Candle for a Corpse — Marilyn Leach

Who would guess that a simple Advent wreath would light the way to solving a Christmastide mystery in a small English village? Well, when Berdie Elliott -- the local vicar's wife and former investigative reporter -- gets the scent, anything can happen. Though Berdie's husband often disapproves, her divine gift of sorting truth from lies puts her in the stew. Along with her best friend, Lillie, Berdie unwraps far more than Christmas presents when an Advent gathering at the vicarage goes awry, and murder rocks the village. Lively newcomers, secret identities, a clandestine wedding, and a dissenting constable add to the adventure of unraveling the mystery that Berdie -- to the delight of the entire village -- finally ties up like a bright Christmas bow. Tea and biscuits anyone? Formerly released as Advent of a Mystery.