A priceless stolen antique. A carnival murder. And a young widow determined to solve the old mystery behind her husband's death.
Audrey thought running Timeless Treasures, her charming antique shop, would be the only excitement she'd find in sleepy Cedar Grove. But when the town's summer carnival brings more than just cotton candy and carousel rides—namely a priceless Russian music box and a dead body by the Ferris wheel—Audrey finds herself dusting off her detective skills.
Aided by Eric, her protective and charming assistant (and his ridiculously oversized carnival prize teddy bear, Lord Fluffington, in tow), Audrey follows a trail of clues that might finally clear her late husband's name. Between consulting a dramatic fortune teller, dodging international art thieves, and trying to keep Billie–her self-appointed social media influencer–from posting every clue on TikTok, Audrey barely has time to notice the growing spark between her and Eric—or the way local detective Jim Harper's eyes linger when he warns her to stay out of his investigation.
Perfect for fans of Jana DeLeon and Only Murders in the Building, MELODY OF MURDER serves up small-town charm with a side of international intrigue, a dash of romance, and a healthy dose of humor that will leave readers laughing, guessing, and eager for their next visit to Cedar Grove.
MEET THE CAST
AUDREY SLOAN
A clever antique shop owner with an uncanny memory for details and a knack for spotting fakes. Running Timeless Treasures combines her love of vintage treasures with her astute business sense. While her warm demeanor makes her a Cedar Grove favorite, her reputation for solving mysteries often puts her at odds with local law enforcement.
ERIC THOMPSON
Audrey's protective and charming assistant at Timeless Treasures who brings modern flair to the antique shop. His amateur boxing skills and tech-savvy nature complement Audrey's expertise perfectly. Known for his creative problem-solving and unfailing loyalty, Eric's growing feelings for Audrey add complexity to their working relationship.
LORD FLUFFINGTON III
A ridiculously oversized white teddy bear, distinguished by his tiny top hat, monocle (which has a tendency to pop off at dramatic moments), and Victorian waistcoat. Though originally Eric's carnival prize for Audrey, he quickly becomes their unofficial mascot and "Chief Detective Bear."
BILLIE HANSON
A vivacious redhead who's appointed herself as Timeless Treasures' social media creator. Her TikTok videos featuring the shop's spookier items have gained a following, and her network of connections throughout Cedar Grove often proves invaluable.
MADAME SERAPHINA
The carnival's enigmatic fortune teller whose cryptic warnings drive much of the story's momentum. Her theatrical persona masks a shrewd mind, while her true abilities remain tantalizingly ambiguous.
JIM HARPER
Cedar Grove's no-nonsense police officer with a strong jaw and determination to match. His by-the-book approach often clashes with Audrey's intuitive methods of investigation, creating professional tension and personal attraction.
VICTOR BLACKWOOD
A charismatic traveling antique dealer with a Victorian-style curiosity shop at the carnival. His polished demeanor and spooky artifacts, add intrigue to the summer carnival, while his protectiveness over an ornate music box hints at hidden mysteries.
BETSY WILLIAMS
Cedar Grove's witty librarian whose vast knowledge and research skills prove invaluable during investigations. Her dry humor and sharp intellect provide the perfect counterpoint to Audrey's intuitive methods, making her an essential part of solving mysteries.
TOM FLETCHER
Cedar Grove's affable handyman whose skills with antiques and ability to repair anything make him a trusted figure in town. His familiarity with the town and its residents, combined with his access to various properties through his work, puts him in a unique position to observe Cedar Grove's hidden side.
PIERRE DUVALT
The wiry, sharp-featured carnival director who runs a tight ship at Cedar Grove's summer carnival. Behind his rehearsed smile and professional demeanor lie complicated relationships and potential secrets that could impact the investigation.
VIVIAN ROSE CALLAHAN
A striking young woman who manages the carnival's food court with efficiency and charm. Despite her seemingly straightforward role, Vivian's nervous demeanor and reluctance to share information suggest she knows more about the carnival's hidden activities than she lets on.
DIMITRI KUZNETSOV
An enigmatic figure with ties to Russian military intelligence whose background in covert operations brings international intrigue to Cedar Grove. His cool exterior masks a volatile nature, adding tension to the small-town dynamics.