Usually Christmas is a happy celebration in Crozet, Virginia but this year is the exception to the rule. While searching for a Christmas tree at the Brothers of Love Christmas tree farm, Harry, her husband and their three animal friends come upon a murdered monk. Brother Christopher, a former insider trader, had a slit throat. During the investigation of the scene by the county coroner, a Greek coin (an obol) was found under his tongue. Harry made a search over the internet and found out that in Greek mythology the obol ensures safe passage to the underworld. This seems an unusual element in the death of a monk.

Deputy Cynthia Cooper and sheriff Rick Shaw soon their holiday further complicated when another monk, Brother Speed (a former jockey) is also found murdered by someone using the same MO. The question is who is targeting the monks and for what reason? In spite of Harry's promise not to interfere with the investigation, she is dragged into it when her animals alert her to a stash of money hidden on her land. This latest discovery almost does Harry in as the culprit hits her over the head and leaves her unconscious during a snowstorm. Thankfully her animals lead Deputy Cooper and her husband, Fair, to her rescue. In the end, discovering whodunit leads the Haristeens and the authorities to a double-edged discovery.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Passing it along to AliceV.

I enjoyed listening to this book in the car. I love the Rita Mae Brown books and this is no exception. I plan to release it today at meetup or return it to geniedances.