Shared Blood. Murder Under the Big Top - Shimone

"As I stepped off the plane in Sebastopol, I was bombarded by the beautiful bouquet of apple blossoms and wildflowers, the air thick with potential adventures ahead. My plans were simple but delightful-exploring Glen Ellen Wildflower Reserve, French-influenced cuisine at *The Girl and The Fig*, and perhaps a few evenings spent in the vineyards with a good book. To kick it off, I made my way to *The Book Bungalow*, an independent treasure of a bookstore that featured charming wooden shelves and a knowledgeable staff that made finding *Kiss the Girls* by James Patterson an effortless task. As I handed over my $14.95, the owner shared stories about their mystery section, and I couldn't help but feel a child-like excitement wash over me. Little did I know, this trip wouldn't just be about me curling up with my new book-it quickly turned into another ugly twist of fate. Where I go, bodies appear. It seems I can never really escape it, not even here in paradise."

- Inspector Gaffney