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    The Yuletide Yorkshire (Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series Book 5): The Minx Tobin Murder Mysteries, #6
    The Yuletide Yorkshire (Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series Book 5): The Minx Tobin Murder Mysteries, #6
    The Yuletide Yorkshire (Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series Book 5): The Minx Tobin Murder Mysteries, #6
    Ebook208 pages2 hours

    The Yuletide Yorkshire (Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series Book 5): The Minx Tobin Murder Mysteries, #6

    By Susanne Marie Knight

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    About this ebook

    A Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Romance, Reissued, New Cover!

    HO, HO, HO... OH!
    Home for the holidays, Minx Tobin introduces her parents to her homicide lieutenant, Gabe Harris. Unfortunately for her, her ex-fiancé Jared drops in on them, creating friction. But Jared soon needs Minx's help in the sleuthing department because a gruesome "present" is found under the tree. Once again, Minx is hot on the trail of a desperate killer.

    All Gabe wants to do is propose to the woman he loves. Instead, he has to deal with a cast of East Coast characters, including an unexpected murder. Why do dead bodies always seem follow Minx Tobin??

    PRAISE FOR THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE

    5 STARS! Goodreads

    4 1/2 STARS! Once more Minx finds herself in the middle of the action, but this time she has the help of an experienced police officer to wade through the clues. Add to the mix an intelligent Yorkshire terrier who knows exactly where all the bodies are buried, and you have a team that cannot be beat. With lots of humor to keep things lively, Ms. Knight has the reader guessing until the she reveals the killer's identity.--Sensual Reads

    4 STARS! "This is Minx's fifth case, but it's the first time I've read this author's work. Ms. Knight does a nice job of creating a cozy mystery that's a bit unusual. Who expects your next door neighbor to be shot to death? She gives you enough suspects, all with motive, so it's not obvious right away who the culprit is. The author writes a story that flows well and includes some jealousy because the next door neighbor's son was once engaged to Minx and Gabe isn't sure the attraction is completely over. As Gabe works with Minx to solve this murder, the local cop is unhappy because they are messing in his case and he's acting a bit funny towards Minx, too. Poor Gabe… The author writes a good drama/trauma story with almost everyone being a bit guilty for some reason. She also gets you into the romance between Minx and Gabe and you find yourself hoping neither one of them will be bullheaded enough to ruin their budding romance. Ms. Knight kept my attention and kept me reading to see just how she would end the story. I was not disappointed. If you like a good cozy mystery, get a cup of tea and find a comfortable chair. This one will fill the bill for you. Why not see if you can identify the murderer before Minx? I think you'll be surprised by the way it turns out. --Long and Short Reviews

    I love Minx Tobin! My favorite Who-Done-It series!--S.C. Reviews

    This is a great mystery!--C.B. Reviews

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSusanne Marie Knight
    Release dateMar 13, 2018
    ISBN9781370905638
    The Yuletide Yorkshire (Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series Book 5): The Minx Tobin Murder Mysteries, #6
    Author

    Susanne Marie Knight

    Award-winning author and seven time EPPIE / EPIC eBook Award Finalist Susanne Marie Knight specializes in Romance Writing with a Twist! She is multi-published with books, short stories, and articles in such diverse genres as Regency, science fiction, mystery, paranormal, suspense, time-travel, fantasy, and contemporary romance. Originally from New York, Susanne lives in the Pacific Northwest, by way of Okinawa, Montana, Alabama, and Florida. Along with her husband and the spirit of her feisty Siamese cat, she enjoys the area's beautiful ponderosa pine trees and wide, open spaces--a perfect environment for writing. For more information about Susanne, visit her website at www.susanneknight.com.

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      Book preview

      The Yuletide Yorkshire (Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series Book 5) - Susanne Marie Knight

      Chapter One

      Okay, everyone. We’re done with the warm-up, so now it’s time to jingle those bells and kick up your legs in time to the music.

      In her well-attended Ambitious Aerobics class, Minx Tobin lifted her heels in the high-kick movement made famous by New York’s Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. With the familiar Christmas song Jingle Bell Rock playing in the background, the class participants raised their legs and shook their hands to make noise.

      Each person wore jingle bell wristbands that Minx had made--her personal gift to her class members. This pair of elastic cuffs wasn’t only an exercise accessory. It was also fun. Which was what the holidays should be. Joyful and fun.

      Minx smiled. She felt great. And why shouldn’t she? It was almost Christmas.

      She glanced at the studio’s wall to ceiling mirrors to watch her class lift their gams up to the sky. Her smile widened. No, not really to the sky. Each woman lifted her legs according to her own fitness level, something Minx emphasized time and time again. Even Fiona Freddos, complainer extraordinaire, finally respected her own limitations.

      It was funny how none of Minx’s regular male members attended class today. Maybe they were busy enjoying the fruits of the holiday season.

      Like tasty molasses gingerbread men and delicious vanilla rum balls.

      Or perhaps they were imbibing their rum, instead of eating it.

      Here’s the change. Minx alternated the aerobic dance moves to a side-to-side sway.

      Once the class followed her, she allowed her thoughts to stray again to her missing exercise friends. Several folks, including Mrs. Wynkoop with her ubiquitous kerchief and Rosco Gomez with his shiny chrome dome, had already left Los Angeles to visit family and friends. Just as she and Gabe would do later today.

      Catching her breath before the next series of movements, she dwelt on thoughts of Gabe. Gabe, her exasperating, handsome, homicide lieutenant.

      He was hers, and she was his. And what could be better than that?

      More twists, turns, high-kicks, and stretches later, and finally the Ambitious Aerobics, her last class for the day, was done.

      Great job, everyone, and happy holidays! Picking up her towel, Minx swiped perspiration from her forehead. Her wristbands continued to broadcast a pleasing jingle. I’ll be out of town for a few days, but not to worry. The Elite Exercise Emporium’s other trainers will be taking over my classes until I get back next Monday.

      After cries of Merry Christmas and thank you for the jingle bell wristbands, most of the class trickled out of the studio. Janice Olsson however, whose six-pack abdominal muscles were the envy of everyone, including the Emporium’s instructors, walked over, mopping sweat from her amazing abs. Who’ll be teaching your Beautiful Butts class?

      Dallas Porter. Minx grinned.

      Janice slapped her muscular thigh and made a wolf whistle. This I gotta see!

      Minx completely understood the woman’s enthusiasm. Dallas Porter was, after all, the Emporium’s resident hunk.

      When Janice trotted out of the workout room, Fiona Freddos took her place. I don’t like having male instructors, she complained in her loud, whiny voice. They always stare at my fanny.

      Minx bit her lip to keep from laughing. Fiona’s fanny had such a playful ring to it.

      But while Fiona’s buns did look firm, their shape was really rather average. Nothing to tempt a connoisseur like Dallas, or Tae Bo instructor Hun Li Chou, or the new personal trainer Whitney Northrop.

      Taking a deep breath, Minx silently repeated her customer service mantra: Give the paying client what she wants.

      Fiona, I’ll tell the men to behave around you, okay? It’s just that they have a difficult time keeping their eyes off of someone who’s so... well, you know, perfect.

      Not even the tiniest blush of discomfiture disturbed the woman’s chipmunk cheeks. Fiona Freddos took the praise as her due.

      But that wasn’t important. The woman was satisfied, and hopefully, she wouldn’t complain... too much... while Minx was away.

      Thus placated, Fiona jingle-belled her way out of the studio, leaving Minx alone.

      Finally! Glancing in the mirror again, she released her hair from its ponytail restraint, and ran her fingers through its length. She removed the jingle bells from her wrists and then stuffed them in her exercise bag. She had only a few items to clear up at the Emporium, then she could finish packing at her apartment.

      As soon as she exited the workout room, she heard another wolf whistle, but this one was deeper. Male.

      She turned around and saw Dallas Porter, freshly tanned and annoyingly hunky. And, from his appreciative glance, he’d whistled at her.

      Baby chick, aren’t ya a feast for the eyes... and elsewhere on the male anatomy. Dallas’ wide, bright grin nearly blinded her.

      Drat. The only thing different about her appearance today for Dallas to remark upon was that her hair framed her face. She usually left the Emporium with her ponytail intact. Evidently Dallas liked her hair down, just as Gabe did.

      She decided to ignore her fellow instructor’s improper comment. Merry Christmas to you, Porter. She always called him by his last name when she was irritated with him--a condition that happened a lot.

      Dallas walked over to her, then curved his muscular arm around her waist. Calm yourself, Sphinx. Let’s catch up over a cuppa Joe. I won’t be havin’ my fix of Minx for, how many, five days?

      Sure, why not? Removing herself from his casual embrace, she walked with him to the Emporium’s Take-A-Break Lounge. The lounge was nearly empty so they had no trouble finding a vacant table. After they each poured their own cup of coffee--free, courtesy of the Emporium--they sat in molded stacking chairs near the back of the break area.

      So tell me, Minx, why do ya have the cat that ate the canary look about ya? Dallas peered at her from over the edge of his coffee cup.

      She pressed her lips together to keep from grinning. I was picturing you teaching my Beautiful Butts class... and giving personal instruction to Fiona Freddos.

      Oh Lordy. He ran his hand over his coal-black hair. That bellyacher. Can I fly back to New York with you?

      Not a chance. She sipped her coffee. What are your plans over the holidays?

      Besides pinin’ away for ya? He shrugged his incredibly buff shoulders. Truthfully, dear heart, I’m plannin’ on a Vegas Christmas. Drop a few bucks, play a few slots.

      Warning bells went off inside her head. The last time he’d gone to Vegas, he lost five thousand dollars. His friend and her fitness client, Ron Dantes, covered the debt for a price... a date with Minx.

      Minx shook her head at her foolish friend. Is that a good idea? You remember what happened last time. I’m not going to save your butt again, you know.

      Dallas gave her a wicked wink. Too bad. It feels good when ya save my butt.

      She refrained from commenting.

      Nope, seriously, Minx, it’ll be okay. Ron’s comin’ too. He’ll be my designated mommy. If I go too far, he’ll send me to bed without my supper.

      She couldn’t help laughing. Setting her half-finished coffee down, she reached across the table and punched his bulging bicep. Dallas, you are too much.

      A serious light entered his deep grey eyes. Not so, my little Egyptian statue. Unfortunately, I’m not enough. His mood changed like quicksilver. How’s that homicide lieutenant of yours? Is he prepared to meet the parents? I bet he’s quakin’ in his boots.

      The thought of Gabe being intimidated by her parents never entered her mind. The only thing that ever really rattled him was her.

      Or rather her tendency to get involved in murder investigations.

      I think Gabe’s more worried about surviving the cold weather. It’s twenty-eight degrees there today. She glanced at her wristwatch. I’ve got to get going. Still have a few things to wrap up here, then there’s always last minute packing left to do.

      She stood, then pushed the chair back under the table. Gabe’s picking me up at three o’clock.

      And if she wasn’t ready, there’d be hell to pay!

      Dallas accompanied her out of the lounge and past the empty customer counter. Sadie Durand, the Elite Exercise Emporium’s assistant manager and confidant to both Dallas and Minx, had already bid Los Angeles adieu for the holidays.

      This place is gonna be dead without ya and Sadie, ya know. He sounded forlorn.

      Unusual for him, but he probably just suffered from holiday blues.

      Stopping by the Emporium office, Minx lifted up on her toes to kiss Dallas’ smooth shaven cheek. His masculine woodsy scent teased her senses.

      You have a Merry Christmas, Dallas. Enjoy yourself and have fun. But, just so you know, when I get back on Monday, I’m going to check with your ‘mommy’ and make sure you behaved yourself in Vegas.

      He also pecked her cheek, then took her hand. I am gonna miss ya, Minx. Don’t ya get yourself in any trouble back at the old homestead. And don’t get mixed up in any murders.

      Murders? She smiled. Not getting mixed up in any murders was a safe bet. Babylon, New York, or rather the Village of Babylon, wasn’t all that big, especially compared with the population of Los Angeles.

      Dallas released her hand, made a salute, then took his muscular buns off to the weights room.

      Minx hesitated a moment before entering the office to take care of her last minute paperwork. Dallas’ uncustomary sentimentality unsettled her. Usually he was such a private man. What in the world was going on with him?

      * * * *

      Gabe Harris sat behind his messy desk at LAPD’s Homicide Division, ready to tear the hair out of his head. He’d tried to clean off his desk--file away old case reports, staff evaluations, memos from the captain and the police chief--to no avail. For every piece of paper he got rid of, three more took its place.

      Dammit, enough was enough. When would he be able to get the hell out of Dodge?

      Instead of pulling his hair out, he ran his hand over his head. It was already one o’clock, and he was supposed to pick Minx up at her apartment at three.

      And he still hadn’t packed yet.

      Double bloody hell.

      Someone knocked on the open office door. Sergeant Antonio Atwell poked his head in. Can I come in? He must’ve seen Gabe’s expression for he amended his request. Is it safe to come in?

      Pushing his leather swivel chair away from his albatross of a desk, Gabe waved his sergeant and his best friend inside. It’s safe as long as you don’t have anything new for me to handle.

      Nope, lemme set your mind at ease. All new assignments are being routed through Lieutenant Trainer. You’re free and clear, Gabe.

      With his hands behind his back, Antonio entered the room, then sat in his favorite chair. As he stretched his short legs out in front of the desk, he sighed. And technically, you’re off-duty as of one hour ago. So why are you still slaving away in your office, eh?

      Gabe shrugged. Zuri Trainer is a good man. A fine lieutenant. I don’t want him to be inundated with superfluous paperwork while I’m away.

      Too late. The sergeant grinned and wagged his white eyebrows at him. But never mind that. I’m glad you’re still here. I’ve got a little something for you. Carlotta picked it out special.

      Antonio’s wife considered Gabe an honorary member of the Atwell family. In a way that was true. He felt closer to Antonio and Carlotta than to his own brother and sister. Or, for that matter, his parents.

      Gabe took the brightly wrapped rectangular present from Antonio’s outstretched hand. Thanks, but you know you shouldn’t have. I don’t have anything for you guys.

      Not necessary, my friend. Just open it now, so I can tell Carlotta if you like it.

      Of course I’ll like it. As busy as he was, Gabe still had time to open a present. He tried to be neat about not ripping the holiday paper and shiny red ribbons but, in the end, he resorted to tearing the wrappings.

      A plain white box stared up at him.

      He stared back at it. I wonder what it could be, he murmured.

      Glancing at his friend’s amused face, he then took the top off the box. Tissue paper hid the gift below.

      Gabe pushed aside the paper. Inside the box was a book. A book with a strange title.

      Or maybe the title wasn’t so strange.

      "What the hell is this? One Hundred And One Ways To Propose! Antonio, I--"

      Don’t blame me. The sergeant couldn’t speak quickly enough. It was Carlotta’s idea.

      As it so happened, Gabe did plan on proposing to Minx. He’d taken great pains to stealthily find out her ring size and her preference on diamond engagement rings.

      Sitting on his nightstand, next to the tickets for today’s flight was a small black velvet box. Now all he needed was the nerve to ask her.

      But how had Carlotta known?

      She was one smart cookie, that was how. Maybe this book was the perfect solution.

      Gabe schooled his expression to remain impassive. He straightened the knot in his tie, then stood and slipped into his blazer jacket. What can I say? Give my thanks to your wife and tell her the book might come in handy one of these days. Maybe. You know I’m gun-shy.

      And rightly so, after that psychotic ex-wife of yours. Antonio also stood. But Minx is different, Gabe. I think she’s the one for you.

      Gabe nodded. He thought so too.

      A glance at his clock revealed the time to be almost one thirty. He had to be on his way... and soon. Jamming a few important papers into his briefcase, he also included the proposal book.

      Okay, I’m outta here. He took one last look around to see if he’d forgotten anything. Sergeant, I’m counting on you to keep Homicide together and the new lieutenant in line. Understand?

      Completely, sir. Antonio walked with Gabe out of the office and into Homicide’s noisy squad room. And don’t worry about us. You’ll be gone for only a few days.

      Five, altogether. And five bone-chilling nights. A California native, Gabe preferred to see snow on his television screen, not in person.

      When they reached Antonio’s desk, the sergeant lowered his voice. But you’ll have Minx to keep you warm.

      That thought brought a smile to Gabe’s face. Then again, he didn’t know for sure if he’d have Minx to keep him warm. Since they were staying at her parents’ house, he had no idea of the sleeping arrangements.

      He sighed.

      "Well, give

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