Grand Prize: Murder!. Vivian Conroy

      

       When death comes to town

      Inviting the bestselling cozy crime author Bella Brookes to town is going to be the best business move Vicky Simmons has made yet. Not only is Bella going to sign her books to kick off Glen Cove’s annual One-Mile Book Market, but she’s also running her famous scavenger hunt right in town. That’s sure to win over the townsfolk!

      All is going to plan until a dead body is discovered, drawing Vicky straight to the scene of the crime. After the last murder Vicky had vowed to stay out of Sheriff Cash’s way, but when death comes to town she finds herself embroiled in the investigation. She’s racing against time to uncover the murderer…but can there really be a second devious killer in Glen Cove? Vicky will stop at nothing to get to the truth.

Praise for VIVIAN CONROY

      ‘This book is a cross between Downton Abbey and Miss Marple. … Perfect for the long winter nights ahead where comfort becomes a key word in everyone's vocabulary.’ – Katherine (Goodreads), A Proposal to Die For

      ‘A Proposal to Die For is wonderfully smooth and glamorous, in the style of Agatha Christie combined with the beauty of Gatsby.’ - The Storycollector Blog

      ‘When it’s as charming as A Proposal to Die For mystery and history make the most wonderful combination.’ - Little Bookness Lane

      ‘Dead to Begin With is a charming, entertaining and absorbing cozy mystery and a great start to a new series.’ – Mystereity Reviews

      ‘Dead to Begin With by Vivian Conroy is a wonderful story, perfect for fans of Murder She Wrote, and I cannot wait for the next in the series!!’ – Books of All Kinds

      ‘What a cosy story featuring a cozy murder, and some cute dogs!’ – Rachel’s Random Reads, Dead to Begin With

Available from Vivian Conroy

      A Country Gift Shop Mystery series

      Dead to Begin with

      Grand Prize: Murder!

       Coming soon:

      Written into the Grave

      A Lady Alkmene Callender Mystery series

      Grand Prize Murder

      Diamonds of Death

      Deadly Treasures

       Grand Prize: Murder!

      Vivian Conroy

       VIVIAN CONROY

      discovered Agatha Christie at thirteen and quickly devoured all the Poirot and Miss Marple stories. Over time Lord Peter Wimsey and Brother Cadfael joined her favorite sleuths. Even more fun than reading was thinking up her own missing heirs and priceless artifacts. Discover the glamour and secrets of the roaring twenties in Vivian’s Lady Alkmene Callender Mysteries and open up shop, with murder in the mix, in the contemporary Country Gift Shop Mysteries. For news on the latest releases, with a dash of dogs and chocolate, follow Vivian on Twitter via @VivWrites

       Contents

       Cover

       Blurb

Praise

Book List

       Title Page

       Author Bio

Acknowledgements

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

       Excerpt

      Endpages

       Copyright

Acknowledgments

      Thanks to all editors, agents and authors who share insights into the writing and publishing process.

      A special thanks to my editor Victoria Oundjian for her continued enthusiasm for all my cozy mystery endeavors and to the design team for placing Mr. Pug and Coco at the heart of the atmospheric cover.

Chapter One

      “Dear citizens, visitors, special guests, friends of Glen Cove…”

      The mayor’s voice boomed through Main Street over the heads of the gathered crowd. His tie clip sparked in the sunshine.

      After a rainy spell overnight the skies had cleared