She found the man named Hank and the woman he’d come in with browsing new releases in the Mystery section. After introducing herself, Nora asked if they needed any help.
“I believe we do,” said the woman. She pointed at her chest. “I’m Gertie and this is my husband, Hank. We’re visiting Hank’s sister this Thanksgiving, and I’d like to take her a hostess gift. She loves to read but is very particular about her books. She can’t abide swearing, intense violence, or adult content, if you catch my drift.”
“I do,” said Nora. “Is she a fan of mysteries?”
“She’s wild about them. She has a huge collection of Agatha Christie novels, and she’s read most of them twice. I’d like to give her more mysteries like those. Classy and clean.”
“Should we stick to books set in England?”
Gertie considered this. “I think she’s ready for a new setting. In fact, I bet she’d love a Southern setting. She lives in a small town in Mississippi. She has two cats, a dog, and several horses. She volunteers at her local animal shelter and at the library. She’s a wonderful woman.”
Nora smiled. “Sure sounds like it. And you’d be wonderful sister-in-law for introducing her to a new series set in Mississippi. I know of two terrific candidates.” She pulled a book off the shelf and handed it to the woman. “I have a feeling that your sister-in-law would get a kick out of Carolyn Haines’s sleuth, Sarah Booth Delaney. She’s an unconventional Southern belle with a penchant for solving crimes, and Ms. Haines is an animal lover and advocate.”
“How fabulous. And I see that it’s a long-running series, so if my sister-in-law falls in love with the first book, we can buy her more for Christmas!” Gertie pocketed her phone and passed Them Bones to her husband. “Would you hold on to this, Hank?”
“Speaking of libraries,” Nora said, reaching for another book. “This is Murder Past Due. It’s the first book in the Cat in the Stack series by Miranda James. It’s also set in Mississippi. It features a charming librarian named Charlie Harris and his equally charming cat, Diesel.”
Gertie put a hand on Nora’s arm. “Oh, just look at that darling cover! I want to read this one too. It’s just perfect. I’m so glad we came in today. Aren’t you, Hank?”
Before Hank could reply with his ubiquitous “yep,” Nora asked if she could help him find a special book.
Hank’s cheeks turned pink. Though was he was probably in his seventies, he looked like a little boy who hadn’t expected his teacher to call on him.
“I really enjoyed our train ride from Asheville. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a train, but I’ve always liked them. My sister gave me Murder on the Orient Express for Christmas one year, and I read it in one night. Do you have other mysteries with trains?”
“Let me think.” Nora’s eyes moved over the shelves. “Have you read The Great Train Robbery or Thrilling Stories of the Railway?”
Hank confessed that he’d never heard of either book.
“My husband hasn’t had much time to read,” Gertie said, smiling tenderly at Hank. “He worked every day of the week so that our five kids could graduate from college free and clear of loans. He finally retired a few months ago, and his GP wants him to take it easy. So if books with trains will help him relax, then we’ll take all of them. I’ve always spent my evenings reading, and now, my love will be joining me.”
Later, after Gertie and Hank had paid for their books and were quietly deliberating over whether to snack on chocolate book pockets or grab something at the Gingerbread House after visiting another shop or two, Nora’s anger returned. It wasn’t as fierce as before, but it was there.
The bookstore should have been busier. There should have been more lodge guests browsing the shelves, but they weren’t even coming inside. More than once, Nora saw people with turquoise totes stop in front of the display window. They’d study the magical, bookish scene before walking away, their lips pursed in disapproval.
“Gertie?” Nora called from behind the checkout counter. “You and Hank definitely want to visit the bakery. If the Sugar Plum Fairy traded her wings for an apron, you’d have Hester, the owner. Not only is her food delicious, but it’ll make you feel good too.”
“Sounds like we should go there next,” said Hank. “Thanks for the advice.”
Coming out from behind the checkout counter, Nora approached the couple. “Seems like you’re getting plenty of that today. I overheard you say that you were told to skip this store. I won’t mention it to your guide, but lodge employees don’t usually tell guests where to shop.”