I’m thrilled to announce that A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS, the seventh installment in the Food Blogger Mystery series, will be hitting shelves on November 12, 2024! Can you believe this is my 14th book? It’s surreal to think I’ve written that many stories, each one special in its own way. However, this upcoming release holds a particularly dear spot in my heart—primarily because it’s set during my favorite season: Christmas!

I absolutely adore everything about Christmas—the vibrant red ribbons, the charmingly imperfect gifts, and, of course, the endless variety of cookies. The holiday season is filled with joyful chaos, and while it can be a bit of a juggling act to get everything done, it’s all part of the fun. That got me wondering how my protagonist, Hope Early, would navigate her own holiday celebrations while also solving a murder mystery.

This time around, the story revolves around Mitty Fitzgerald, a man with a passion for antiques. Until recently, he owned the Antique Alcove on Main Street but has now passed the shop down to his son, Brody, and his stepdaughter, Alena. Mitty is typically a quiet man, rarely getting involved in town events—until he surprises Hope by agreeing to play Santa at the caroling event.

I had an absolute blast crafting a series of festive events for Hope and her friends to enjoy in . Here’s a sneak peek at some of the holiday happenings they’ll be part of:

• The Snowflake Holiday Market at Unity Church: Vendors from all over northwestern Connecticut come together to showcase their crafts. Hope’s sister, Claire, has a booth here, along with Mitty’s ex-wife, Ruth. It’s during this bustling event that Hope and Drew witness a shocking attack on Mitty by Ralph Lang, the usually mild-mannered handyman, over a disputed antique lamp.

• Tree Shopping at Maple Hill Farm: A beloved tradition for generations of Jefferson families, this family-owned farm is decked out for the season, featuring a cozy snack bar and enchanting horse-drawn sleigh rides.

• The Cookie Social at the Community Center: A heartwarming gathering for carolers, this event serves up hot refreshments and a delightful array of homemade cookies, along with gifts for children and seniors.

• The Jingle Bell Stroll: A cherished tradition in Jefferson, this event invites residents to sing festive carols as they stroll down Main Street, filling the chilly air with music while homeowners come out to enjoy the show.

• Holiday Tea at the Merrifield Inn: A new tradition introduced by Eliza, the Merrifields’ niece, this charming afternoon offers warm tea and delicious pastries, providing a much-needed break from holiday preparations.

• Wreath-Making: Every Christmas, Hope participates in this beloved activity, crafting beautiful wreaths for her home and loved ones. But this year, when she delivers one to Drew’s house, she stumbles upon an unexpected surprise.

I can’t wait for you to join Hope and the gang in this cozy holiday mystery! Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the release date!

If you pre-order your copy of A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS, you’ll receive a special gift. To receive yours, send a copy of your receipt to the email address [email protected] and then you’ll receive Hope’s holiday playlist, her holiday prep list and her Hope’s Cozy Kitchen recipe booklet filled with ten recipes. Offer expires on 11/11/24

To order:

BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZON

I’m curious, which Christmas event listed above would you like to go to? Leave your choice in the comments.