"A deftly constructed and thoroughly enjoyable small-town murder mystery with a Christmas twist." —Kirkus Reviews

It's almost Christmas in Notchey Creek, Tennessee, and Harley Henrickson is busy mixing yuletide cocktails at her store, Smoky Mountain Spirits. There is snow on the ground, holiday music in the air, and wreathes on every lamppost. Everything seems perfect for the town's biggest event of the year, the Small Town Christmas Festival. Even Harley's pet pig, Matilda, is feeling festive, wearing the Elf on the Shelf costume Aunt Wilma bought for her. But not all is merry and bright in this little mountain town. Harley senses something eerie in the air, and it all points to Notchey Creek's oldest and most beautiful home—Briarcliffe.

No sooner has rock star Beau Arson settled into his ancestral mansion of Briarcliffe, than a self-righteous ghost hunter arrives in town, telling macabre tales about Beau's new home. According to legend, a young woman by the name of Margaret Reed hanged herself in the woods behind Briarcliffe on Christmas Day, over a century ago. To make matters worse, Beau has been experiencing ghostly encounters at night, seeking to drive him from his family's home.

When Harley finds the body of a mysterious woman in the woods near Briarcliffe, and then a wealthy antiques dealer is murdered, she decides to investigate. Can Harley intervene before a century of lies, greed, and passion destroy Beau Arson's new life—the past he's just only come to know?

In the meantime, other issues are causing problems for Harley. Aunt Wilma has been experimenting with online dating profiles, trying to spark a flame in Harley's nonexistent love life. Opha Mae Shaw is designing a Christmas dress of epic proportions for Harley (and one for Matilda, of course). Uncle Tater has been devising top secret plans in The Shed that might have to do with the upcoming Christmas Parade. And Harley's best friend, Tina Rizchek, is at her wits' end when her colorful grandmother and pet parrot visit from Pittsburgh for the holidays.

Includes drink recipes.

"This funny, well-plotted mystery, which boasts sharp wit and a clever heroine, will delight readers of all ages." ——Booklife by Publishers Weekly