It is time for the yearly Fourth of July celebrations in Sweetfern Harbor. Sheffield Bed and Breakfast is buzzing with guests. Most have arrived at the Inn to compete in the road race. Others are there to enjoy the wares of vendors and other celebratory activities.
Chatter in the Gathering Room includes the subject of artworks. Chase Bailey, the only older guest, discusses his love of art. Maya Morgan brings up the famous art heist from the museum a few years ago. Several join in with information they read in newspapers and heard on TV at the time. Chase tells them the thieves are serving prison sentences, but the paintings have never been recovered. Conversations move to the upcoming road race. One guest leaves the room quietly seen only by her boyfriend who came with her.
Sheffield Bed and Breakfast has made their yearly entry in the float. The theme for all floats is nautical. Brenda Rivers is excited to get a last look before the parade begins. She and Mac, her Detective husband, help maneuver the float in line while the road race is nearing the end. Brenda is anxious to hear if one of her guests wins the race. After the parade, she joins her good friend and Head Housekeeper Phyllis Pendleton at Morning Sun Coffee Shop. It is there they hear rumors that one racer has vanished. Phyllis' daughter Molly, Owner of the shop, tells them she doesn't know the name of the missing runner, but there is someone who didn't show up at the finish line.
Brenda is dismayed when she discovers that one of her guests who is a star athlete is not only the missing runner but has been found dead a few yards into the woods from the race route. She observes all guests closely. Most of them feel fearful when one mentions that the murderer may be among them. Brenda and Mac narrow the suspect list to three people, and all are their guests. When one checks out secretly, suspicions grow. The more Brenda learns, the more she wonders if the art heist of several years ago is in any way connected to the murder of the runner. Above all, she is determined to find the killer as soon as possible.
This cozy mystery is a clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language. It can be read in one to two hours. It is perfect for those moments when you are waiting at an appointment or want to enjoy a quick read.
Read all the Sweetfern Harbor cozy mysteries:
1. Posies and Poison
2. Dead in Bed
3. Captain Dead Man
4. Ghostly Tours
5. Turkey, Pies, and Alibis
6. Mystery, Snow, and Mistletoe
7. Festival Turmoil
8. Scandal at the Gala
9. The Elusive Wampum
10. Chest of Secrets
11. The Bead Seller
12. Fe Fi Fiddle Die
13. Is This Suitcase Taken?
14. Hidden Entity
15. Finishing the Game
16. Panic in the Treats
17. Orchestrated Murder
18. Worst Race Scenario
