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The Phantom Glare of Day: Three Novellas

M. Laszlo

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In this trio of novellas, three game young ladies enter into dangerous liaisons that test each...

Historical Metaphysical Fiction Coming of Age

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2621 KP) rated The Dangers of Candy Canes in Books

Dec 9, 2023

Deadly Slip While Decorating

When one of Jaine Austen's clients, Seymour Fiedler of Fiedler on the Roof Roofers, is sued for wrongful death, he hires Jaine to put down her pen and solve the crime. Seems that Garth Jankin fell off his recently reroofed house while decorating for his neighborhood's annual Christmas decorating contest. Since Garth had numerous enemies, Jaine quickly decides that the tiles must have been loosened. But who would do something like that?

As with the books, this story is very funny. Jaine can't resist temptation, and spends time talking about her need to lose weight while eating Christmas candy. A sub-plot about Jaine volunteering with a group that mentors underprivileged girls almost slows the story down at times. In fact, it makes the ultimate climax seem a little abrupt. But Jaine is a charming character and I love spending time with her. The other characters are interesting as well. And several red herrings keep this story interesting and fun until the end.

NOTE: This story was originally released as part of the anthology Candy Cane Murder. If you’ve already read that book, you don’t need to get this story a second time.