The Diva Haunts the House

Table of Contents

 

 

PRAISE FOR

“[Davis] handles this tricky tale with aplomb and fills it with a cast of eccentrics . . . And the three animals are endlessly amusing. Davis includes several recipes, and although the novel takes place during a Virginia winter, the strawberry daiquiris will have you pretending it’s summer.”

 

“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.”

“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.”

 

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

 

 

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

 

“Mistaken identities, half truths, buried secrets, missing jewelry, wedding jitters, and family squabbles are whipped into a sweet froth in this second of the Domestic Diva Mysteries . . . A fun little bonbon of a book to enjoy on the beach or as a break from any wedding plans.”

—
ReviewingTheEvidence.­com

 

“Sure to thrill cozy fans.”

 

“Davis has devised a delightful romp, with engaging characters and a nicely crafted setting in which to place them. The author sets just the right tone to match her diva’s perfect centerpieces, tablescapes, and lighting effects.”

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

 

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

—Mary Jane Maffini, author of
Closet Confidential

 

“This cozy mystery delivers a plethora of useful household tips and mouthwatering recipes immersed within 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,
The Diva Runs Out of Thyme
is a lighthearted mystery that is sure to get you in the Thanksgiving mood . . . [A] must-read to prepare for the holiday season!”

 

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

 

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

 

“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.”

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

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Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

 

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. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

 

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.

 

THE DIVA HAUNTS THE HOUSE

 

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

 

PRINTING HISTORY
Berkley Prime Crime mass-market edition / September 2011

Copyright © 2011 by Cristina Ryplansky. Cover illustration by Teresa Fasolino. Cover design by Diana Kolsky. Interior text design by Laura K. Corless.

 

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions. For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.

 

ISBN : 978-1-101-55112-7

 

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Berkley Prime Crime Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am so grateful to all the wonderful people who gave of their time, expertise, and imagination during the writing of this book. Special thanks to Rhonda Dossett, who shared her childhood memory of wrapping socks around her neck to prevent vampire bites! Also to Julie Hyzy, who so kindly filled me in about the details of a séance she attended. Naturally, any errors in the séance in this book are my own. I am also grateful to Beth Solheim for her expertise on coffins and caskets.

I was overwhelmed by the generosity of Mary B. Smith-Morrison for sharing her famous Sweet Potato Pie recipe, and I thank her daughter, Patsy Smith Morgan, for coaxing it out of her. This is the real thing, and has already become a favorite at my house. Many thanks, too, to Meg London for the fabulous microwave risotto recipe, which I turned into Bat Cave Risotto by adding black beans for a creepy touch. And what would I do without my wonderful friend Amy Wheeler, who patiently mixed ingredients until she achieved the delicious Immortal Kiss.

As always, I’m grateful to my mother and Susan Smith Erba for their suggestions and enthusiasm. My friends Meg London, Kaye George, Marilyn Levinson, Laura Alden, Janet Bolin, and Avery Aames are always there to help me get over humps and think outside the box. Janet and Avery also keep me on track with their insightful critiques. I can’t forget my dear friend Betsy Strickland, who is my best first reader and biggest promoter. Her support surpasses anything I could possibly deserve.

Many thanks to my delightful new agent, Jessica Faust, for staying on top of everything. And very special thanks to my editor, Sandra Harding, who is always such a delight, not to mention patient and fun! Thanks also to the very talented Teresa Fasolino, who has once again painted a cover that is a perfect window into Sophie’s world.

I must thank the charming Robin Bierlein, who told me about the Dracula orchid when I was on tour in North Carolina. Last, but not least, I thank Brach’s and Dianna Dailey of Kroger for providing a case of candy corn off-season—for free!

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Old Town Alexandria is rumored to have plenty of ghosts, as one might expect of a historic location. However, Viktor Luca is totally a figment of my imagination. If any vampires have resided in or passed through Old Town Alexandria, I have no knowledge of it.

BUBBLE & TROUBLE

A COFFIN & CAULDRON FOR OTHERWORLDLY TRAVELERS

 

Bernie

Humphrey