by Shari Randall

It’s the most wonderful time of the year….

We’ve heard those words sung hundreds of times over the years and, yes, for me, this is the most wonderful time of the year. I love Christmas, every bit from wrapping gifts, to carols, to the delightful scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves as I bake my traditional gingerbread cookies. Hallmark Christmas movies? I’m in!

Another aspect of the holidays I love? Reading books set at Christmas. So when readers asked for a holiday story about the characters in my Lobster Shack mystery series, I was happy to oblige. I had so much fun seeing what Allie, Aunt Gully, and Verity would do when they met up with Dagmar Smith, Mystic Bay’s Queen of Christmas. 

Dagmar’s Festival of Trees is the highlight of Mystic Bay’s holiday season. In the story, she’s added a spectacularly decorated Nutcracker tree to her display and has asked ballerina Allie Larkin to help unveil it. But when Dagmar’s priceless diamond necklace is stolen in the middle of the festivities, Allie turns detective to unmask the thief.

It’s a fun short story you can enjoy in an evening. I recommend curling up with a cup of hot toddy as you read – recipe included with the story. It’s available on Kindle for only 99 cents, and it’s free for Kindle Unlimited readers.

Wishing you and yours warm and happy holidays.

Shari Randall is the author of the Agatha Award winning Lobster Shack Mystery series and, as Meri Allen, pens the new Ice Cream Shop Mystery series.