Barb (Babs) Butler, from A Christmas Conundrum, a Liz Adams mystery, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to invite us to join her in Charlestown for the holidays.

Welcome, Babs. I’ll turn the floor over to you –

Hello. My name is Barb (Babs) Butler, very pleased to meet you. I’m Liz Adams’ mom. She’s a private investigator, and I’m so proud of her. You’ll love meeting her.

Since you’re reading this, you are officially invited to become a member of the Babs Club. By the way, not many people are allowed to call me by my nickname.

Can you believe that someone is stealing Christmas decorations from my dear friend Lou? Who can be such a Grinch! Lou and I became close when we collaborated on Liz’s wedding. Although we initially had our differences, he and I designed a marvelous reception. Even my husband, Liz’s dad, agreed.

Originally Brad, Liz, and their dog, Duke, planned to visit us in Florida for the holidays. When I found out that Lou’s business was in trouble, I had to help. We decided to travel to Charleston instead. Our son-in-law sent his private plane to pick us up. What a treat. That earned Brad an official invitation into the Babs Club.

When I arrived, I discovered that Lou’s wonderful plans for the mayor’s Christmas celebration were in jeopardy. Lou asked me to work with the mayor’s wife on the event. As I got to know her, I became immersed in her vision for the party. The story progresses, and I become involved in the investigation.

Have you ever been to Charleston during the holidays? Please join me in the story and experience the charm. The decorations, the food, and the ambience are divine. My daughter and son-in-law took us on a delightful horse and carriage ride followed by hot drinks at the Charleston Place Hotel. Here’s an excerpt from Liz’s point of view:

“As we pulled the provided blankets around our legs to ward off the chill in the air, the horse began to clip-clop down the street. An instrumental version of “Jingle Bells” played softly from the carriage speakers.

Snippets of my dad and Brad discussing the upcoming college football bowl games carried in the breeze. I loved that the two of them were getting along.

. . . Once the carriage rounded the corner to the Battery, we all grew quiet as we took in the magical sights. Palm trees and palmettos were covered in white lights. Enormous wreaths made of magnolia leaves hung on wrought-iron fences. Gigantic red bows and massive garlands adorned white columns. Fairy lights and mistletoe decorated arches and gates.”

We also toured the Festival of Lights where a bit of trouble happened. After that incident, my husband wanted me to quit the case. I had to remind him of our family motto, “Butlers don’t back out.” Afterall, Lou’s business and the mayor’s Christmas party were at stake.

Things get heated toward the end. There’s a big showdown that you won’t want to miss.

You’ll find the recipe for my famous coffee cake at the end of the story. There’s also a play list of Christmas songs included.

Honestly, my friend, if this story doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, I might have to pay you a visit and sort you out.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you for your invitation, Babs, and good luck to you and your author Stacy Wilder with A Christmas Conundrum, the latest book in the Liz Adams mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Babs and her author Stacy Wilder by visiting the author’s website and. her Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub and YouTube pages.

The book is available online at the following retailers: 

 Amazon E-book –  Amazon Paperback – Amazon Hardback – Barnes and Noble – Bookshop.org

About Stacy Wilder: Stacy has traveled to six out of seven continents Books have shaped her life and her travels. Her love of mysteries began with Nancy Drew.

A Christmas Conundrum is the third book in the riveting Liz Adams Mystery series. In addition to mysteries, Stacy writes children’s stories, short stories, and poetry. She and her husband live in Houston, Texas, with a totally spoiled Labrador retriever, Eve.