A Meg Langslow mystery

'Tis the season to be jolly--and for Meg Langslow to round up stray animals of all sorts as well as a killer.

"Reluctantly volunteering her home after a haunted house exhibit burns down during her town's over-the-top Halloween festival activities, Meg Langslow is challenged to save the day upon discovering a real murder victim among the creepy displays"--

An extreme croquet competition mixes teams concerned about local history and development proposals with strong personalities, all in Meg and Michael's backyard - then a murder is discovered.

When her old friend Karen drops by with two-year-old son Timmy, Meg Langslow reluctantly agrees to babysit just for a little while. But when nightfall comes, the toddler is still in residence and Karen isn't answering any phone calls. Meg decides she must find out what's happening, so the next morning, with Timmy in tow, she retraces her friend's footsteps--and begins to suspect that Karen's disappearance is tied to at least one serious crime.