A Classic Case of Murder

Books, food, festive celebrations, and an unexpected murder come together in A Classic Case of Murder, the third installment in Daryl Wood Gerber’s Literary Dining Mystery series. Set in the picturesque mountain community of Bramblewood, North Carolina, the story follows personal chef and caterer Allie Catt as she prepares a special literary-themed dinner inspired by Charles Dickens’s beloved classic, A Christmas Carol. The seasonal celebration takes place at the Amber Lantern, a charming inn recently opened by her best friend’s mother, Noeline. The event promises an unforgettable Christmas gathering, especially with a local businessman lending his treasured first edition of Dickens’s novella. However, the festive atmosphere quickly turns dark when the valuable book vanishes and the rare-book expert who authenticated it is found murdered. As the investigation unfolds, suspicion threatens Allie’s lawyer friend Freddy, who could become the next victim of a serious miscarriage of justice. With Noeline’s new business also at risk, Allie feels compelled to investigate the guests and visitors herself. Combining literary references, culinary details, small-town relationships, and an intriguing murder investigation, this mystery offers readers an entertaining blend of festive atmosphere and amateur sleuthing. Ideal for fans of cozy mysteries, culinary crime fiction, book-themed mysteries, and amateur detectives, this novel brings together the pleasures of reading and cooking with the suspense of uncovering a carefully concealed secret.