Good morning. I am Piper Lyall-Pierce. If you’re familiar with western Michigan’s lakeshore towns, you’ve probably heard of me and the village of Oriole Point. No doubt you have also heard of the murders involving Marlee Jacob, owner of The Berry Basket shop. But I’d rather begin with more pleasant topics, like the election of my husband Lionel as mayor. Although I am not a woman who lives vicariously through her spouse. Indeed, I am the head of the Tourist and Visitor Center and a descendant of Oriole Point’s oldest family.

Some claim that I am also the wealthiest resident in the community. After all, the Lyall family not only founded Oriole Point, but established numerous businesses in the following decades. In addition, my husband retired with an impressive portfolio. I find it in bad taste to speak about money so let me just say that we are quite comfortable. And industrious. Lionel spends his days at City Hall, while I work tirelessly to organize events that will draw visitors to our scenic resort town.

Unfortunately, my recent efforts have been marred by the aforementioned murders. While she is not to blame for these deaths, my young friend Marlee found herself in the middle of the investigations. Since these crimes occurred during events I organized – the Strawberry Moon Bash, the Blackberry Road Rally, the Blueberry Blow Out – I was also pulled into the unwelcome drama. Which was followed by unwelcome publicity. Dead bodies draw far too much attention.

I was especially irritated that my recent Haunted Halloween Harvest Health Fair was accompanied by more murderous activity. I only hope the upcoming Hollyberry Festival goes off without a deadly hitch. My festival volunteers and I have worked harder than Santa and his elves to get ready for the holiday week. And I convinced Marlee and her employees to volunteer, which should keep The Berry Basket gang from getting into more trouble.

To accomplish everything on my massive To Do list, I set my alarm for 6:30am. I enjoy a glass of fresh squeezed juice and yogurt, consult with my housekeeper, then take Charlemagne, my Great Dane, for a brisk walk. By that time Lionel has left for the office, allowing me to devote all my attention to the daily arrival of Rana, who styles my ash-blonde bob and does my make-up. Thanks to her, I look as elegant as Grace Kelly, or so people have told me.

On the way to work, I stop for a French roast coffee at Coffee by Crystal, our local version of Starbucks. I spend time mingling with the crowd since I’m always in need of volunteers. And I don’t mind the accompanying gossip. But I have no patience with our more eccentric residents, such as Old Man Bowman and his tales of Bigfoot. His arrival is my signal to leave.

I also don’t mind a morning pastry once or twice a week. For that I stop by The Berry Basket. Marlee’s popular berry themed store sells everything from blackberry wine to strawberry hullers. Marlee also employs Theo Foster, the best baker in town, who packs her pastry case each day with the most delicious berry desserts. Things are always lively at The Berry Basket, especially when Marlee brings Minnie, her African grey parrot, to work. That bird has a more extensive vocabulary than some village residents. When Minnie chimes in with the shop’s chatty sales staff, I can barely hear myself think. But I do enjoy talking with Marlee. Despite the nearly twenty year age difference, I regard Marlee as a younger sister. To be honest, I find her far more agreeable than my own sister, but I prefer not talking about Angela.

Since my office is at the end of Lyall Street, which is named after my family, I visit other shops along the way to gauge how well business is doing. And to find out who would like to pitch in for the next town event. I still need more volunteers for my team of strolling Hollyberry carolers. Because I am a persuasive woman, my attempts are usually successful, except for a resistant few. For example, I don’t ask Drake Woodhill, owner of Gemini Rising, for any favors. As an aloof Englishman AND a witch, he’s never been inclined to take part in my festivals or parades. But I did convince him to serve on the board of the Oriole Point Business Association. In fact, our monthly meeting is tonight.

Of course I’ll be there as well. I’m also the events coordinator for OPBA and I have a number of things to finalize before the holiday festivities begin. I am particularly worried about the Christmas tree that will be placed in our town square. I might have chosen a tree a bit too tall. But what harm can an evergreen really do? I can’t think of anything that can go wrong at my Hollyberry Festival. Then again, this is Oriole Point. Anything may happen. And usually does.

Hollyberry Homicide is the fifth book in the “Berry Basket” cozy mystery series, coming September 29, 2020.

A cold wind is blowing off Lake Michigan, and murder is scaring the dickens out of everyone . . .

Considering her name, Marlee Jacob is an obvious choice for the role of Jacob Marley in Oriole Point’s production of A Christmas Carol. It’s just sad that the role has opened up because of the death of the elderly actor who’d originally been cast.

But Marlee, the proprietor of The Berry Basket, will do her best to keep spirits high—that is, until clues start mounting that there’s danger behind the scenes. There are accidents on set, the tree in the village square topples over, and worst of all, a body is found with a sprig of holly draped over it. If Marlee can’t wrap up the case, she may not have a berry merry Christmas . . .

Includes Berry Recipes!

Purchase Link

About the author
Sharon Farrow is the latest pen name of award-winning author Sharon Pisacreta. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Sharon has been a freelance writer since her twenties, with her first novel released in 1998. Published in mystery, fantasy, and romance, Sharon currently writes The Berry Basket cozy mystery series, which debuted in 2016 with Dying For Strawberries. She is also one half of the writing team D.E. Ireland, who co-author the Agatha nominated Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins mysteries.

Connect with Sharon at sharonfarrowauthor.com, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

All comments are welcomed.