A gentle holiday-themed mystery that is as absorbing as it is enchanting.
Cave Creek, Virginia, is home to hearty southern cooking, otherworldly caves, and Lucy Vaughn. Tired of the social limitations imposed by her small town life, however, Lucy uses her sweepstakes winnings to move across the country to California. In a city known for its diversity, Sacramento proves to be the fresh new start, geographically and emotionally, Lucy needs. But with her mom still in Virginia and the holidays on the horizon, a trip back home is on the agenda for Lucy and her boyfriend, Thorne. Before the couple even reaches Cave Creek, a heart-pounding near collision with an unusual animal nearly derails their holiday plans. As Lucy reconnects with old friends, a disturbing pattern emerges, one that connects her close call on the highway to other bizarre reports circulating among Cave Creekers. A sizable animal of dubious origins has repeatedly been spotted, but the witnesses are largely disregarded, as descriptions of the creature are sparse and paint a picture inconsistent with known zoology. Thorne, a curious and relentless man by trade, takes on the task of helping Lucy get the real scoop and solve her own small-town mystery. Among treasured moments with family, run-ins with an irascible ex-boyfriend, and an overabundance of Christmas cookies, Lucy and Thorne will have their hands full as they brave the unknown and try to uncover who or what is behind Cave Creek’s own version of Bigfoot.
Put on your ugly Christmas sweater and grab a mug of hot chocolate because Christmas in Cave Creek is a gentle holiday-themed mystery that is as absorbing as it is enchanting! The setup for Lucy’s story is short and sweet, laying out her lucky hobby and summarizing her background in just a few paragraphs. This pert introduction establishes the perfect tempo for a fast-paced mystery, leaving more time and space for the unexpected plot, terrific character engagement, and exciting twists and turns. As a serial sweepstakes hobbyist, Lucy’s life is full of ups and downs before she ever learns that a monster is stalking her hometown. With a wild animal on the loose, the excitement is ratcheted up and the suspense takes center stage. Balancing the tension is a likable cast of relatable characters and believable scenes that keep this fun story grounded. The dialogue, even in the most mundane scenes, feels realistic, like a chat you might have with friends over coffee. Similarly, Lucy is a charming, homespun protagonist, a woman who makes reasonable choices in increasingly extraordinary situations. With a down-to-earth voice and an inviting atmosphere, Christmas in Cave Creek is a seasonal mystery you’ll enjoy anytime of year!
