When a bestselling author turns up dead in the Mystery Room of A Novel Escape, Liz Whitaker's quiet mountain bookstore becomes Franklin's most talked-about crime scene. Suddenly her mother's herbal tinctures are the prime suspect-an accusation both insulting and wildly inconvenient. Determined to clear Robin's name, Liz teams up with Gus, her golden retriever with impeccable judgment, and Deputy Noah Caldwell, whose calm competence is becoming suspiciously comforting. Together they sift through festival gossip, bruised egos, and a cryptic warning note that suggests the murder wasn't spontaneous at all. In Franklin, stories travel fast... but the truth has a way of catching up.

Welcome to Franklin. Mind the fog. Trust the dog. And remember: in this town, the truth always finds its way to the surface-usually with a little help from the bookstore.

A perfect pick for writers, readers, and anyone who believes the best mysteries begin with a good story.