It's Halloween in the quaint, mountain town of Serena, North Carolina, and Kate Delaney is about to discover a hidden secret long tucked away in the dark corners of her century-old church that she and her husband spent several years renovating into a home before his tragic death. The old building's previous owner used the sacred edifice to practice spiritualism, and her books and objects remain. One book in particular is the work of none other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who traded-in his most famous detective character to prove that ghosts and fairies exist. Kate also unearths a surprising séance message: “Doyle Diary.” An avid Sherlock fan, Kate decides a mysterious force has placed this investigation before her, and she compulsively dives into a case that wakes a sinister adversary with a deadly purpose. In a setting steeped in Celtic lore and ancient beliefs, Kate and her friend Devlin McManus uncover a series of murders and a villain connected to mystical legends in which fairies and supernatural creatures abound. Corinne F. Gerwe's mystery is a thrilling journey that pays homage to Doyle's legacy while closely examining how pivotal childhood experiences shape people's abilities to overcome fierce opposition later in life.

It’s summertime and the living is easy in the idyllic mountaintop town of Serena. When two seemingly-accidental deaths send Police Chief Jeff Farley into the dense forest on a chilling investigative journey, he finds a legacy of property ownership, illegal moonshining, and the ancient art of hoodoo practice that have kept intruders at bay since the early settlers made claim to the land. Charlotte, wife of an ambitious Congressman, has come to Serena to escape her husband’s political career. She’s in search of some peace, and possibly, herself. When her husband shows up unexpectedly, strange events and ghostly happenings are set in motion that challenge the beliefs and intentions of all. Set amidst a haunting wilderness where magic still flows, the residents of Serena must solve an ancient mystery and battle a supernatural foe. The human dynamics of love and yearning, greed and madness, and rebellion and redemption unwind at a spellbinding pace beneath the mystifying North Carolina moon.

In the spring of 1905, members of an exclusive club of crime enthusiasts known as Our Society were taken on a guided excursion through Whitechapel, one of London’s most notorious districts, by Dr. Frederick Gordon Brown, the chief police surgeon for the City of London. But this was no ordinary sightseeing tour. The focus of the outing was Jack the Ripper’s reputed murder sites, and among the guests that day was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the world’s greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes. Here, now, in The Strange Case of Dr. Doyle by first-time son/father writing team Daniel Friedman, MD, and Eugene Friedman, MD, you are cordially invited to join a recreation of that tour. This expedition, however, will differ from the original in one very important way: It will be led by celebrated author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself. As you stroll beside Doyle and his other guests, you will travel to the location of each of the five canonical Ripper murders. Thanks to your guide’s observations and opinions, all of which are based on actual historical accounts, you will learn as much about the district of Whitechapel as you will the terrible Ripper killings that occurred there. After each stop on the tour, you will also become acquainted with the life of Arthur Conan Doyle, from his earliest days in Edinburgh to his first taste of success as a writer. You will observe Arthur’s hardships at home, his experiences at boarding school, his adventures at sea, his university education, and his days as a working medical doctor. You will be granted a picture of the man as few have ever seen him. As you alternate between biography and tour, you will become a Holmes-like detective, unearthing facts, discovering details, and piecing together information about both Jack the Ripper and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. If you maintain a sharp mind and a keen eye, at the end of your journey, you may just uncover a truth you never expected to find.

The Ultimate Collection of Detective Stories & Murder Mysteries for the Holidays is a riveting anthology that showcases the brilliance and diversity of detective fiction across the ages. With a wide range of literary styles, from the suspenseful whodunits of Arthur Conan Doyle to the intricate puzzles crafted by Agatha Christie, this collection traverses the literary landscape of mystery and intrigue, offering readers a splendid variety of storytelling. Each piece, carefully selected for its unique contribution to the genre, underscores the complexity and evocative power of detective narratives, making this anthology a treasure trove for enthusiasts of mysteries and detective stories. The ensemble of authors represented in this anthology reflects a storied tapestry of literary geniuses, each having left an indelible mark on the genre of detective fiction. From the gothic allure of Edgar Allan Poe to the clever plots of G.K. Chesterton, these authors collectively contribute to the evolving narrative of crime and detection. The anthology not only showcases the individual talents of these writers but also illuminates the broader historical and cultural movements that shaped detective fiction, offering readers a nuanced appreciation of the genre. This collection is an indispensable volume for anyone fascinated by the art of the mystery and the thrill of detection. It invites readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of stories that have captivated audiences for generations. For scholars and casual readers alike, The Ultimate Collection of Detective Stories & Murder Mysteries for the Holidays offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of detective narratives, celebrating the genres capacity to challenge, entertain, and provoke thought. This anthology serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of detective fiction and its significance in literary history.

Authors Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle team up to find a determined killer whose victims are tied to the inner workings of the Roman Catholic Church.