Welcome to the Pearl, the newest bed and breakfast in Hudson Valley. My name is Jess Byrne. Me and my bestie, Kat Miller, transformed my grandmother’s rooming house into a modern Palm-Springs inspired B & B, targeting the social media savvy millennials. Our signature pink doors caught the attention of a few influencers giving us a fantastic boost for our opening weekend. The other thing that drew attention? Our announcement that my ex-boyfriend, Lars Armstrong, would be playing a few sets to kick off the big event. Lars was just crowned the winner of reality TV’s hit show, Sing This!, and I couldn’t be more grateful (or surprised) that he’d agreed.

Today, I need to make sure everything is perfect to keep the good vibes flowing. A welcome change from my former corporate career where I suffered major burnout. Better go check the coffee pods are full, the mini fridges are stocked with rosé wine, and all of our Insta-worthy hotspots are camera-ready. Luckily, I don’t need to worry about our patio bar and restaurant, which serves our guests and the public classic breakfasts, light fare and signature drinks. It’s run by my younger brother, Nate, who’s not only a great bartender but also a mixologist with plans for stellar signature drinks. Nate’s wife, Sarah, teaches yoga to our guests and helps out when the bar gets busy. And we’re expecting a good crowd tonight, since the Cool Vibes Café is already rumored to become one of Hudson Valley’s newest hot spots.

Once I’ve checked to make sure the B&B is looking good, I need to do a sweep of the grounds. Duke, my motormouth husky, is always by my side when I’m wandering the premises, keeping an eye out for new people to meet and new places to nap. If you have a treat to spare? He’ll be your best friend. We have fairly extensive grounds that include a firepit with Adirondack chairs for guests to relax in the evenings after a fun day out. With a nearby speaker system to play some chill out music, this area is sure to be a favorite.

The last place to check on is our pond and gazebo area, where Sarah holds the yoga sessions. A little bit out of the way, it’s the perfect spot to read a book, meditate, or have a secret rendezvous. My Aunt Marnie, a free spirit, who spent her youth following the Grateful Dead around, loves to come back here with guests to do Tarot readings when she’s not working the front desk.

Last but not least? Better check on my social media posts. Engagement is the cornerstone of our business and has not only brought new customers to the Pearl, but also garnered some fantastic press opportunities. I think we’re all set. Have you booked a room yet? We’d love to have you as a guest. But you’d better be quick, we’re filling up fast. It’s guaranteed to be a killer time…

Peril in Pink, A Hudson Valley B&B Mystery Book #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: April 2024
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Purchase Link

Everything is coming up rosé for innkeeper Jess Byrne until a murder on opening weekend gives her B&B’s killer vibe a whole new meaning.

Schitt’s Creek meets Only Murders in the Building in this sparkling debut mystery.

It’s the grand opening of The Pearl B&B in Hudson Valley, and owner Jess Byrne has prepared the ultimate, Insta-worthy welcome, complete with her ex-boyfriend—reality singing sensation Lars Armstrong—performing live. As guests check in and mimosas are poured, Lars arrives with his stepdad-turned-manager Bob in tow. But things go south when Bob is found dead, and Lars is the prime suspect.

After a desperate plea from Lars, and knowing the reputation of her B&B is at stake, Jess agrees to help clear Lars’ name, but the more she digs, the less sure she is that he’s innocent. Especially when he’s found at the scene of another murder.

With the guests under lockdown, the B&B in the press for all the wrong reasons, and a killer on the loose, Jess is in over her head. With the help of her best friend and business partner Kat, Jess is determined to uncover the truth before Lars is put behind bars and The Pearl is permanently cancelled.

About the author
Sydney Leigh ran a seasonal business for several years, working in the summer so she could spend cold months in cool places. Now she writes modern cozy mysteries and thinks about murder. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and served on the Board of Crime Writers of Canada from 2018-2021.