Christmas presents come in all sizes and shapes ...
The R&P Labs staff are planning their Christmas potluck lunch when a stranger arrives on the doorstep with an announcement that threatens to turn several lives upside down. 'Tis the season to be wary, and the five scientific sleuths have to do some rapid research to see if one of them will be getting a very unusual Christmas present.
Excerpt
Ellis looked up from the list, as if suddenly realizing they were one staff member short.
'Where's Virginia? I want her to bring the dessert.'
'She's in the library,' Rob said. 'A woman turned up on the doorstep and asked to see her. I have no idea what it's about.'
'And you didn't listen at the door?' Phil said. 'You're losing your touch, Rob.'
'It wasn't any of my business. She said it was a personal matter and she didn't look deranged or dangerous, so I backed off.'
In the silence that followed, they could clearly hear Virginia's voice, but not the precise words. She sounded agitated, which Virginia never did, and her colleagues exchanged concerned glances.
'Maybe I should take some coffee in and check things out,' Mitch said.
'That's a good idea.'
Professional Reviews
Pleasant Holiday Diversion
I enjoyed the spirit of the season in this mystery. The camaraderie of the well established characters in this long running series is evident and the their voices clear. The story reminds us of what we should hold most dear during the holiday season -- relationships both old and new. Reading this story was a satisfying way to spend a winter's evening.
Great short story with nice plot twists
Great short story with nice plot twists. Even though I've never read the books in this series, this was written well enough that I wasn't confused about the characters histories or missing anything that was written about previously. Characters were well developed and realistic. Not a holiday short story, other than there's a Christmas party, but still a good quick read.
