The colonial charm of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia is always special. The stately, historic homes are lovely in every season, but when snow begins to fall, Christmas wreaths appear on doors, and candles light the windows at night, it’s almost magical.
I rose to a lazy snowfall this morning. Not enough to accumulate, just enough to put me in the holiday spirit. No sooner did I pour hot water into my French coffee press, than Nina Reid Norwood, my best friend and across the street neighbor, appeared at the kitchen door. I lit a small fire in the kitchen fireplace. My Ocicat, Mochie, curled up on a chair by the fire while Nina and I lingered over French toast spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with hot apples sautéed in butter and dark brown sugar.
Although I longed to dive into decorating my house for Christmas, that project had to take a backseat to Horace Scroggins’s Christmas party, which always kicked off the holiday season in Old Town. Horace reminded me of Santa Claus, with pink cheeks, white hair, a little round belly, and a smile for everyone. He had talked me into organizing the party for him. The employees of his real estate company delighted in decorating a huge tree in their two-story foyer. Ruby red poinsettias and Scottish tartan ribbons brought holiday spirit to his elegant office building. Horace spared no expense in entertaining his clients and neighbors. The menu included delicacies like oysters on the half shell and caramelized pears with foie gras. Most of my neighbors would be in attendance. It was always a special event.
I spent the morning and early afternoon taking care of details. The carolers were coming and the caterer was on schedule. I made a quick trip to Horace’s office to be sure the buffet tables and extra chairs were in place. Everything looked perfect.
I hurried the few blocks home, showered and changed into a sleeveless red velvet dress with a V-neck, musing about the fact that velvet made me feel like the Christmas season had finally arrived. I pinned my hair up and added dangling earrings. Black sling-back shoes seemed appropriate. They had short heels in case I needed to dash through the halls.
For the next couple of hours, I tended to the party. The food smelled heavenly. The clove-studded oranges in the English Bishop punch made it look as delicious as it tasted. Nina arrived. Mars, my ex-husband, made it, and droves of our neighbors poured through the doors. Everyone appeared to be having a great time.
Checking my watch, I strode to the front door and peeked outside for the carolers. The snow had picked up just enough to be festive. In their traditional Victorian outfits, the carolers looked right at home on the colonial street. I swung open the door and stepped onto the sidewalk. The carolers burst into “Deck the Halls.”
Guests gathered at the door and the windows. Upstairs, Horace led a group out onto a small decorative balcony.
He didn’t look well. His rosy cheeks had gone white. Something wasn’t right. Horace leaned forward. The railing split with an enormous snap, and Horace plunged headlong onto the sidewalk, landing at the feet of the carolers.
You can read more about Sophie in The Diva Wraps It Up, the 8th book in the “Domestic Diva” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The first book in the series is The Diva Runs Out of Thyme. Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
GIVEAWAY
Comment on this post by 6 p.m. EST on June 30, and you will be entered for a chance to win a copy of THE DIVA WRAPS IT UP. One winner will be chosen at random. Unless specified, U.S. entries only.
Meet the author
Like her characters, Krista Davis has a soft spot for cats, dogs, and cupcakes. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with three dogs and two cats. The Diva Wraps It Up is the eighth book in her Domestic Diva Mystery series. Three of those books have been nominated for Agatha awards and three have made the New York Times Bestseller list. In December, The Ghost and Mrs Mewer, the second book in her Paws and Claws Mysteries will be published.
Visit Krista at Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen | Twitter | Killer Characters
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I absolutely love this series. The way the characters are written I can imagine them clearly in my mind as I am reading. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.
I haven’t read one of these in a while. #6 you say…:-)
Love this series, looking forward to reading this new one
I just received this book yesterday from B&N. Yay! I can’t wait to start it!
Love this series. Need to catch up.
I have read both series and they are both very enjoyable.
I would love to win a copy of this book.
Krista is a terrific writer. I love the diva series.
I loved Krista Davis’ book Murder She Barked. I’m very interested in reading her other books too. I really like her writing style.
One of my favorite series. Love the Old Town Alexandria setting. One of my favorite places to visit in real life too.
I would love to win!
I would LOVE to win this! Sounds Great and is definitely on my TBR list. 🙂
Would love to win! I like reading off-season, especially the holidays! Thanks!
Thank you for the chance 🙂
Would love to win this one!
Christmas in July reads like fun. Would love a copy and thanks for offering it,
I am hooked! I am ready to read the rest of the story.
This looks great. I love Virginia and especially Colonial Williamsburg and Old Town Alexandria. Can hardly wait to read this one.
Kathleen Delaney
Looks like a great read!
I’ve not read any of her books yet but look forward to getting started.
This sounds really good! I’d love to read it!
What a charming post! Perfect little vignette, right up to the shocking ending. Well done!
Haven’t read any in this series. Sounds interesting.
I’m already a fan of this series and looking forward to this next mystery. Thanks for the giveaway.
I haven’t read this series yet, but I’ve heard so many wonderful things about it!
I love the divas. I’d love to win this book.
Horace, Horace, who murdered Horace?
Made me start to get into the holiday spirit! Well almost, until Horace plunged off the balcony.
Almost time for Christmas in July on the radio and TV – always love that, a nice break in hot summer.
I haven’t heard of this series – thank you for the heads up.
WOW – what a way to jump into the Christmas season – great introduction to this book – thanks –
Sounds like a must read!
Talk about putting a damper on the festivities!
I love this series, am a little behind.
kaye.killgore@comcast.net
Sounds just like what the doctor ordered. Would be great. Thank you so much.
A friend was telling me about this series the other day. How fortunate you are highlighting it now. Thanks for the chance to win.
Another great review Dru Ann! I’m a Domestic Diva lover, have read all of them up to this new addition. Thanks for the chance to win it!
I am a huge fan of Krista’s series and I’m so glad you featured it, Dru. What a great location for a cozy! No need to enter me in the contest, Krista is an auto-buy for me!
New to me series , looks good tho !
I would love to win thanks
I have a lot of catching up to do! Think it will be a treat.
Thank you for a chance to win a copy of The Diva Wraps It Up. This is a series that I enjoy reading.
I love cozies and The Diva Wraps It Up sounds delightful.
I love this series. Thanks for the chance to win.
This is one of my favorite series! Thanks for the chance!
Sounds like a good book. I can’t wait to read it.
This book would be saved to read at Christmas if I would be lucky enough to win.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
This is such a great series. I’m looking forward to reading The Diva Wraps it Up. Great cover!
I love book that take place during Christmas. It sounds like a great read. Thanks for the chance to win it.
I have read every one of Krista’s Diva Books. Once I pick them up I can’t put them down until I’ve read most of it. I only whish there were more of them. I would totally love to receive this new book The Diva Wraps it up. it would be the first time I’ve won anything in my life. I can always wish. Keep those great books coming. Lorraine Koschock
I have two books in the series. Never been to Alexandria, VA, just Williamsburg.
contest is closed.