When I wrote the second Marti Mickkleson mystery, I cut out a bit where Marti blamed her current situation on the stress of the holidays. But I couldn’t help wondering what HAD happened on her first Christmas back in Bicklesburg. So, here we are:

Ghosts of Christmas Present, a holiday novella, takes place between the events of Ghosts in Glass Houses and Old Bones and New Ghosts, but it’s spoiler-free and can be read as a standalone.

It’s Marti’s first Christmas back in the semi-loving arms of her estranged family. What could go wrong?

Other than letting herself be goaded into promising to find the rarest doll on the planet to save her niece’s Christmas. When her only lead on a vintage Talky Tessie turns up dead, Harry Farkle, Bicklesburg’s beloved year-round Santa, is the prime suspect. She doesn’t believe it. Harry’s the only good memory she has of Christmases past. She’s determined to clear his name, but he’s no help. He’s gone missing.

At least there are cookies.

Available now on Amazon.

Includes holiday recipes from Mrs. Partridge and Grandma Bertie.