Nutcracker Conspiracy

It's the most wonderful time of the year . . . unless you're on the naughty list.Candy Cane Hollow is aglow with festive cheer as the town prepares for its beloved Nutcracker Stroll—a magical evening where homes and businesses open their doors to showcase dazzling Nutcracker displays, complete with cinnamon-scented treats and snowflake-topped cocoa.This year, the event is extra special. It's Holly's first public appearance as Mrs. Claus, and her sister August has poured her heart into organizing the stroll to perfection.But when the final stop on the tour ends in tragedy, the sugar-dusted sparkle of the evening turns ice-cold. Antique dealer Ambrose Pearce is found dead beside her world-famous Nutcracker collection—and it's clear her death was no accident.As secrets begin to crack and suspicion falls on the very people Holly was meant to charm, she must juggle small-town politics, sibling tension, and one very suspicious cup of mulled wine.Can Holly uncover the truth before the killer melts back into the crowd?Or will this holiday season be remembered for all the wrong reasons?