The higher the bid, the heavier the price.

Summerview Secondary School is holding its annual charity auction to raise important funds for the school library. Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are on hand to prepare delicious baked goods for the big day. Assisted by none other than Clementine’s mysterious sister, Maria.

With a criminal past and history of troubled relationships, the Dewstow community hasn’t exactly warm up to Maria. And when several items go missing on the day of the auction, fingers quickly point in her direction. But among the commotion, Maria is murdered.

As Clementine mourns, Margery vows to discover who killed Maria. But there’s a long list of suspects. Maria’s old criminal connections. Her estranged husband who only recently reappeared. And a whole host of locals with secrets to keep…

A cosy crime novel full of charm and wit, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, J.M Hall and Fiona Leitch.