For a sleuthing chef at a Santa Fe cafe, it's a holly, jolly, and downright deadly Christmas . . .

It's the most picturesque time of the year in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and chef Rita Lafitte of Tres Amigas Café hopes the twinkling lights and tasty holiday treats will charm her visiting mom. Rita is also planning fun activities like watching her teenage daughter, Celia, perform in an outdoor Christmas play. What she doesn't plan for is murder.

Rita discovers a dead actor during the premier performance, but vows to keep clear of the case. Sleuthing would upset her mom. Besides, there's already a prime suspect, caught red-handed in his bloodied Santa suit. However, when the accused Santa's wife begs for assistance—and points out that Celia and other performers could be in danger—Rita can't say no. With the help of her elderly boss, Flori, and her coterie of rogue knitters, Rita strives to salvage her mother's vacation, unmask a murderer, and stop this festive season from turning even more fatal.

Praise for Ann Myers's Bread of the Dead:

"Delectable, well-plotted mystery." —Kate Carlisle, New York Times–bestselling author of The Knife Before Christmas