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Don't Upstage the BodyNaomi Stephens

Christian cozy mystery suspense

Don't Upstage the Body

by Naomi Stephens

In 1957, Hippolyta Halfpenny belongs to a family of professional mourners who use aliases and theatrical skill to provide exactly the grief their clients request. She intends the funeral of reclusive Lord Basil Monfort to be her final performance, until she discovers the undertaker dead during the wake. Flooded roads trap the funeral party at the estate with the murderer, forcing Hippolyta to investigate while maintaining the family's elaborate charade. This historical cozy mystery combines locked-house suspense, British eccentricity, performance, family secrets, and a heroine whose talent for pretending may help her recognize who else is acting.

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Case-File Cold Brew + Cipher Gimlet

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At a glance

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Spice1 of 5
Suspense4 of 5
Creepy2 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Undertaker found dead during a wake; murder investigation; funeral party trapped by washed-out roads with an unidentified killer; decades-old secrets; funeral/death themes; Christian themes and restrained romance.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Case-File Cold Brew

Rich coffee suits an evening of clues and clever sleuthing.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Stir any sweetener, cocoa, or spices into the coffee until dissolved. Add milk or cream if listed and garnish as indicated.
  2. Garnish: Orange peel if listed; otherwise none.
  3. Glassware: Mug or highball glass as appropriate.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Cipher Gimlet

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A crisp botanical pour suits an evening of clues and clever sleuthing.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe.
  2. Garnish: Rosemary sprig or lime wheel.
  3. Glassware: Coupe.

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