sally’s menu and recipes are mouthwatering and unique, so make sure you stop in. We’ll give any local business owners ten percent off your first order.”
“Well, isn’t that lovely,” Darla said, then looked around the table. “Anything else?”
When Josh Thomas, owner of Antiques by Thomas, raised his hand, we all held our breath. You never knew what Josh was going to complain about next. Darla nodded at him, looking directly at her watch as an indicator to keep it short. It was probably in vain, since Josh usually didn’t get social cues.
“I liked Vic’s idea about giving local businesses discounts. Most of us live in the area; maybe we could do something like that on a slow tourist day, to get more locals out and about when it’s less crowded.” Josh paused, then added, “I’d be glad to work up a proposal for next month’s meeting.”
I was shocked that his plan was pretty solid. “Josh, that’s a great idea. I can help you sometime after Greg and I get back from vacation.”
He blushed and nodded. “I’ll set up a meeting time and place.”
“Sounds like we have a committee. If anyone one else wants to work on this?” Darla looked around, but most people were closing their notebooks and avoiding her gaze.
Sally raised her hand. “I can help.”
“Great. Give Josh your contact information.” Darla started to close the meeting, but then Lille spoke.
“I’ll be on the stupid committee too. We can meet at the diner.” Lille glared at Sally. “It will give us time to get to know each other.”
“Wonderful.” Darla took in a breath. “If there’s nothing else, we’ll see everyone next month. Be sure to send Jill any agenda items for the next meeting. I’ll put the Locals’ Day item on the agenda. And we’re done.”
As soon as Darla closed her file, everyone stood and headed to the door. I wouldn’t say ran, or called it a stampede, but I wouldn’t have wanted to be outside the door as the group left. Being crushed in a crowd was not on my top ten ways to die.
“I’ll send you an email,” Josh said to our new committee as I walked over to where he was writing a note into his planner.
Darla came up and slapped Josh on the back. “Well done, sir. It’s a great idea.”
He blushed as he tucked the planner under his arm. “It was their idea, I’m just expanding it.”
As Josh stood to leave, Sally handed him a business card. “I would have never had thought of a Locals’ Day, though.”
“Hurry up, Sally. We’ve got a shop to open,” Vic called from the doorway. He hadn’t even noticed she wasn’t with him until he turned around at the door. When she reached him, he yanked her arm to draw her next to him. He leaned close to her ear and said, “What did I tell you about volunteering? We have way too much work for you to be giving away your time.”
Darla and I looked at each other. So Vic wasn’t as nice as he had appeared talking to the full council. Josh hadn’t heard the angry words, as he’d left before Sally had reached the doorway.
“I think Vic’s going to be trouble.” I watched as he hurried her down the street. “Have you seen him act that way before?”
Darla shook her head. “No. He’s so nice at the restaurant. I can’t believe I just saw him treat her that way.”
Something about our new council member was bothering me, but I had way too many things to deal with without thinking about Vic Kirkson. Besides, I’d have the lead detective for South Cove’s police department trapped in my Jeep for hours while we drove to our vacation. I’d ask Greg to keep an eye on the couple. Or maybe see what he could find out about their past. Hopefully, Vic was just having a bad day.
Deek Kerr, my barista, author whisperer, and newsletter writer, came up behind me. “If you’re leaving town tomorrow, you should go home and get ready. Did you pack yet?”
“No. Greg packed last night, but I still had laundry.” I pushed a table back into place, then took the cleaning rag Deek had brought me along with a spray bottle. “I’ve got time. Toby’s staying in the guest room while we’re gone so Emma doesn’t have to fit into his tiny apartment.”
“Watch it, he may not move back to the shed when you come home.” Deek grinned as he cleaned another table. He and I worked together to finish setting the dining room back to normal after the business-to-business meeting. As we went back to the counter, he took my spray bottle and rag. “So, what has you gloomy? You’re heading off for fun in the sun.”
“I didn’t like the way the new guy at the soup place treated his wife. He was mean to her.” I took out two chocolate chocolate chip cookies and held one out to Deek. He took it and leaned on the counter.
“Vic? He seems nice at the shop. Sometimes on nights I have a shift, I go there for an early dinner. What happened?” Deek stared out the front windows as if he could still see Vic and Sally standing there.
“Maybe I misunderstood.” I didn’t want to make this guy out to be the villain. I’d call Darla and see what she thought.
“I doubt you could. You see people as they really are. He has a strange aura. I just thought it was his history. He just retired from the army. That’s why they’re opening this shop. It’s their second career.” Deek bit into his cookie. “I’ll keep an eye out and listen for any rumors going around. If he’s mean to Sally, we’ll know. South Cove residents don’t have many secrets.”
“Thanks,” I said as I took my cookie to the back room to finish my list of reminders for Evie. I thought Deek was wrong about people in town not having secrets. But the one thing he was right about, if someone was hurting, everyone would know and try to help. I focused on the work in front of me. By the time I looked up, my shift was almost over.
I straightened the pile of papers and looked around the shop. Deek was sitting at the counter, reading. The shop was empty except for two women who appeared to be studying. At least the books around the table gave that impression. From the way they watched Deek, I thought they were more interested in him than applied physics.
I didn’t blame them. Deek might have stopped dyeing his dreadlocks as a concession to his upcoming book tour, but he still looked like a typical California surfer dude, in all the right ways. Especially his arms, tanned and muscular.
Maybe I could leave early. I needed to grab some food since I hadn’t gone to the store for over a week, trying to use up everything in the fridge.
I thought about the meeting. Lille wasn’t happy about a new restaurant coming into town, but she had to expect that someday one would open. At least the soup shop was limited in their meal selection. Diamond Lille’s served breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I thought the soup shop might do well in the colder months, but a lot of people didn’t eat soup in the summer. And that was prime tourist season for South Cove. I wished Sally and Vic the best, but I wasn’t thinking they’d be around long term. What was the stat? Most new businesses failed in the first year?
The shop phone rang, bringing me out of my musing. Deek ran behind me and answered it before I could get there, pointing toward the door. A not so subtle message that he didn’t need me to stay.
I grabbed my tote and jacket and started toward the door. All that talk of clam chowder had me hungry, and Lille’s was on my way home.
“Jill, hold up a minute.” Deek held up one hand, met my gaze, then finished the call.
“Yes?” I walked back to the counter. “I thought you were trying to get rid of me?”
“Just relax and don’t freak out,” Deek said calmly. “Evie’s been in an accident, and an ambulance took her to the hospital. I’ll stay here through her shift to watch the store. I might need to run and get Homer from her house. You don’t mind if he stays with me, do you?”
“Wait. What kind of accident? Was she home? Is Homer all right? Is she okay? Was she hurt? What hospital? Bakerstown?” I ran through possibilities in my head. Homer was Evie’s Pomeranian. I loved the little guy and so did Emma, my golden retriever.
“It was a car accident. Someone ran a red light and hit her. Homer was at home. She called from the ER at St. Luke’s. You don’t have time to go see her. I can deal with this,” Deek tried to assure me.
“Greg will understand. Anyway, he’s calling me now. See you at the hospital.” My phone was ringing. I answered it without saying hi or anything, asking, “How’s Evie? Tell me she’s okay.”
“Word travels fast. She’s fine. Well, not totally fine. She’s got a broken leg. The EMT told me she’ll probably need surgery.”
“I’ll be at the hospital in a few. I just have to get my Jeep.” I waved at Deek and sprinted toward the door. I hated to say the next thing, but, “And, Greg?”
“I know, this might affect the trip. Just go see what you think, and we’ll deal with the fallout. . . .
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