Holly Homicide (Holiday Cozy Mystery Book 11) by Tonya Kappes

Author:Tonya Kappes [Kappes, Tonya]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tonya Kappes Books
Published: 2024-11-24T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

The hum of Mama’s golf cart was a low, steady whirl as I steered it down the snow-packed main road of Holiday Junction. A few of the buttons on the dashboard blinked, indicating that the heat was doing its best to fend off the cold air that still managed to sneak in. Mama had mentioned she had just gotten new snow tires for the golf cart, and thank goodness for that because, even though the roads were cleared and salted, there was always a fine dusting of fresh snow like powdered sugar over a cake.

Holiday Junction truly was a winter wonderland. The snow, a fluffy, thick blanket, covered every inch of the village, turning buildings into frosted gingerbread houses. Trees, strung with sparkling ornaments and bright, festive ribbons, lined the streets. Wreaths hung from every shop door, and lampposts were draped with garlands of holly and small red-and-gold bells. Each storefront window gleamed with Christmas displays that invited shoppers to come in from the cold. Snowmen, some fully adorned with scarves and hats, others half-built and waiting for the perfect carrot nose, dotted the lawns of homes and businesses alike.

My breath fogged up the window of the enclosed cart, and I wiped the glass clear to get a better look at the people bundled in scarves and coats moving about on the sidewalks. Some clutched cups of hot cocoa from the various booths set up along the main drag, while others stood admiring the intricate window displays of toy shops, clothing boutiques, and artisan stores. The festive spirit was undeniable. Children squealed with delight as they tugged their parents toward the glowing lights of Celebration Park, where they no doubt planned to visit Santa or take a spin on the holiday carousel.

Instead of making my usual quick U-turn in the middle of the street, I decided to take the scenic route. I turned the wheel and headed toward the roundabout that ended at Celebration Park. My eyes flicked toward the entrance of the park, where snowflakes fell steadily around the fountain that had been transformed into the massive snow globe for the centerpiece of the town’s winter display. Inside the globe, a charming Christmas village was recreated with miniature cottages, a carousel, and tiny figures skating on a frozen pond. The fake snow inside swirled around, mimicking the real flakes falling from the sky.

I slowed down, admiring the intricate detail of the display, which felt so real that, for a moment, I imagined stepping inside the snow globe, away from the worries and the mysteries surrounding Lionel’s death. Children were gathered around the base of the snow globe, their faces lit with pure wonder as they pressed their noses to the glass, marveling at the wintry world inside.

I sighed, almost forgetting that I was on a mission until the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee reached my nose. The kick of the smell reaching through the cold reminded me that I needed a strong cup to get through the rest of this day.

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