Gourmet Holiday Murder — Patti Benning

Eleanora Pacelli is thrilled to finally be the official owner of Papa Pacelli's Pizzeria. In an effort to make it feel more real, she decides to make some small changes to the pizzeria, and hires a contractor to install a pickup window in the back. With Christmas drawing near, Ellie's focus is split between construction plans and preparations for her favorite holiday. The giant pine tree in front of the Pacelli house is just begging to be decorated, and of course there are gifts to buy for all of the people who form her extended family in Kittiport. Ellie's holiday cheer comes to an abrupt halt when a terrible tragedy occurs during construction. All of her plans for the pizzeria expansion, as well as holiday festivities, get put on hold as she and Russell race to find the killer before someone else gets hurt, but the killer is closer than she ever imagined.