Run: 2026-03-18-01KM09PHN71BJ65FB016ZPM8DW

The bell over Dewdrop Bakery gave a cheerful jingle as Mara pushed the door open, and the warm smell of cinnamon, butter, and rising bread wrapped around her like a quilt. “You’re late,” said Ellery, sliding a tray of thumbprint cookies onto the cooling rack. “I was investigating.” Ellery arched one brow. “That sounds ominous for a Tuesday.” “It is when Mrs. Pritchard’s prize rose bush is missing and the only clue is a muddy footprint by the gazebo.” “Good heavens.” Ellery wiped flour from her hands. “Did you find the bush?” “Not yet. But I did find a wheelbarrow track behind the florist’s shop, and Deputy Cole thinks it may connect to the greenhouse break-in.” Ellery handed her a lemon tart. “You say that like it’s perfectly ordinary.” “In Briar Creek? It practically is.” From the front counter came a soft cough. Old Mr. Bell was pretending not to listen while selecting a scone. Ellery lowered her voice. “And are you here for sleuthing, or because you skipped lunch again?” “Both.” “Then sit down before you faint and scare my customers.” Mara took a bite of tart and sighed. “If every mystery came with this much lemon glaze, I’d solve twice as many.” Ellery smiled, but her eyes flicked toward the window. “Unless,” she said quietly, “the thief comes in for pastries too.”