The Diva Digs up the Dirt
Read The Diva Digs up the Dirt Online
Authors: Krista Davis
PRAISE FORThe Diva Cooks a Goose
“For fans of Donna Andrews and Diane Mott Davidson… [A] real winner.”
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The Season
“Sophie keeps a cool head… ensuring a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.”
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The Mystery Reader
“A great whodunit.”
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Once Upon a Romance
“This is not your run-of-the-mill cozy; the characters are real to life, interesting, and keep you wondering what will happen next. Krista Davis writes one enjoyable read.”
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The Romance Readers Connection
The Diva Paints the Town
“[Davis] handles this tricky tale with aplomb and fills it with a cast of eccentrics… And the three animals are endlessly amusing. Davis includes several recipes, and although the novel takes place during a Virginia winter, the strawberry daiquiris will have you pretending it’s summer.”
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Richmond Times-Dispatch
“Davis plates up another delectable whodunit, complete with recipes. Indeed, her novels are every bit as good as Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy Schulz mysteries.”
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Shine
“Davis’s latest is an enjoyable mystery that includes decorating tips, a few pets, an unusual bequest, and recipes… Once again, Krista Davis brings us interesting, fun characters.”
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Lesa’s Book Critiques
“Ms. Davis immerses the reader into the world of interior design.”
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TwoLips Reviews
The Diva Takes the Cake
“
The Diva Takes the Cake
does just that—takes the cake.”
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The Romance Readers Connection
“Mistaken identities, half truths, buried secrets, missing jewelry, wedding jitters, and family squabbles are whipped into a sweet froth in this second of the Domestic Diva Mysteries… A fun little bonbon of a book to enjoy on the beach or as a break from any wedding plans.”
“Sure to thrill cozy fans.”
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Fresh Fiction
“Davis has devised a delightful romp, with engaging characters and a nicely crafted setting in which to place them. The author sets just the right tone to match her diva’s perfect centerpieces, tablescapes, and lighting effects.”
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Shine
The Diva Runs Out of Thyme
“[A] tricky whodunit laced with delectable food… [A] fine mystery that’s stuffed with suspects—and a reminder that nobody’s Thanksgiving is perfect.”
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Richmond Times-Dispatch
“A mouthwatering mix of murder, mirth, and mayhem, nicely spiced by new author Krista Davis.”
—Mary Jane Maffini, author of
The Busy Woman’s Guide to Murder
“This cozy mystery delivers a plethora of useful household tips and mouthwatering recipes immersed within a keep-you-guessing plot filled with suspicious-acting characters, and twists and turns around every corner. Davis’s smart writing style and engaging characters are sure to garner fans.”
“Filled with humor, delicious recipes, and holiday decorating tips,
The Diva Runs Out of Thyme
is a lighthearted mystery that is sure to get you in the Thanksgiving mood… [A] must-read to prepare for the holiday season!”
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The Romance Readers Connection
“[A] fun romp into the world of food, murder, and mayhem.”
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Armchair Interviews
“
The Diva Runs Out of Thyme
is as much comedy as mystery… [A] really good book… [A] series worth watching.”
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Mysterious Reviews
“An entertaining mystery novel with charming characters. The plot of the mystery is well drawn out… Davis is an excellent mystery author.”
“The beginning of a good culinary cozy series with some interesting and different characters.”
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Gumshoe Review
Berkley Prime Crime titles by Krista Davis
THE DIVA RUNS OUT OF THYME
THE DIVA TAKES THE CAKE
THE DIVA PAINTS THE TOWN
THE DIVA COOKS A GOOSE
THE DIVA HAUNTS THE HOUSE
THE DIVA DIGS UP THE DIRT
Digs up the Dirt
KRISTA DAVIS
THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP
Published by the Penguin Group
Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA
Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.) • Penguin Books Ltd., 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England • Penguin Group Ireland, 25 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.) • Penguin Group (Australia), 250 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, Victoria 3124, Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty. Ltd.) • Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd., 11 Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi—110 017, India • Penguin Group (NZ), 67 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand (a division of Pearson New Zealand Ltd.) • Penguin Books (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd., 24 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The recipes contained in this book are to be followed exactly as written. The publisher is not responsible for your specific health or allergy needs that may require medical supervision. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse reactions to the recipes contained in this book.
THE DIVA DIGS UP THE DIRT
A Berkley Prime Crime Book / published by arrangement with the author
PUBLISHING HISTORY
Berkley Prime Crime mass-market edition / June 2012
Copyright © 2012 by Cristina Ryplansky.
Cover illustration by Teresa Fasolino.
Cover design by Diana Kolsky.
Interior text design by Laura K. Corless.
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.
For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.
ISBN: 978-1-101-58094-3
BERKLEY
®
PRIME CRIME
Berkley Prime Crime Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.
BERKLEY® PRIME CRIME and the PRIME CRIME logo are trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
If you purchased this book without a cover, you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the publisher, and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”
ALWAYS LEARNING
PEARSON
To my editor, Sandra Harding,
and my agent, Jessica Faust.
Every author should be so lucky.
I am deeply grateful for the information and suggestions I received from Luci Hansson Zahray, fondly called The Poison Lady by mystery writers. She was so very knowledgeable and enormously helpful. Any mistakes, of course, are entirely my own.
The gorgeous house on the cover is loosely based on the Rosemary House Bed and Breakfast in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Thanks to Karen Pullen, who so graciously allowed me to share with my cover artist a beautiful photo taken by Dr. John Shillito. I knew it was Roscoe’s house the moment I saw it.
Which brings me to Teresa Fasolino, the incredible artist who always paints the most wonderful covers for Sophie and Natasha. Her covers are like special gifts every time. Thank you, Teresa.
Huge thanks to Mary Wheeler Jones for allowing me to use her other name and especially for being such a great sport about it.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my friends and fellow authors Avery Aames, Janet Bolin, Peg Cochran, Kaye George, Janet Koch, and Marilyn Levinson. They’re
always available for silly questions, serious opinions, and professional advice. I would be lost without them.
And last, but more certainly never least, I am always grateful for the unflagging support of my mother, Marianne, and my friends Susan Erba, Betsy Strickland, and Amy Wheeler. I count myself unbelievably lucky to have such wonderful people in my life.
Join us for the annual
PLANTER’S PUNCH and BACKWOODS
Picnic and Open House
Bring the whole family for fun, games,
and our famous ice cream bar!
