The Christmas Coroner — Paul Austin Ardoin

A dead celebrity chef. A quiet beach town. And a coroner racing to solve the crime before Christmas. Just days before Estancia's annual Christmas Parade, the body of a rising-star chef is discovered in a remote hillside cabin. At first glance, it looks like a tragic accident—until Coroner Fenway Stevenson starts asking questions.The victim wasn't just any chef. She was a social media sensation with a growing fanbase, a hidden identity, and a long list of people who wanted to see her fail. As Fenway digs deeper, she uncovers tensions simmering between rival farmers, a string of online grudges, and a past the victim was desperate to keep buried.As the holiday festivities roll on, Fenway finds herself pulled into a mystery no one wants to talk about. Political pressure is mounting, the town's image is on the line, and the sheriff's department would rather keep things quiet.But when another threat surfaces, Fenway realizes the killer isn't finished yet.With time running out and danger circling closer, Fenway must navigate small-town secrets, social media fame, and her own personal doubts to uncover the truth-before the next victim is found under the tree.Smart, tightly plotted, and packed with holiday suspense, The Christmas Coroner is a novella in the bestselling Fenway Stevenson Mysteries. Perfect for fans of Louise Penny, Melinda Leigh, and Ann Cleeves, this quick but satisfying read blends forensic intrigue, coastal charm, and a coroner who never backs down.