Murder and mayhem threaten a village's much-anticipated Christmas celebration Rafe Russell, bailiff for Gravesyde Priory Village, has his hands full running an inn with his schoolteacher wife while planning Christmas celebrations. All visions of sugar plums dissolve, however, with the violent murder of a promiscuous baker, whose death leaves the village facing a Christmas without. . . tarts. . . or bread. The appearance of two adorable orphans in Rafe’s stable definitely doesn’t represent the nativity, not after their nanny is found dead and no one knows to whom they belong. The community is no longer merry but terrified—and outraged. Rafe has no choice but to accept help—because even with a killer on the loose, the new inhabitants of Gravesyde refuse to cower behind closed doors. The curate and his wife mean to return the orphans to their family before Christmas. Rafe’s usually inimitable wife fears a madman stalks the streets. The new lawyer and his bride insist on finding answers so the bakery might return to baking bread. Are they help or hindrance? As the self-declared relations to the dead women and orphans arrive, the suspect list grows. Can Rafe and the community untangle this gnarled knot before Joy to the World becomes a funeral dirge? A twist-filled Regency mystery, perfect for fans of cozy village whodunits, slow-burn romance, and quirky characters. "Rice has a magical touch for creating fascinating plots, delicious romance, and delightful characters."—Booklist "You can always count on Patricia Rice for an entertaining story with just the right mix of romance, humor, and emotion."—The Romantic Reader
