Dead Man's Java: A Jackson Heights Cozy Mystery Short Story

by C.J. Johnson

Dennis isn’t dead. Someone just left him for dead.

Jackson Heights is lit up for the holidays. Ruby Jackson has finals to grade, a debate trip to fund and a principal who just volun-told her to charm a local power player at the neighborhood toy drive.

Then her student Eddie asks for help. His 86-year-old grandfather vanished after Thanksgiving. Days later, Dennis turns up at the bottom of the stairs behind the corner coffee shop, cold and in a coma. Everyone calls it a fall.

Ruby isn’t so sure. Dennis had a new gig taking photos for the local paper. He also had a camera that’s gone missing. With her cousin Ada digging and her nosy family weighing in, Ruby follows the clues from the coffee shop to the tree lighting. A powerful man has something to hide. And he’s noticed Ruby asking questions.

For fans of Jesse Q. Sutanto and Mia P. Manansala.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 30, 2026

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