The Case of the Lady in the Luggage

Book excerpt: How many Tappets does it take to solve a murder? When Ellie’s kids surprise her by coming aboard the S.V. Adventurous Spirit she couldn’t be more thrilled. She’s missed them so much, especially her sweet granddaughter Clara. And finally, it's time to introduce the family to the new man in her life. That is, if she can stop chickening out long enough to spill the beans. Meanwhile, Ellie's friend Violet is having a reunion of her own. Violet’s long-lost love has come aboard the ship on the arm of a new beau, and the resulting drama is raising eyebrows all over the ship. But emotional baggage takes second place to murder when a dead body is found on Violet’s ex's doorstep! Does her old flame harbor the heart of a killer? Ellie's on the hunt, but her prey proves elusive. Between the dead woman’s unusual past, an unorthodox murder weapon gone missing, and the involvement of a visiting magician and his parrot, this mystery is starting to feel like a three-ring circus! Make yourself some popcorn and settle in for the show, because Ellie Tappet, along with her family and friends, are about to perform some crime-solving magic of their own.