Holiday Away — B.V. Lawson

Con artist Beverly Laborde and police detective Adam Dutton form an unlikely partnership forged out of a shared sense of justice. Using her wiles and tricks of deception and his expertise and diligence, they reluctantly combine their individual strengths in pursuit of the truth. But first, they have to overcome their distrust of each other while fighting their growing—and inconvenient—mutual attraction. Holiday Away is a follow-on from the first three novels in the series, Steal Away, Hide Away, and Burn Away, and features two felonious holiday short stories that explore the darker side of the end-of-the-year festive season. Includes:MURDER IN THREE ACTSAt a costumed Halloween charity event, the air is thick with anticipation—and secrets. But when the lights suddenly go out during the evening's theatrical performance and come back on to reveal a bloody crime on stage, the night takes a deadly turn.Detective Adam Dutton springs into action, locking down the venue as he and his team work to unmask the killer. No one leaves, and no one is safe. While the police investigate, Beverly can't resist doing some sleuthing of her own, her instincts sharpened by years of lying, cheating, and surviving. But playing detective puts her in the crosshairs of a dangerous adversary, and it becomes clear that the murderer might be closer than anyone realizes.With a killer lurking among the glittering guests, Beverly must navigate her way through a maze of lies—both hers and others'—before she becomes the next victim. Will her skills as a con artist help her outwit the murderer, or has she finally conned her way into a trap from which there's no escape?THE VASE CHASEAt the heart of a bustling Christmas festival, where the air smells of gingerbread and antiques gleam under twinkling lights, con artist Beverly Laborde and detective Adam Dutton are on the hunt. Their friend, Harlan, has had a priceless set of antique plates stolen from his store, and the festive marketplace is the last place anyone suspects a crime spree. But when their investigation leads to an elderly woman desperate to sell a rare vase to cover her medical bills, things take a darker turn.With Beverly's charm and cunning and Adam's sharp instincts, the duo uncovers a network of deception running through the very heart of the holiday cheer. As they navigate lies, stolen relics, and the hopes of a woman on the edge, they'll need to stay one step ahead of the criminals to rescue not just their friend's stolen goods, but Christmas itself. But in a world of con artists and crooks, even a holiday miracle may come at a price.