3 Gifts for Christmas

Christmas Gift!

That saying on Christmas morning is one of my family’s traditions, carried through four generations and more now.

How does the tradition work? The first person who wishes “Christmas Gift” to another wins the prize. That prize is supposed to be winner’s choice of one of the loser’s gifts, but we never took it that far. For us, we merely glory in being the first to say it.

I’m saying “Christmas Gift” to you—not to glory in being first, but to offer a gift or two or three for Christmas. Am I one of the three magi? I wouldn’t call myself wise in any respect LOL.

It’s THREE STORIES for you to fill your spare time from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day (except if you’re like me, you’re asking “Spare time? Who has spare time?”).

First up is shiny new story, not yet published, wrapped up in a tartan bow. “Spanish Moss” as the New
Orleans of 1925 as its backdrop, and a death, a will, and a way to commit murder. Remember Nedda Courtland from the Sailing with Mystery collection? Nedda and her wealthy employer visit south Louisiana, and trouble results.

This novelette is only available to you through Book Funnel; it will not officially publish until May or June. The current cover is merely a placeholder until the real cover arrives in late spring.

LINK Spanish Moss https://dl.bookfunnel.com/12isciosjd

Story #2 is from my pen name Edie Roones, a Wild Sherwood short story from the Out of Wild Sherwood collection. (Yes, I’m trying to get you to read my historical fantasy.) In “Keen-Edged Dagger”, we have a new character falsely accused of murder. Brigit is intent on achieving some kind of justice after her cousin’s death.

The short story published this past September, but this Book Funnel link will provide a free copy to you.

LINK Keen-Edged Dagger https://dl.bookfunnel.com/r147mbnqrh

Finally, it’s the annual gift of my first short story attempt. “The Lion’s Den” turned into a novella, 17K words when I was trying for 5K. The story is set in the London of the early 1920s with Jack and Filly. It’s a puzzle mystery and a bit of a love story.

Jack Portman had never forgotten Filly Malvaise. Then she walked into his local pub and into the clutches of a loan shark.

I enjoyed writing “The Lion’s Den”, but I realized that I definitely needed practice writing short stories. You may have previously received this novella as a gift. I keep offering it as a freebie because I do love how this story worked out.

LINK Lion’s Den https://dl.bookfunnel.com/zjnmxoc3rb

Take advantage of these gifts before the New Year begins rolling along. The links expire January 5. I’d hate for you to miss your Christmas gift.

You can also share the joy with family and friends. Forward the link to anyone who wants some reading.

Merry Christmas. May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and love ~ and a little mystery.

All the Best ~

M.A. Lee

Cover images by Emily R. Dunn and Deranged Doctor Design.

All images licensed from depositphotos.