Laura Bishop Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1-3

by Grace Topping

  The judging seemed to take hours to complete. Finally, Robin came to escort us back to the set. Tyrone and the other assistants stood to the side, while Zoe, Gloria, Brendan, and I lined up in front of our respective rooms. So much was riding on the results for all of us. Seeing Tyrone’s smiling face nearby lessened my nervousness.

  Simon welcomed the guests and thanked the judges and competitors. He looked subdued and, thankfully, was brief in his comments.

  “The judges have selected a first-place winner who will go on to our final event. They also selected a second-place winner on the chance the winner is unable to attend.”

  Always the showman, he slowly opened the envelop to build anticipation and extracted a white card. I held my breath and felt my heart pounding.

  “The winner of the CLTV semi-final competition is…Zoe!”

  His voice faded as relief washed over me. I was disappointed our room didn’t win, but knowing I wouldn’t have to go onto the finals elated me.

  “In second place, and the person who will be on standby, is Laura Bishop.”

  Chapter 41

  Buyers notice overflowing closets, full trash cans, toilet seats left up, and toiletries on the bathroom sink. Pay attention to details.

  The gray early morning clouds held a threat of rain and made the day gloomy. I shivered in the cool air as Aunt Kit and I waited outside the city jail for Chris’s release. The night before, I’d called my father to tell him about Olivia’s arrest. He could hardly believe the news Chris would soon be free. His voice broke as he tried to thank me for letting him know.

  Later, he called to inform me of Chris’s release time and their plan to leave Louiston immediately afterward. He explained Chris’s grandfather had taken a turn for the worse, and he was anxious to get Chris home so he could see him.

  My conversation with him had been awkward. It would take time for us to feel comfortable with each other, and for me to overcome my feelings of resentment. Hopefully, our relationship would improve with time.

  Aunt Kit and I wanted to be there when Chris was released. When he emerged from the building and caught sight of us, he bounded down the steps, and embraced me in a warm hug. Our father stood back, watching us.

  Chris released me and I studied him fondly. I had yearned for a brother or sister, and now I had them. Maybe our relationships would never be close, but it was still comforting to know Chris and Abby were in the world with me.

  “Detective Spangler told us all you did to prove I didn’t kill Beth,” he said. “I can’t thank you enough.”

  “It’s good to see you free. We had a few worrisome days.”

  I hadn’t told my father about my involvement in identifying Beth’s killer. In an ironic twist of fate, the child he’d deserted had saved his son.

  If I were honest with myself, being deserted and living with an emotionally remote mother had shaped me into the woman I’d become—independent and driven to succeed. Most likely, that need had come from my desire to prove my worthiness. Thankfully, I no longer needed to prove anything to others. I only had to please myself.

  Looking at my father, I realized I hadn’t done too poorly without him. It was time to forgive him and move on. I looked at him and smiled.

  He smiled back. “Thank you, Laura, from the bottom of my heart.”

  “I’m relieved it worked out.” I turned to Chris. “What will you do now?”

  “With the production company in a mess, I probably won’t go back there—at least not right now. My mother is anxious to see I’m okay, and I want to see my grandfather. So, I’m going home for a few days. After that, I’ll decide what to do next.”

  “Before you go, there’s something you should know. Aunt Kit was able to transcribe what Beth wrote in her journal about you.”

  “It was clear she still cared for you,” Aunt Kit said. “She was determined to expose Simon Tate and knew that could get messy. She broke up with you to protect you.”

  “Thank you, Aunt Kit. Is it okay if I call you that?”

  “You better.” She reached out and hugged him.

  Chris laughed. “Aunt Kit it is.” Instantly, he turned more somber. “I appreciate learning what Beth wrote—more than you’ll ever know.”

  Chris turned back to me. “I’m glad you’re my sister. I look forward to getting to know you better.”

  My throat tightened, but I managed to get words out. “I look forward to that.”

  My father looked at his watch. “I’m sorry we can’t stay longer. We need to make our flight. My wife wants you to visit us. I hope you will.” He leaned down and gave me an awkward hug. “Oh, one more thing.” He handed me an envelope.

  Puzzled, I opened it and pulled out a picture postcard of Big Ben. Scribbled on the back of it was a note in girlish script. “Get your passport ready. I want you to visit me in England. Your sister, Abby.”

  Chapter 42

  Home stagers can help homeowners transition from one home to another by purging household items, arranging for packing and unpacking, and hiring movers.

  The strains of “Seventy-Six Trombones” played and loud applause broke out as the cast of Music Man came on stage for a final bow. Opening night for the Louiston Players had been wildly successful.

  Nita glowed with pleasure as she took center stage for her bow. With her family and friends filling half the auditorium, the applause at her appearance was loud and boisterous. I was extremely proud of my friend and her outstanding performance. She was a natural. I was certain her first performance with the Louiston Players wouldn’t be her last.

  Aunt Kit and I gathered with Nita’s family members in the lobby waiting for Nita, Tyrone, and Mrs. Webster to join us so we could celebrate. The stage settings Tyrone designed and Mrs. Webster’s work on the costumes all played a part in the production’s success.

  I helped Aunt Kit with her coat. “Now with the competition over, how do you feel about it?”

  “Frankly, coming in second place was a relief. I gave it my all, but I truly didn’t want to end up with my own television show, especially after seeing the drama that can come with it.”

  “I’m glad Louiston won’t be losing you, especially now that I’m moving back here. Nita was worried you might be disappointed you didn’t win.”

  “No. I’m quite happy with my life right here.”

  “Hi, Ms. Bishop.” I turned to find Nicki Spangler behind me, bouncing on her toes and waving her program in her excitement. “Wasn’t the play wonderful?”

  Detective Spangler and an older woman stood behind her.

  “It was. I gather you enjoyed it.”

  “Oh, yes. I hope the Players do a show with some kids in it someday so I can try out for a part.”

  I was pleased to see her looking so happy, quite unlike the night she’d run away from home and ended up at my house.

  She turned to her father. “Go ahead, Dad.” Nicki urged him. “Ask her.”

  “Patience, young lady.” He turned to the woman beside him. “Mom, this is Laura Bishop. Laura, this is my mother, Joy Spangler.”

  We shook hands, and I introduced them to Aunt Kit.

  “It’s a pleasure meeting you.” Mrs. Spangler smiled warmly at me. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  That surprised me and piqued my interest.

  Nicki tugged on her father’s arm. “Dad, now?”

  “I’m ruled by women,” he sighed. “What Nicki is anxious for me to do is invite you to join us for dinner on Sunday.”

  His eyes met mine, and he smiled. For a second, I was breathless.

  I slowly nodded. “I’d like that. Yes, I’d like that very much.”

  THE END

  (Book #3)

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  About the Author

  Grace Topping is an Agatha Award finalist and the USA Today bestselling author of the Laura Bishop home staging cozy mystery series. She’s a recovering technical writer and IT project manager accustomed to writing lean, boring documents. Let loose to write fiction, she’s now killing off characters who remind her of people she dealt with during her career. She is the former VP of the Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime, the Membership Guppy of the SINC Guppy Chapter, and a member of Mystery Writers of America.

  Recipes

  Laura Bishop doesn’t ply sources with liquor to loosen their lips. Instead, she knows the value of questioning them in a place conducive to sharing secrets—a cozy English-style teashop. Who wouldn’t open up while enjoying sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and fruit tarts, all washed down with fragrant tea? It worked for Laura, and she was able to get good leads that helped her unmask a murderer.

  Next time you want to coerce someone into spilling their secrets, serve an English-style tea and include scones like the ones served at the Orangery, the teashop frequented by Laura and her sources.

  English Butterscotch Tea Scones

  Ingredients

  4 cups all-purpose flour

  1 teaspoon baking soda

  2 teaspoons baking powder

  ½ teaspoon salt

  ½ cup granulated sugar

  1 stick cold unsalted butter (4 ounces) cut into small pieces

  1 cup butterscotch chips (or substitute 1 cup cinnamon chips, currants, or raisins)

  1 egg

  1 ½ cups buttermilk (or substitute 1 ½ cups milk with 2 tablespoons white vinegar. Allow to sit for ten minutes.)

  Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Cut in butter until the mixture is the size of small pebbles. Add butterscotch chips (or currants or raisins) to dry mixture and stir to coat well. Set aside.

  Beat egg and buttermilk together and add to dry ingredients. Stir to combine all ingredients. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly. Roll dough until it is 1 inch thick or press with floured fingertips.

  Cut rounds with a lightly floured cutter or a juice glass and place on a greased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper. Brush lightly with milk or cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

  Bake 20-25 minutes or until scones are lightly browned. Allow to cool. Slice in half and spread with butter or whipped cream and jam. Enjoy!

  Aunt Kit’s Favorite Chicken Dish

  Chicken with Mushrooms and Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry Sauce

  Ingredients

  2 tablespoons butter

  4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

  2 cups sliced mushrooms

  1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup

  1/2 cup Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry (or any brand of

  cream sherry—sweet, not dry) or more to taste

  ¼ cup milk

  Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 10 minutes or until well browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet.

  Reduce the heat to medium. Heat the remaining butter in the skillet. Add the mushrooms and cook until they are tender, stirring occasionally.

  Stir the soup, milk, and sherry in the skillet and heat to a boil. Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Season to taste. Serve with rice, cooked noodles, or mashed potatoes.

  Ginger Cookies With Crystalized Ginger

  Ingredients

  ½ cup Greek Yoghurt

  1 cup light or dark brown sugar

  1 egg

  ¼ cup molasses

  2 cups all-purpose flour

  ½ teaspoon salt

  1 teaspoon cinnamon

  ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

  1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger

  2 teaspoons baking soda

  ½ cup coarsely chopped crystallized ginger

  1/3 cup granulated sugar or more as needed

  Preheat oven to 350F.

  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

  In a large bowl with an electric mixer or by hand, cream together Greek yoghurt and sugar for 2 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses.

  Sift together flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and baking soda. Stir into batter. Stir in crystallized ginger. The batter will be thick. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

  Roll into 1-inch balls for small cookies or 2-inch balls for larger cookies. Place granulated sugar on a small bowl. Roll balls in the sugar to coat. Place on a cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. The cookies will spread when baking. Keep dough refrigerated between batches.

  Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cracked on top, slightly firm to the touch, and golden brown. They will crisp up as they cool. Cool on wire racks.

  English Sherry Cherry Trifle

  A
trifle can best be described as a dessert that is a trifle of this and a trifle of that. No two people make it exactly the same and substitutions abound. This is a version served at the Orangery.

  Making an English trifle is all about layering ingredients in a deep glass bowl for a beautiful presentation. Alternatively, clear glasses with wide openings can be used to make individual desserts.

  Ingredients

  9×13 white or yellow cake, baked and cooled (lady fingers or sliced pound cake can be substituted)

  1/2 cup Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry or any quality cream sherry (see note below)

  3 heaping tablespoons of cherry jam or preserves, or other fruit spread

  2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (defrosted and drained)

  4 cups of milk to use in prepared custard (see note below)

  Birds Custard Powder or two boxes of instant or cooked pudding mix (see note below)

  2 small boxes or one large box of cherry Jell-O

  1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

  1 teaspoon powdered sugar

  2 or 3 tablespoons of ground or sliced nuts or chocolate sprinkles for decoration

  A trifle consists of layers of cake, fruit, gelatin (Jell-O), custard, whipped cream, and garnishes. Prepare all the ingredients for the layers in advance of layering. The number of layers will depend on the depth of the bowl used. One layer of each will still make for a nice presentation.

  For one layer of each. Line the bottom of the glass dish with slices of cake. Spread the cake with the jam or preserves. Sprinkle the sherry (or fruit juice) evenly over the cake.

  Note: Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry (not dry sherry) is commonplace in an English sherry trifle, but liqueurs like Grand Marnier, Frangelico, or Amaretto can be substituted. Fruit juice can also be used for a non-alcoholic version.