Hot Cider and a Murder Read online

  Hot Cider and a Murder

  A Rainey Daye Cozy Mystery, book 6

  by

  Kathleen Suzette

  Copyright © 2018 by Kathleen Suzette. All rights reserved. This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination, or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanical, without permission in writing from the author or publisher.

  Books by Kathleen Suzette

  Clam Chowder and a Murder

  A Rainey Daye Cozy Mystery, book 1

  Short Stack and a Murder

  A Rainey Daye Cozy Mystery, book 2

  Cherry Pie and a Murder

  A Rainey Daye Cozy Mystery, book 3

  Barbecue and a Murder

  A Rainey Daye Cozy Mystery, book 4

  Birthday Cake and a Murder

  A Rainey Daye Cozy Mystery, book 5

  Hot Cider and a Murder

  A Rainey Daye Cozy Mystery, book 6

  Books by Kate Bell, Kathleen Suzette

  Apple Pie A la Murder,

  A Freshly Baked Cozy Mystery, book 1

  Trick or Treat and Murder,

  A Freshly Baked Cozy Mystery, book 2

  Thankfully Dead

  A Freshly Baked Cozy Mystery, book 3

  Candy Cane Killer

  A Freshly Baked Cozy Mystery, book 4

  Ice Cold Murder

  A Freshly Baked Cozy Mystery, book 5

  Love is Murder

  A Freshly Baked Cozy Mystery, book 6

  Strawberry Surprise Killer

  A Freshly Baked Cozy Mystery, book 7

  Pushing Up Daisies in Arizona,

  A Gracie Williams Cozy Mystery, book 1

  Kicked the Bucket in Arizona

  A Gracie Williams Cozy Mystery, book 2

  Candy Coated Murder

  A Pumpkin Hollow Mystery, book 1

  Murderously Sweet

  A Pumpkin Hollow Mystery, book 2

  Chocolate Covered Murder

  A Pumpkin Hollow Mystery, book 3

  Death and Sweets

  A Pumpkin Hollow Mystery, book 4

  Sugared Demise

  A Pumpkin Hollow Mystery, book 5

  Table of Contents

  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 One

  “My cider punch is going to knock ’em dead tonight,” I said to Cade as I poured the cranberry juice into the crockpot.

  Cade leaned over my shoulder, watching what I was doing. “Cranberry juice? I thought you said you were making hot apple cider?”

  “I am. Actually, I’m making hot cider punch. It’s got pineapple juice, cranberry juice, apple juice, and an assortment of spices, including whole cinnamon sticks to make it nice and spicy. You wait and see. It’s a tasty treat.”

  “Is it going to be an adult beverage?” he asked, sounding hopeful.

  I laughed. “No. I’m making a child-friendly version for the party. You can add what you want later.”

  Maggie, my Bluetick Coonhound, sat near my feet, looking up at me hopefully as I added ingredients to the crockpot. I reached a hand out and scratched her head.

  Tonight was the annual fall party at the Sparrow Mountain Lodge. The lodge was owned by a local family and had two dozen cabins in the woods near the Snake River that could be rented by the night or week. The lodge itself had a large dining room, a recreation hall, and rooms that could be rented for parties or receptions. The fall party was held every October, and the price of admission was a dish to share with everyone and twenty dollars. The owners of the lodge provided the main dish, usually a roasted pig or other meat, and the money donated went to a local homeless shelter. I looked forward to it every year, and it would be more fun this year with someone to bring with me to snuggle with. Cade and I hadn’t been dating long, but we were serious.

  “So, what all are we going to do at this party? Is it adults only?” he asked, leaning on the kitchen counter. His chocolate-brown hair was neatly parted on the side, and he wore jeans and a red T-shirt.

  “It’s more of a family kind of get-together. There’s a great big bonfire where we’ll roast marshmallows, eat an assortment of yummy food, and all hang out and ooh and ah over the beautiful weather.”

  “Sounds like fun,” he said. “Why aren’t you making anything else?” He glanced around the kitchen.

  “I made pumpkin bread and cranberry bread. I’ve been waiting all year to make these yummy fall treats,” I said as I sprinkled some whole cloves into the punch. “You know me—I couldn’t just make one dish.”

  “But it’s not a Halloween party? I don’t need a costume?” he asked.

  I looked at him and grinned. “Did you want to wear a costume? Is that disappointment I hear in your voice?”

  He chuckled. “No. Not even a tiny bit of disappointment. I was afraid I’d have to dress up as a mummy or Dracula.”

  “Never fear. The community center has a costume party on October 29th. Of course, the majority of the partygoers will be under twelve, but don’t let that stop you from dressing up like a mummy and attending. You’ll fit right in.”

  He chuckled. “I’ll skip it. So when are we going to work on these floors?” he asked, looking at the chipped linoleum flooring in the kitchen. I had recently moved into a cute little cottage that still had a lot of original vintage touches. I wanted to update some of them, but keep the majority as is. The kitchen had cute scalloped-cut cupboards that had been popular in the forties. Of course, I was in love with the kitchen.

  “I was thinking about that. I’m wondering if I can find some vintage reproduction linoleum online. If not, I think I’ll try some tile. The linoleum in here has got to go. The chips and tears are too much to deal with. Oh, and I’m going to try to find some vintage wallpaper too.”

  “Wallpaper?”

  “Yup. I want to make this kitchen look as authentic as possible, and without wallpaper, it won’t look complete.”

  “The hardwood floors in the living room will have to be sanded and stained,” he said, walking to the kitchen doorway and looking at the living room floor. “I think we can rent a floor sander down at the hardware store.”

  “That’s a lot of work,” I said, putting the lid back on the crockpot. I went to stand beside him.

  “It is. But it’s expensive to have a professional do the work,” he said. “Besides, I’m handy. Kind of.”

  “I bet you can do anything you put your mind to. I love that you’re handy with tools,” I said, putting my arm around his waist. “I don’t know what I’d do if I had to do it all on my own.”

  “I don’t mind doing the work,” he said and kissed me. Then he pulled back and looked at me.

  “That’s a serious look. What’s up?” I asked.

  “That ex-husband of yours. Is he gone?”

  I eyed him. �
�He’s gone. He had a doctor’s appointment in New York. As much as I hate that he isn’t well, I think he’s staying in New York and I’m glad of that,” I said. I was surprised that Cade was bothered about my ex-husband showing up in town. He was normally a laid-back person, but Cade had been asking about my ex-husband ever since he arrived in Sparrow a couple of months earlier. We had had a nasty divorce, and I had never wanted to see him again. But then he had suddenly shown up and said he wanted to apologize and to tell me he was dying.

  “Good,” he said and walked into the living room. “At least we’ve got the painting done in here.” Cade was good at changing the subject.

  I frowned. “You don’t have to worry about him,” I said, joining him in the living room.

  “I’m not worried. I think we can get the floors done in here before Christmas,” he said, changing the subject back. “We can work on the other rooms later. That way it will look nice in time for Christmas.”

  “I would love that,” I said.

  “Where are you going to put the Christmas tree?” he asked, turning toward me.

  “Cade Starkey, are you sentimental about Christmas?” I asked, eyeing him.

  He smiled with embarrassment. “Not me.”

  “I think you are. I love Christmas too. It reminds me of everything good about my childhood. Things haven’t been the same since my dad died when I was nineteen, and Christmas brings back great family memories.”

  He nodded. “My mom died when I was sixteen. I hated Christmas for a long time because of the memories it brought back, but I’m looking forward to it this year.”

  I inhaled deeply. Cade glossed over a lot of things when we talked; his mother’s death was one of them. It broke my heart that Christmas had been difficult for him in the past, but it made me happy that he was looking forward to it this year.

  I went to him and put my arms around his waist again. “I was thinking about putting the tree right near the front window. That way the lights can be seen from the outside,” I said. “And maybe we can put some lights up on the outside of the house. You don’t mind ladders, do you?”

  “They aren’t my favorite, but I can do that,” he said, leaning over and kissing the top of my head.

  The doorbell rang before I could say anything else.

  “I wonder who that could be?” I said and went to the door. I opened it and found my new neighbor standing on the doorstep. “Hello, Ida,” I said.

  “Hello, Rainey,” she said with a smile. “I brought over some pumpkin spice cookies I made. I topped them with buttercream frosting.” She held out a plastic Halloween-decorated plate with big cookies that were covered in clear plastic wrap.

  “These look delicious,” I said. “Thank you so much!” They did look delicious. They were drop cookies that were liberally frosted with buttercream frosting. I could smell the spices through the plastic wrap, and the aroma made my mouth water.

  “I put walnuts and raisins in them. I hope you like walnuts and raisins,” she said, smiling impishly. “My husband can’t stand them, but I add them just to aggravate him.”

  I chuckled. “I love walnuts and raisins,” I assured her. “I’m so glad you brought them by. I know Cade and I will enjoy them.”

  At the mention of his name, Cade came to the door, and I introduced them.

  Ida looked him up and down and gave me a knowing smile. “I’m pleased to meet you,” she said to him. “I’m so glad Rainey moved in here. It’s been wonderful having her in the neighborhood.”

  Cade chuckled. “She does brighten up a place, doesn’t she?”

  Ida nodded. “That she does.”

  I felt my cheeks go pink. “It’s sweet of you to bring the cookies by, Ida.”

  “It’s my pleasure, dear. Well, I should get going. Burt will be wondering where I got off to. You kids enjoy,” she said and turned and headed next door.

  “Don’t keep those to yourself,” Cade said as I closed the door.

  “I might keep them to myself. They smell wonderful,” I said and unwrapped the edge of the plastic wrap so I could wiggle a cookie out. I handed it to Cade and got another for myself. I took a bite and groaned. They were soft and moist and the spices were exactly right.

  “Wow, these are good. You’ve got competition,” Cade said, putting the rest of the cookie into his mouth and reaching for another.

  “I’d be offended by that, but I can’t be. These are awesome,” I said. “It’s like a fall explosion in my mouth.”

  I was writing a cookbook with Americana-themed recipes and I wondered if I should ask Ida for the recipe for these cookies. I could give her credit when I published the book. I had a similar recipe, but I thought hers might be better.

  Maggie bumped me with her nose and whined for a cookie. “I’ll get you one of your cookies, Maggie,” I said.

  “These are great. I need some milk,” he said and headed to the kitchen.

  I followed after him. “We better not eat too many. There’s going to be some great food at the party tonight. I’ll snitch some of these in the middle of the night, though. I’m sure of it.” I got one of Maggie’s cookies from a jar I kept on the counter and gave it to her. She made it disappear instantly.

  “Okay. But I might need to take some home with me,” he said, pouring a glass of milk.

  “I’ll let you. Otherwise, I really will eat way too many of them.”

  I couldn’t wait for the party. It was going to be a lot of fun, and it made the fall season all the more perfect.

  Chapter Two

  When we got to the lodge, a shiny new silver BMW was parked out front. “That’s a looker,” Cade said as we passed it heading into the lodge.

  “It sure is,” I said.

  There were already a lot of people milling about inside the lodge. After allowing the hot cider punch to simmer and the spices to infuse the juices for a couple of hours, I had poured it into a tightly covered glass container to keep it from spilling and brought the crockpot along to keep it warm. I found a spot on one of the food tables near an outlet and plugged the crockpot in, and then poured the punch back into it. I added more cinnamon sticks and floated thinly sliced apples and oranges on the top. The scent of fruit and spices was bold and sweet, and I inhaled, trying to take it all in. If anyone wanted to turn my punch into an adult beverage, they were going to have to do it themselves. It was perfect the way it was. Cade had brought a bottle of rum to give to the host, Bryan Richards, and I supposed that it would be spiked at some point.

  “Wow, this all looks good,” Cade said, looking over the food on the table.

  One table was dedicated to finger foods, veggie trays, fresh fruit, barbecued little smokies, finger sandwiches, and other tasty things. The next table held main courses of casseroles, German sausages, hamburgers, and the crowning jewel on the table was a whole pig that had spent hours on the barbecue spit. Another table held side dishes, and the last held sweets and desserts. I deposited my pumpkin bread and cranberry bread onto that table. It was enough food to feed a small army, and from the looks of it, that was what we had.

  “I agree, everything looks so good. I’m starving,” I said as my stomach growled. I had worn a brown chunky knit sweater, jeans, and my brown suede boots. A pair of gloves and a scarf were in my coat pockets for later in the evening when we would go outside to enjoy the bonfire and roast marshmallows.

  “Rainey!” Lana Richards called, approaching us with her arms held out. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

  “Hi, Lana,” I said as she gave me a hug. Lana and her husband, Bryan, were the hosts of the event, and their family had been friends with mine for as long as I could remember.

  “What a spread, eh?” she said, indicating the tables.

  “I’ve been looking forward to this event for weeks. I missed it when I lived in New York.”

  “And we missed you. I’m so glad you moved back to Sparrow,” she said. Sparrow, Idaho, was a small town that believed in community. To say New York City
was the complete opposite was an understatement.

  “Thank you, Lana. I brought a hot cider punch, and I put some pumpkin bread and cranberry bread on the dessert table,” I said, motioning toward the crockpot.

  “You are such a big help, Rainey. I know we’ll raise a lot of money for the homeless shelter this year. We need to get as many coats and blankets as we can. I spoke to Farah Simms down at the shelter, and she said they were low on everything.”

  “I’m sure we’ll raise a lot of money. Sparrow residents have always been generous with their giving,” I said and turned to Cade. “Lana, this is Detective Cade Starkey.”

  “I heard about you,” she said, shaking his hand and giving him a big smile. “You’re still new to Sparrow. We do appreciate your help in finding those responsible for the recent murders. And you’re cute as can be. Rainey, good job.” She gave me a knowing look and giggled.

  Cade smiled. “I try. Rainey’s pretty cute too.”

  “She and her sister are adorable,” she said. “Identical twins. Can you believe it?”

  I laughed. “It still surprises me sometimes too,” I said as my sister Stormy and her husband Bob walked through the door. Stormy and I were thirty-six, but we still occasionally got the “adorable twins” shtick. We were used to it. It came with the twin territory. Stormy was wearing a sweater almost identical to mine and had her long blond hair pulled back into a ponytail. She headed over when she spotted us.

  “Hey, everyone,” she said. “Fancy meeting you all here.”

  “And now that you’re dressed almost exactly like me, we’ll get the identical twin thing all night tonight,” I said.

  She shrugged and grinned. “Oops! We should have checked wardrobe plans before we came. Bob is putting the cupcakes I made onto the table. Everything looks great.”