One Book in the Grave: A Bibliophile Mystery

little shocked all at the same time. This was so unexpected. I mean, we were living together, but we weren’t
living together
. And of course I was crazy about him, butI still wasn’t sure what to think. I decided to try to relax and enjoy the party. I’d be doing a lot of thinking about things later.
     
    Derek gazed across the terrace. “This might be the perfect moment to give the guests of honor their gift.”
     
    I turned and saw Emily and Max talking quietly by themselves. “Yes, let’s go.”
     
    Emily had insisted that none of the partygoers bring gifts, but mine was an exception to the rule. Derek and I walked up to them, followed by some of the friends and family who knew about the surprise.
     
    I handed them the newly restored
Beauty and the Beast.
Emily started to protest, until she saw what it was.
     
    “Oh, Brooklyn,” Emily said, holding her breath as she opened the crimson outer case and saw the book inside. “Oh, it’s stunning.”
     
    I rushed to explain, “I know you originally wanted to keep the book all scruffy and tattered like my friend Max here.”
     
    Emily giggled and Max smiled indulgently.
     
    “But I just couldn’t deal with all the negative energy inside the pages. Those were some nasty hooves holding on to this book for too many years.”
     
    There were a few chuckles, and I took advantage of the moment to breathe. Then I continued to talk, trying to justify my decision and rationalize why I hadn’t consulted with them on the final design. “Anyway, I went ahead and restored its timeless beauty. I hope you love the new version and find it beautiful. As new and beautiful and timeless as your love for each other.”
     
    Emily burst into happy tears. A very satisfactory reaction, except that nobody cried alone when I was around. Derek handed me his handkerchief and I sniffled along with Emily.
     
    “Thanks, honey,” Max said, and bent down to kiss my cheek.
     
    “Thank you, Brooklyn,” Emily whispered, as the crowd around us applauded.
     
    Beside me, Derek wrapped an arm around my shoulder.I gazed up at him and smiled. Was everyone as happy as I was at that very moment?
     
    Emily cleared her throat and gripped Max’s arm firmly. “Brooklyn, I want you to know that my Beast and I will cherish and enjoy this book forever.”
     
    I felt someone nudge my elbow and turned around to find Ian waggling his eyebrows at me. I winced as I realized I’d forgotten to ask Emily about donating the book to the Covington. I shook my head at Ian, but he just smiled.
     
    Max took the book from Emily and said, “And since we want everyone to cherish and enjoy the book as much as we do, we’re donating it to the children’s wing of the Covington Library, where it’ll bring happiness to children of every age.”
     
    My eyes widened and I whipped around. “You didn’t.”
     
    Ian laughed. “I did. I’m pushy that way.”
     
    The crowd burst into applause again, and Ian cheered the loudest. “Champagne for everyone!”
     
    “A toast!” Dad cried, holding up his champagne glass as Savannah’s waiters sifted through the crowd, pouring the bubbly for everyone.
     
    Emily and Max exchanged glances, then looked at me. Emily was blushing as Max said, “We’ll be toasting with ginger ale. We’re having a baby.”
     
    I gasped and Derek laughed as I fumbled for his handkerchief again. I couldn’t help it. I just loved a happy ending.
     

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    Peril in Paperback
    Available from Obsidian in August 2012

“We call it the library suite,” my hostess said, beaming with pride as she led me into the spacious bedroom suite that would be all mine for the next six days.
    “I can see why.” Gazing around the room, I hoped my expression remained calm despite a volatile mix of shock, fascination, and trepidation coursing through me as I took in the mad proliferation of books.
     
    I love books, but this is ridiculous,
I thought.
     
    “Isn’t it marvelous?” she said, smoothing the pale sage duvet cover on the king-sized bed. “Ruth teases me about my book obsession, but I have a good time with it.”
     
    “I’m stunned,” I muttered. It was the truth. The number of books she’d managed to cram into this spacious bedroom/sitting room was astounding.
     
    I’m Brooklyn Wainwright, book restoration expert and lover of books, good food and wine, and lately, doughnuts. I had driven up to Lake Tahoe that