Diva Wraps It Up, The Read online

  PRAISE FOR THE AGATHA AWARD–NOMINATED DOMESTIC DIVA MYSTERIES

  The Diva Frosts a Cupcake

  “Reader alert: Tasty descriptions may spark intense cupcake cravings.”

  —The Washington Post

  “Davis . . . again combines food and felonies in this tasty whodunit, which keeps the reader fascinated until the killer is iced.”

  —Richmond Times-Dispatch

  “[Davis] manages to mix together a hodgepodge of ingredients to come up with a treat for readers. The Diva Frosts a Cupcake will leave readers anxiously awaiting the next sample in the series.”

  —Lesa’s Book Critiques

  “Sure to delight cozy mystery lovers and cat and dog enthusiasts alike . . . I love Sophie, she is such a great character.”

  —Debbie’s Book Bag

  The Diva Digs up the Dirt

  “Perfectly enjoyable.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “A satisfying, complex story . . . [An] enjoyable mystery . . . Poignant, but also funny at times.”

  —Vibrant Nation

  “The Diva Digs up the Dirt definitely hit the spot . . . [A] fun mystery and a great way to spend a few hours by the pool or at the beach.”

  —Booking Mama

  The Diva Haunts the House

  “The quirky characters are well developed, the story line is as crisp as a fall apple, and the twists and turns are as tight as a corkscrew.”

  —AnnArbor.com

  “Davis finely blends mystery and comedy, keeping The Diva Haunts the House entertaining and alluring.”

  —SeattlePI.com

  The Diva Cooks a Goose

  “For fans of Donna Andrews and Diane Mott Davidson . . . [A] real winner.”

  —The Season

  “Sophie keeps a cool head . . . ensuring a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.”

  —The Mystery Reader

  “A great whodunit.”

  —Once Upon a Romance

  “This is not your run-of-the-mill cozy; the characters are real to life, interesting, and keep you wondering what will happen next. Krista Davis writes one enjoyable read.”

  —The Romance Readers Connection

  The Diva Paints the Town

  “[Davis] handles this tricky tale with aplomb and fills it with a cast of eccentrics . . . And the three animals are endlessly amusing.”

  —Richmond Times-Dispatch

  “Davis plates up another delectable whodunit, complete with recipes. Indeed, her novels are every bit as good as Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy Schulz mysteries.”

  —Shine

  “Davis’s latest is an enjoyable mystery that includes decorating tips, a few pets, an unusual bequest, and recipes . . . Once again, Krista Davis brings us interesting, fun characters.”

  —Lesa’s Book Critiques

  “Ms. Davis immerses the reader into the world of interior design.”

  —TwoLips Reviews

  The Diva Takes the Cake

  “The Diva Takes the Cake does just that—takes the cake.”

  —The Romance Readers Connection

  “[A] fun little bonbon of a book.”

  —ReviewingTheEvidence.com

  “Sure to thrill cozy fans.”

  —Fresh Fiction

  “Davis has devised a delightful romp, with engaging characters and a nicely crafted setting in which to place them.”

  —Shine

  The Diva Runs Out of Thyme

  “[A] tricky whodunit laced with delectable food . . . [A] fine mystery that’s stuffed with suspects—and a reminder that nobody’s Thanksgiving is perfect.”

  —Richmond Times-Dispatch

  “A mouthwatering mix of murder, mirth, and mayhem, nicely spiced by new author Krista Davis.”

  —Mary Jane Maffini, author of The Busy Woman’s Guide to Murder

  “This cozy mystery delivers . . . a keep-you-guessing plot filled with suspicious-acting characters, and twists and turns around every corner. Davis’s smart writing style and engaging characters are sure to garner fans.”

  —AuthorsDen.com

  “Filled with humor, delicious recipes, and holiday decorating tips . . . [A] must-read to prepare for the holiday season!”

  —The Romance Readers Connection

  “[A] fun romp into the world of food, murder, and mayhem.”

  —Armchair Interviews

  “The Diva Runs Out of Thyme is as much comedy as mystery . . . [A] really good book . . . [A] series worth watching.”

  —Mysterious Reviews

  “An entertaining mystery novel with charming characters. The plot of the mystery is well drawn out . . . Davis is an excellent mystery author.”

  —MyShelf.com

  “The beginning of a good culinary cozy series with some interesting and different characters.”

  —Gumshoe Review

  Berkley Prime Crime titles by Krista Davis

  Domestic Diva Mysteries

  THE DIVA RUNS OUT OF THYME

  THE DIVA TAKES THE CAKE

  THE DIVA PAINTS THE TOWN

  THE DIVA COOKS A GOOSE

  THE DIVA HAUNTS THE HOUSE

  THE DIVA DIGS UP THE DIRT

  THE DIVA FROSTS A CUPCAKE

  THE DIVA WRAPS IT UP

  Paws & Claws Mysteries

  MURDER, SHE BARKED

  THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP

  Published by the Penguin Group

  Penguin Group (USA) LLC

  375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014

  USA • Canada • UK • Ireland • Australia • New Zealand • India • South Africa • China

  penguin.com

  A Penguin Random House Company

  THE DIVA WRAPS IT UP

  A Berkley Prime Crime Book / published by arrangement with the author

  Copyright © 2014 by Cristina Ryplansky.

  Excerpt from The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer by Krista Davis copyright © 2014 by Cristina Ryplansky. Penguin supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin to continue to publish books for every reader.

  Berkley Prime Crime Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group.

  BERKLEY® PRIME CRIME and the PRIME CRIME logo are trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) LLC.

  For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group,

  a division of Penguin Group (USA) LLC,

  375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.

  eBook ISBN: 978-0-698-14318-0

  PUBLISHING HISTORY

  Berkley Prime Crime mass-market edition / June 2014

  Cover illustration by Teresa Fasolino.

  Cover design by Diane Kolsky.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The recipes contained in this book are to be followed exactly as written. The publisher is not responsible for your specific health or allergy needs that may require medical supervision. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse reactions to the recipes contained in this book.
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  Contents

  PRAISE FOR THE DOMESTIC DIVA MYSTERIES

  ALSO BY KRISTA DAVIS

  COPYRIGHT

  DEDICATION

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  MARS’S LIST

  BABINEAUX FAMILY LETTER

  TITLE PAGE

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  RECIPES

  SPECIAL EXCERPT FROM THE GHOST AND MRS. MEWER

  To my readers, with love and appreciation.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Over a year ago, I put out a call for recipes from readers. I asked for their favorite family Christmas cookie recipes. So many people responded! They shared a little bit about themselves and their cookies. They offered an amazing variety of cookies, many handed down for generations. I am delighted to share their recipes at the end of this book. Very special thanks to all my cookie recipe contributors: Ellen Marie Knehans, Nancy Foust, Kathy Kaminski, Michelle Melvin, Jeanne Schutts, Margaret F. Johnson, Jessica Faust, James Ashcroft, Elaine Faber, Roberta Daniels, and Kitty Free.

  I am always so grateful when experts take the time to enthusiastically share their specialized knowledge with me. Seth Guggenheim, assistant ethics counsel for the Virginia State Bar, was kind enough to set me straight about Alex German’s ethical responsibilities. I hope I got it right and that Alex makes Seth proud. Thanks also to Lucy Zahrey, aka the Poison Lady, who is helpful, gracious, and fun. Any mistakes are, of course, my own.

  The title for this book posed some challenges. Thanks to readers Lori Meadows-Clark and Wendy Robbins, who suggested the title The Diva Wraps It Up without having read the book. How very appropriate it is! And for those who may wonder, the title does not mean the end of the series. Rest assured that another Domestic Diva Mystery is in the works.

  Thanks also to my many friends who patiently answer questions and offer suggestions, Leslie Budewitz, Perry Garson, Betsy Strickland, Janet Bolin, Janet Cantrell, Laurie Cass, Daryl Wood Gerber, and Marilyn Levinson. Very special thanks to my friend, Peg Cochran who gave me some clever ideas for Gwen’s Christmas letter and to Teresa Fasolino for painting another beautiful cover. As always, I owe deep gratitude to those who provide so much support and friendship, my mom Marianne, Susan Smith Erba, and Amy Wheeler.

  I would be lost without my wonderful editor, Sandra Harding, and my incredible agent, Jessica Faust. They’re always there with the unvarnished truth, delightful humor, and, when warranted, cupcakes and champagne!

  Thank you all!

  MARS’S LIST

  Mars Winston and Natasha

  Bernie Frei

  Nina Reid Norwood

  Gwen and Baxter Babineaux

  Bethany, Bradley, and Katrina Babineaux

  Patty Babineaux (Baxter’s ex-wife)

  Elvin Babineaux (Baxter’s brother)

  Sugar (Elvin’s girlfriend)

  Liza and Luis Simon

  Twiggy and Jonah Lawrence

  Claudine Lawrence (Jonah’s mom)

  Horace and Edith Scroggins

  Phyllis Tate (Horace’s secretary)

  Jill Kinghorn (owner of Fleur de Lis)

  Mabel Akins (Horace and Edith’s housekeeper)

  Dearest Friends and Family,

  We moved into our dream home in Old Town Alexandria, this year. Built in 1847, it just drips with historic splendor, majestic moldings, and the kind of craftsmanship you simply can’t buy anymore. We had to rip out the kitchen, of course (can you even imagine the mess?), but now it’s so beautiful that it’s being featured in Charming Homes Magazine!

  We Babineauxs know how boring these Christmas letters can be, so this year we’re including one fib about each of the five of us. We’ll let you guess what’s true and what’s not!

  Bethany adores her new room. We built a special study nook for her, which turns out to have been a brilliant idea. She’s so far ahead of all the other tenth graders in her prestigious nationally ranked private school that we’ve been advised to homeschool her so she can move at a faster pace. She’ll miss being a cheerleader, of course, but she’s so involved with her nonprofit company that makes shoes for underprivileged children in third-world countries that she barely had time to be on the homecoming court or edit the newspaper anyway.

  Little sister, Katrina, is already being called an art prodigy and sold a painting for a thousand dollars! We’re told she has incredible abilities. Can you believe that she’s starting school next year? She works part-time, too, testing toys at a local store.

  Bradley has been the most valuable player on the football team this year. He’s the school’s track star, as well. They’re begging him to play basketball, but he’s taking so many college-level courses that we can’t see how he can make the time for it, especially now that he reads to children at the library. This year he painted low-income housing units, collected winter coats for those in need, and spearheaded the planting of cherry trees along the river.

  Baxter barely has time to use the movie room we outfitted with a popcorn machine and candy dispensers. He is living proof that what goes around comes around. All those years of hard work are really paying off now, if you know what I mean! Baxter has broken all the sales records at Scroggins Realty, and has been made vice president! But he found time to take me to Paris for nonstop partying. We even had dinner with Kenny G and Liza with a Z, who couldn’t keep her hands off Baxter! Ooh-la-la!

  Baxter’s brother, Elvin, is on a cross-country trip with his new girlfriend, Sugar (a professional ballet dancer!), to promote healthy eating and fight childhood hunger. If he comes through your town, I hope you’ll turn out and support these important causes.

  In between herding the kids, I wrote a cookbook, lost twenty-five pounds, had an affair with a yummy neighbor, was president of the PTA, and won the Mother of the Year award. (They must have known about Katrina’s impetigo. The poor child looked like a leper with all those blistery sores. No one else would touch her.) But the highlight of my year had to be the invitation to decorate the White House. Yes! That one! The First Lady selected humility, harmony, and hope as the theme and for a few glorious days, I had the honor of preparing our nation’s finest residence for the holidays. I was even invited to eat lunch at the White House! What a fabulous experience. I am truly humbled by the opportunity to serve my nation in this way.

  The enclosed photo was taken at the mountain cabin Baxter bought me for our anniversary. Now that we’re in our fabulous and huge historical house with so many extra bedrooms, we hope you’ll stop by for a visit.

  May you all have as wonderful and magical a Christmas as the Babineaux family!

  Baxter, Gwen, Bethany, Bradley, and Ka
trina Babineaux

  CHAPTER ONE

  Dear Natasha,

  My son-in-law is quite a cook. I would love to give him a set of professional-quality knives for Christmas. Can you recommend some good brands?

  Hungry Mom in Turkey, Arkansas

  Dear Hungry Mom,

  Never give knives as presents. The gift of a knife is believed to sever the friendship. In this case, it might even sever the relationship between your daughter and her husband! Unless, of course, that’s what you had in mind, in which case any old knives would do.

  Natasha

  Horace Scroggins poured hot chocolate into a mug. “It’s my own special blend.” He glanced out the door of his office as if he thought employees might be eavesdropping to hear his secret ingredients. “I add vanilla! Learned it from my true love.”

  He was too cute. I accepted the mug and made a fuss like I thought vanilla in hot chocolate was very special indeed.

  Horace had always reminded me of Santa Claus. A petite man with rosy round cheeks and a belly that jiggled, 364 days of the year he wore a bow tie and suspenders, and at Christmastime they were inevitably red. On the day of the Scottish Christmas Walk, he donned a kilt and proudly paraded through the streets of Old Town.

  I had never heard Horace utter a bad word about anyone. In his early sixties, he had a head of fluffy hair as white as snow. He always smiled, amazing in itself since he was married to Edith Scroggins, the most odious and unfriendly woman imaginable.

  As an event planner, I didn’t typically handle small company gatherings, but for the past few years, Horace had talked me into arranging his real estate company’s Christmas party. It kicked off the Christmas season in Old Town. Horace had bought a magnificent historical town house for his real estate business many long years ago. His staff delighted in decorating it with a towering balsam fir in the two-story foyer. Scottish tartan ribbons curled through wreaths in the most tasteful and elegant manner, and groups of ruby red poinsettias graced antique tables and mantels. The muted colonial green walls provided a perfect backdrop for the tartan ribbons and bold reds.

  It was Horace’s habit to invite people to whom his company had sold homes in Old Town Alexandria, which included half my neighbors.