Gravesyde Village Mystery Series by Patricia Rice

“Patricia Rice writes stories with so much attention to detail the characters truly seem to come to life.” BooklistThe past rarely gives second chances—and neither do killersDamien Sutter fled his abusive family and the decaying village of Gravesyde at age twenty, abandoning his first love without a second look back... more“Patricia Rice writes stories with so much attention to detail the characters truly seem to come to life.” BooklistThe past rarely gives second chances—and neither do killersDamien Sutter fled his abusive family and the decaying village of Gravesyde at age twenty, abandoning his first love without a second look back. Fifteen years later, he’s a respected solicitor, returning only to sell his inherited property, never expecting to find the best part of his childhood still unmarried—and believing him capable of treachery.Despite her humiliating spinsterhood, fiery Brydie Calhoun refuses to marry any man who doesn't appreciate her spirited temperament. Nor should she be forced to pair with someone possessing fewer wits than her own. But when her childhood sweetheart returns, Brydie is forced to deal with the devil… and his troubled past.Alarmed that a traveling camp of political and religious zealots will cause difficulty in selling his inheritance, Damien approaches them, only to watch in horror as his estranged mother is shot before his eyes. After another murderous attack on a prominent citizen, it becomes clear that the town he despises is under siege. With Brydie in his reach again—and possibly in danger—he can’t walk away this time.Damien and Brydie must unravel a tangled tale of rivalry and greed before tragedy strikes again. Can they confront his past and stop the killer before it’s too late for reconciliation--or even survival?GRAVESYDE VILLAGE MYSTERY BOOKSBook #1 The Villain’s Fatal PlotBook #2 The Scoundrel’s Deadly Deed less

From NYT bestselling author Patricia A twist-filled Regency mystery, perfect for fans of cozy village whodunits, slow-burn romance, and quirky characters.Murder and mayhem threaten a village's much-anticipated Christmas celebrationRafe Russell, bailiff for Gravesyde Priory Village, has his hands full running an inn with his schoolteacher wife while planning Christmas celebrations... moreFrom NYT bestselling author Patricia A twist-filled Regency mystery, perfect for fans of cozy village whodunits, slow-burn romance, and quirky characters.Murder and mayhem threaten a village's much-anticipated Christmas celebrationRafe Russell, bailiff for Gravesyde Priory Village, has his hands full running an inn with his schoolteacher wife while planning Christmas celebrations. All visions of sugar plums dissolve, however, with the violent murder of a promiscuous baker, whose death leaves the village facing a Christmas without. . . tarts. . . or bread.The appearance of two adorable orphans in Rafe’s stable definitely doesn’t represent the nativity, not after their nanny is found dead and no one knows to whom they belong. The community is no longer merry but terrified—and outraged.Rafe has no choice but to accept help—because even with a killer on the loose, the new inhabitants of Gravesyde refuse to cower behind closed doors. The curate and his wife mean to return the orphans to their family before Christmas. Rafe’s usually inimitable wife fears a madman stalks the streets. The new lawyer and his bride insist on finding answers so the bakery might return to baking bread. Are they help or hindrance?As the self-declared relations to the dead women and orphans arrive, the suspect list grows. Can Rafe and the community untangle this gnarled knot before Joy to the World becomes a funeral dirge?"Rice has a magical touch for creating fascinating plots, delicious romance, and delightful characters."—Booklist"You can always count on Patricia Rice for an entertaining story with just the right mix of romance, humor, and emotion."—The Romantic ReaderGRAVESYDE VILLAGE MYSTERY BOOKSBook #1 The Villain’s Fatal PlotBook #2 The Scoundrel’s Deadly DeedBook #3 The Tart’s Final Noel less