Sun, sand, surf and slaying. There’s trouble in paradise. A killer waits among the palm trees and beach umbrellas where injured cop Claire Beckett is taking a winter break on a tropical island.

Her friend Serena St. James is a travel writer, and invites Claire to join her on assignment. It turns out to be a working holiday for both of them.

Sable Cay and its exclusive resort make a picture perfect vacation getaway. But Claire knows she’s rubbing shoulders with a killer.

The victim appears to be a kindly older gentleman who helps out at the stables. But in their one and only meeting before his death, he tells Claire about the pirates who first settled the islands. Could there be a modern-day buccaneer getting rid of any treasure hunters?

Meanwhile, a hurricane is bearing down on Sable Cay. The local police chief is the mom of a cute kid who designs video games and works at the resort when he’s not in middle school. She reluctantly accepts Claire’s help in sorting out the suspects.

It’s a mystery. Claire starts with a close look at a honeymoon couple, some grumpy seniors, and a pair of young lottery winners. But all the resort guests seem quite innocent. And so many couples make for alibis galore.

Could it be someone from the island? Or one of the resort owners? Gabriella has a motive. But she’s nine months pregnant. Her brother-in-law may be tall, dark and handsome - but Claire wonders why he’s always flying to the neighboring islands.

Being on vacation makes Claire feel like she can take a chance and try out some creative detecting methods. But her efforts might all be too late to prevent more deaths before the storm hits.

Claire’s troubles back home are never far from her mind, but if she can redeem herself on Sable Cay, maybe she’ll have chance at solving her boss’s death and clearing her own name.

Holiday Homicide is Book 2 in the Murder In Season cozy mystery series.

Click here to read Holiday Homicide.