The seats of the cafe filled quickly, with familiar faces from the town’s book club claiming spots near the front. Maeve, the lively leader of the group, was at the center of it all, chatting animatedly with the other book club ladies as they waited for Elliot to begin. Known for her sharp wit and passion for rare first editions, Maeve always had an opinion to share—and tonight was no exception. Her laughter rang out as she shared a clever observation about mysteries, delighting her friends.

Yet, even as she chatted, Maeve’s gaze kept straying to the front of the room. Every so often, she cast a glance toward the round table where Elliot’s book was showcased on display, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. It was clear that, despite her lively socializing, she was eagerly awaiting what Elliot had in store for them.

Sitting near the display table, Lucas, the local newspaper’s ambitious and notoriously high-strung reporter, was scribbling in his notepad, occasionally muttering to himself. “This scoop will be huge,” he whispered, pulling his phone out of his pocket. He stood and took a quick photo of the display before settling back in his chair, head down as he scrolled through his phone. As he read the screen, his face tightened, and he exhaled sharply, tapping his foot in rapid succession. Whatever he was reading, it seemed as if it wasn’t good news.

Near the cafe counter, Ruby, the newest employee, nervously rearranged coffee cups on a tray, her hands shaking just enough to make the spoons rattle. Tonight marked her first time hosting a big event at Chapter & Brew, and she was eager to make a good impression—maybe a little too eager. She cast quick, worried glances around the room, brushing stray hairs from her face and pulling at the hem of her apron, as if adjusting her appearance could calm her nerves. When a guest waved her over, she took a deep breath and tried to steady herself, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace.

Watching Elliot confidently greet the growing crowd with small talk from the stage, Jasper Bennett kept his distance, hands shoved into his pockets. Though he and Elliot had once been as close as brothers, Jasper now seemed content to slip into an unassuming spot near the back of the room, blending quietly into the crowd. His expression was hard to read—a flicker of a smile, perhaps, but nothing more—as he settled in to watch his old friend command the room.

The hum of conversation quieted as Elliot raised his hands in greeting from the small stage. “Thank you all for coming. I’m thrilled to share a little something special with you tonight,” he began, glancing fondly toward his book on the round table display.

But as he spoke, his expression shifted, eyes narrowing toward the display at the edge of the stage. The crowd noticed his sudden pause and followed his gaze, puzzled, as murmurs began to ripple through the room. The book—the very one with the alternate ending he had promised to unveil tonight—was gone. In its place, a single, torn page lay on the table, edges curling slightly as if it had been hastily ripped out.

Elliot turned back to the crowd, his face pale. “It seems,” he said slowly, “that someone has stolen the only copy of Peril at Pinecrest Parlor.” Gasps rippled through the audience as he scanned the room, suspicion in his gaze. One thing was clear: no one could leave until they uncovered who took it.

Who would dare steal the only copy of Elliot’s new mystery—and why? Watch for part 2 of The Mystery of the Missing Bestseller to hit your inbox tomorrow! 

**Note: you can expect your next email to show up at the same time of day tomorrow.