Capers and Carnage

A Coffee Shop Cozy Mystery

By: Constance Barker

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Welcome to The Blue Spruce Coffee Shop Where the Java is Hot and the Murder is Cold Blooded

Autumn in New England is a cherished season for the Purcell women, marked by the allure of golden pumpkins, crunchy leaves, and the buzz around Myrtle Lake's yearly Harvest Festival. With the coffee shop draped in autumnal charm and delightful fall treats in the making, the air is thick with neighborly chatter and playful jests.

Yet, the festive spirit is jolted by the abrupt and dubious death of Jameson Creel, the village convenience store owner, in a dubious car mishap. Despite warnings from the Sheriff to leave investigative matters to the professionals, Carla, Charlie, and the veteran detective Saylor Reeves are drawn into the enigma, hoping to shed light on the truth before their seasonal festivity reaches its zenith. As they sift through a list of peculiar characters—ranging from an enthusiastic mechanic to an indifferent constable—they sense they're close to cracking the case.

The narrative takes a sharp turn when Jarvis, the town's revered sea captain, emerges as the prime suspect. This revelation propels the coffee shop trio into a whirlwind, determined to clear their friend's name. Their probe unveils an even deeper mystery: the ghostly forest lights are not spectral apparitions but the outlines of individuals operating in secrecy.

But who are these covert operatives, and what shadowy tasks drive them into the woods?

Both Carla and Charlie sense that these nocturnal happenings might be more sinister than they appear.

A palpable malaise lingers over Myrtle Lake, extending beyond mere bird remnants on a damaged vehicle. It's a deep-seated decay, one that the Myrtle Lake ensemble is resolved to expose and purge.