Candle for a Corpse: A Berdie Elliott Advent Mystery by Marilyn Leach

 

Blurb:  Candle for a Corpse: A Berdie Elliott Advent Mystery by Marilyn Leach is a Christmas whodunit with plot twists, shifty suspects, and loving villagers.  All of it’s sprinkled with English grace and humor.  Who would believe an advent wreath could solve a murder?  It can when Berdie Elliott’s at hand, a vicar’s wife and sleuth extraordinaire.  Fresh brewed tea, and high adventure with a spoonful of romance make the season bright.

Excerpt: In Candle for A Corpse, the caroling party at the vicarage gets heated, and it’s not from the comforting fireplace.

Miss Livingston ignored the vicar, “And you.” She shook her cane toward Edsel, making the pink scars on her left cheek go twice crimson. “Your father would shudder to see the loss of integrity, the shoddy craftsmanship, and disgrace you’ve brought to his business.”

“You stupid cow!” It was Jamie who railed at the elderly woman.

“Steady on,” Hugh cautioned the young man.

“You’ll get yours, ya’ witch. You just watch and see if ya’ don’t!” Jamie pulled his cap from his pocket and tugged it on his head. He lunged for the door, bumping Cara’s shoulder as he went. The Irishman turned toward Berdie. He barely spoke, “You invited me to this?” The fire in his eyes burned into the very heart of Berdie.

 

 

Buy Links:  www.amazon.marilynleach                 marilynleachteaandbooks.com

pelicanbookgroup.com

 

Bio: Though Marilyn Leach grew up in the Western United States, she became a dyed-in-the-wool British enthusiast after exploring the UK and making friends there.  Her travels throughout England color her life and written works.  Her most recent work includes the Berdie Elliott Mystery series a series of English whodunits that tickle the brain and add a giggle or two.  Marilyn lives lakeside on the Front Range of Colorado.

Questions:

1.      Why this book? What inspired you to write it?

Christmas is a special time.  Enjoying Advent is enhanced by reading a holiday story that celebrates the season.  I came up with the exciting idea that an advent wreath would give clues to solve a murder near the Christmas season.  Several weeks later, Candle for a Corpse was ready for publishing.

 

2.      What is your favourite Christmas carol/song and why?

As a child, I loved the small illumined church that sat under our Christmas tree as part of our holiday decor.  It had a little wind-up key which I enjoyed cranking up.  Then I’d lie on my stomach and listen to the music box -like chimes play Silent Night, Holy Night.  It became my favourite.

 

3.      What is the best Christmas present you ever received and who was it from?

When I saw the film, “Bambi”, I adored, of all the creatures, Flower the Skunk.  At gift-opening time, I was absolutely chuffed when a stuffed toy version of Flower turned up for me under the Christmas tree.  A skunk for Christmas!  But I wore the little toy out with all the hugs and love I showered on it.