Unhinged Holiday

by Cindy Davis, Rick Palmacci (Illustrator)

Barrie Bennett is buried in plans for a gratitude party for her neighbors, who stood by her during Captain Conklin’s quest for power. Videos of his behavior go viral and he is soon headed out of town.In the meantime, it’s time for the Christmas season at her Flea Market Flip Shop in Key Largo. The most recent restoration project, a giant oak mantel, its front peppered with tack-holes from generations of stockings hung by the chimney with care. A big two secret panels at the base of each leg.

Finally, the mantel’s panels open revealing silver coins from a ship sunk in 1688 off the coast of Florida.

With Grayson moving permanently to Hawaii, Barrie hires Ellis Tanaka. She isn’t in any way a physical replacement for Gray, as she’s barely five feet tall, and a hundred pounds soaking wet, but she’s excited to be on the team. Without hesitation, she dives into the search for the owner of the coins.

Somehow news of the coins spreads. Of course, someone is willing to do anything to get them. Can Barrie find the original owner before it’s too late?

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2025

About the author

When I lived in New England I stayed indoors and wrote murder mysteries. Now, in Florida, where I can be outdoors twelve months of the year, I write self-help and metaphysical fiction.

Maybe it's the warm weather!

I travel around absorbing earth energy and doing motivational speaking.

www.cindydavisauthor.com, www.fiction-doctor.com

Reviews

[Jan Romes · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the first two books in this series, this third installment is the perfect cozy mystery whose cast of characters kept my attention throughout the story. I smile a lot at the main character - Barrie. She's a deep thinker, a true and appreciative friend, strong on her own although she's wise enough to let others prop her up when things go haywire, has a keen sense of humor, and loves great food. (Some of the author's food descriptions makes me drool) There are twists I didn't see coming. Can't wait for book four to come out.

[Kevin]

I liked her books until now.

I've enjoyed reading your books until now. Just over the 50% mark and you mention the Gulf of America. There is no such place. Since you have introduced politics I am removing this book and won't be downloading any in the future.