The Murder of a Living Ghost: A race to catch a killer before the heart stops

By Walter S. Croft

A dead man's secret is the deadliest ingredient.

Lydia Blake came to the mist-covered cliffs of Driftwood Cove for a second chance. As the owner of the Lemon Tart Caf , she traded high-stakes city life for the scent of fresh sourdough and the rhythmic crash of the Atlantic. But in a town built on secrets, the past never stays buried.

When Lydia discovers a desperate plea for help hidden inside her locked flour bin, her quiet life vanishes. The message is from Julian Vane-a man the town declared dead five years ago.

A Living Ghost. A Dying Heart. A Race Against the Clock.

Julian is a man on the run, hunted by "The Vulture," a predator who doesn't leave witnesses. With a failing heart and a target on his back, Julian's only hope lies in a trail of cryptic cake recipes left for Lydia to decode. Each ingredient in the "Bitter Almond Cake" is a blueprint for a conspiracy that reaches the highest pillars of the community.

To save a man who shouldn't exist, Lydia must team up with:

Detective Leo Vance: The brooding investigator with a dark past and an electric, slow-burn connection to Lydia.

The Knitting and Nibbling Club: Driftwood Cove's sharpest (and oldest) intelligence agency, who know exactly where the bodies are buried.

Why Readers Are Addicted to This Culinary Mystery:

The "Recipe" Code: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you decipher clues hidden within gourmet bakes.

Atmospheric Coastal Setting: Explore fog-drenched docks, secret tunnels, and the eerie shadows of an abandoned clock tower.

High-Stakes Suspense: Every heartbeat is a countdown. If Lydia can't sift through the lies, a "living ghost" will become a permanent one.

Small-Town Secrets: Perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke and Louise Penny, blending cozy charm with a gritty, heart-pounding edge.

In Driftwood Cove, the truth isn't just hidden-it's lethal. Can Lydia solve the puzzle before the final grain of sand falls, or will she be the next one the town tries to forget?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GGJC46YH
• ISBN13: 9798243798846
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 242 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"