Snowed Under Murder - A Sierra Pines B&B mystery by Kathryn Long

The holiday season has arrived when all should be merry in Sierra Pines. A plea from her mother pushes Ali to offer her annoying cousin, Nathan, and his even more annoying bride, Isadora, lodging at the B&B. When Isadora is found dead at the bottom of a ski slope and fingers point to Nathan as suspect number one, the merry season turns into a scary season for the residents of Sierra Pines. Soon, the B&B needs numerous repairs, the Sierra Pines Alliance of Cultural Activities is missing funds, and business owners quarrel incessantly about their dismal sales. What horrible spell has fallen on this cozy town? What’s worse—everyone blames Nathan for bringing a curse. Ali knows her cousin might get on her nerves, but he’s no killer. However, can she prove his innocence?

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Excerpt

The lift car swayed again as we came to a stop. Ralph jumped down and held my hand as I followed.

Wind whipped through my hair and a spray of snow stung my face. I placed the goggles over my eyes and took a deep breath. Cold air traveled into my lungs and invigorated me. From up here the world below and everyone in it seemed so small and insignificant. Somehow, I felt stronger.

“Are you ready to go, Miss Winston?” Ralph nudged me.

To answer, I pushed off with my poles and, leaning forward, schussed down the hill. The force of cold air tingled my skin as I picked up speed. A rush of adrenaline ran through me and, for a moment, surprised me. Up to now, all my concentration had been on keeping the proper stance so I wouldn’t lose my balance and fall. This feeling was so much better. I laughed out loud as I shifted weight to my outside leg and slalomed across the slope. Amazed at how the movement came without effort, I tried again, turning to the opposite side which came closer to the expert slope.

Wind whistled in my ears, yet somehow, I heard a mournful, high-pitched cry echoing from the line of pines on my right. As if my gut instinct took over, I slalomed toward the trees and that sound, ignoring Ralph who shouted my name again and again. Maybe I acted paranoid. After witnessing the dramatic and confusing displays back at the lodge and the anxious mood they put me in, who could blame me?

With a sharp turn of my skis, I stuck my poles in the ground and came to a stop. I held my breath and, for a few seconds, heard only the soft rustle of branches swaying in the breeze. Could the sound have been the screech of a bird or wildcat? Plenty of wildlife lived in the Sierras. I shrugged and stepped to bring my skis around, pointing toward the slope, when a scream pierced the silence. I tensed. The frightening sound came from beyond the pines and in the same direction as before.

Without hesitating, I pushed off to steer around the grove of pines and find a path. In several hundred yards, I came to a clearing, which led to the more difficult slope, but I didn’t stop to consider any other option. Those screams might be a cry for help. I couldn’t ignore that.

The path descended. Soon, I spotted a sign that warned skiers of the drop off ahead. Catching my breath, I kept going, only at a slower pace. The clearing grew narrower, and I could see another cluster of pines up ahead. I pulled to a stop. Shielding my eyes from the sunlight, I scanned the area from left to right. Movement far off to my right made me freeze. Red parka and black cap. My heartbeat skipped then raced faster. Nathan wore a red parka and black cap. I pushed off with the poles and skirted around the trees to reach him.

He stood with his hands clasping the back of his head. Shifting his upper body side to side, he let out a mournful cry.

“Nathan?” I stepped behind him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. “Nathan?” I spoke softer. “What’s wrong?”

In a slow and awkward gesture, he raised his arm, trembling as he pointed to the drop off.

I swallowed and leaned over to peer into the ravine. A tiny whimper escaped my lips. A florescent pink jacket stood out against the background of white. Arms and legs spread in awkward directions. And a fluffy fur hat lay to the side. I squeezed my eyes shut then opened them wide. The image hadn’t disappeared. Gripping Nathan’s coat sleeve, I steadied my wobbly knees. “Isadora?” My voice whispered, carried away by the wind. In all the dramatic fashion she’d be proud of, Isadora had given her final performance.

About the Author

Kathryn is a native Ohioan. Writing mysteries has always been her passion in creating intricate details and weaving them together into the clues which the reader will enjoy collecting to solve the crime.

Her favorite subgenres of mystery include -- cozies and romantic suspense. Published works include LILLY M. MYSTERIES - a self-published series; DYING TO DREAM, a paranormal mystery by Mainly Murder Press; A DEADLY DEED GROWS & WHEN I CHOOSE published by The Wild Rose Press; BURIED IN SIN by Black Opal Books; SIERRA PINES B&B MYSTERIES, a cozy series, by Camel Press; and the PAINT BY MURDER cozy series by Crooked Lane Books, under the pen name, Bailee Abbott.

For more information about the author and her work, visit www.kathrynlongauthor.com, her Facebook page: Kathryn Long's Books and Twitter @klongauthor. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers.

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