Masquerade Mysteries in Flower Power Trip

A library fundraiser turns into an investigation in James J. Cudney's Flower Power Trip. At a masquerade ball, Kellan discovers a body wearing a Dr. Evil costume. Identifying what happened to the strange man associated with the Roarke and Daughters Inn is only the beginning of the trouble.

Several mysteries compete for attention

College president Ursula becomes a stalker's target. Strange letters arrive, and a special flower exhibit is also in town. Kellan must decide which problem needs attention first while trying to understand whether the leads belong together.

The costume makes the initial discovery distinctive, but it does not explain the victim or the motive. Likewise, several unusual events occurring close together do not automatically establish their relationship. Sorting connections is part of the reading appeal, giving the audience questions to consider alongside Kellan.

A new family draws scrutiny

The leads repeatedly point toward the Stoddards, recent arrivals in the community. Their appearance gives the investigation a family focus without revealing which secret, person, or connection will matter most.

The Stoddards give several leads a shared direction without making the larger situation simple. Kellan still has a death, a threatened president, and strange correspondence competing for his attention. The masquerade's disguises have given way to a more persistent uncertainty about what people in the community may be concealing.