First published 2008
Amateur detective Alvirah Meehan arrives in Branscombe, New Hampshire for the town's inaugural Festival of Joy. The celebration takes a dark turn when local market employees win $160 million in the lottery, but their coworker Duncan disappears after choosing not to participate. Duncan had listened to two supposed financial advisers who convinced him to skip the drawing at the last moment. Meanwhile, someone in the neighboring town purchased a second winning ticket but never claimed the prize. Could Duncan have bought it secretly? Alvirah teams up with private investigator Regan Reilly to track down the missing man. Their investigation reveals that beneath Branscombe's charming exterior lies a web of deception and greed. The peaceful village harbors secrets that threaten to destroy more than just holiday festivities. As the festival continues around them, Alvirah and Regan race to solve the mystery before Duncan's disappearance becomes permanent.
Genres: christmas, suspense, mystery, contemporary, amateur-sleuth
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-detective, found-family, race-against-time
Setting: Branscombe, New Hampshire
Period: Contemporary
226 pages · Hardcover · Gallery Books