The Deadly Christmas Wreath (Abigail Summers Cozy Mysteries Book 8)

A killer Christmas… and a wreath full of clues

When a politician is murdered under the mistletoe at a festive town hall disco, the case seems more baffling than festive. But for Abigail Summers—dressmaker in life, sleuth in death—it’s the start of a chilling mystery that winds through wreaths, ghostly clues, and a curse that could kill again.

With the help of psychic medium Hayley and her police constable husband, Abigail follows a series of cryptic symbols on a Christmas wreath, each linked to a deadly “gift.” As bodies begin to fall and secrets unravel, the team discovers ties to corruption, cover-ups, and a revenge plot decades in the making.

But the season of suspense isn’t over. At the grand halls of Hawthorne Manor, an ancient curse threatens three lives before New Year’s Eve. As dinner parties turn deadly and spirits stir from the past, the sleuths must untangle truth from legend—before time runs out.

Join the Deadly Detective Agency in their most festive, and most dangerous, case yet. The Deadly Christmas Wreath is the eighth book in Ann Parker’s cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of ghostly twists, witty sleuths, and holiday intrigue.

Excerpt from the book

“Now, are you sure everything is in place?” said Mayor Crimble. “I don’t want anything going wrong tonight. We’ve got the Chiltern Weekly coming later to do a piece for the next edition.”

“Don’t worry, Charles,” said Mrs Parsons for the tenth time. She had looked after three previous mayors and been his personal assistant for two years, and she knew he was a perfectionist — or at least he expected her to do everything perfectly. In fact, she had been with him longer than with her husband. “The food is going out now, and the DJ has nearly finished setting up.”

The mayor stood outside the town hall on Becklesfield High Street, which was due to open its doors at half past seven exactly. He was very pleased that the large Christmas tree on the green had been decorated and that the lights were illuminating the area.

“So they arrive and walk along the red carpet to the arch, stand under the mistletoe, and have their photos taken. Then walk up the steps and go in. Why isn’t the photographer here yet?”

“He’ll be here any minute, Charles. He said he only needs thirty minutes to set up. Just relax.”

“That’s easy for you to say. Don’t forget we’ve got the local Member of Parliament coming as well.”

“Mr Beaumont will be well looked after. I’ll see to it myself.”

They walked up the steps into the warmth of the foyer. Mayor Crimble stopped to admire the wreath on the door.

“That’s a nice touch, Mrs Parsons. Well done.”

“It’s nothing to do with me. I’ve no idea who put that there. But it is very nice. I’d like one myself for my front door.”

The wreath was a ring of holly, pine, and other greenery. Dotted around it were miniature knitted ornaments.

“I love the detail — mistletoe, a cracker, plum pudding, a bell, a stocking, a snowman, and a tiny candy cane. Find out who makes them. I’ll get one for my wife.”

“I’ll get us both one. I expect they sell them at the Christmas market. So then you stand here with Mrs Mayor and greet the guests as they enter.”

“I feel naked tonight,” said the mayor with a sigh.

God forbid, thought Mrs Parsons. “Excuse me?”

“You know, without my robe and regalia. Perhaps they’ll get to see me as I really am,” he said pompously.

More like the emperor’s new clothes, she nearly said. “So will you be mingling then?”

“Well, er, yes — with the people I know. I have to keep my respectability.”

“Yes, you don’t want to be seen with the commoners,” mumbled Mrs Parsons.

“Pardon? What did you say?”

“I said, come on, let me show you the decorations in the hall. I think you’ll be very pleased,” she said, as they entered the large room.

“Very festive. I’m glad there’s a glitter ball. Takes me back to dancing in my youth.”

Mrs Parsons could never imagine him young, let alone dancing.

His smile soon dropped as he came back to the present. “Are you sure we have enough chairs? And tables? It’ll soon fill up. I hope you have a VIP section.”