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  Book Jacket

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  Acknowledgements

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  CHAPTER 17

  CHAPTER 18

  CHAPTER 19

  CHAPTER 20

  CHAPTER 21

  CHAPTER 22

  "A descendant of Agatha Christie."*

  Praise for

  SLAY BELLS

  "A true holiday gem . . . An amazing accomplishment."

  --Mystery Scene

  "The author draws as much from Fawlty Towers as she does from Agatha Christie, crafting a charming . . . cozy delicately flavored with period details of pre-World War I rural England."--Publishers Weekly

  "A charming cozy ... Entertaining."--Midwest Book Review

  "Charming . . . Its straightforward writing and tight plotting are reminiscent of Agatha Christie's books . . . Slay Bells is the fourteenth in Kate Kingsbury's Pennyfoot Hotel mysteries--having thirteen more of these delicious stories will give new readers something to cheer about."--Cozy Library

  Praise for the Pennyfoot Hotel and

  Manor House Mysteries of

  Kate Kingsbury

  "[Kingsbury's] books are lighthearted and serious, amusing and well plotted."--*The Salem (OR) Statesman Journal

  "Clever and cunning . . . Delightfully unique and entertaining. A most delicious teatime mystery with just the right atmosphere and a charming cast of characters."

  --The Literary Times

  "Delightful and charming."--Painted Rock Reviews

  "Likable characters, period details, and a puzzle that kept me guessing until the end . . . Very enjoyable."--Mystery News

  Visit Kate Kingsbury's website at

  www.doreenrobertshight.com

  Berkley Prime Crime titles by Kate Kingsbury

  Manor House Mysteries

  A BICYCLE BUILT FOR MURDER

  DEATH IS IN THE AIR

  FOR WHOM DEATH TOLLS

  DIG DEEP FOR MURDER

  PAINT BY MURDER

  BERRIED ALIVE

  FIRE WHEN READY

  WEDDING ROWS

  AN UNMENTIONABLE MURDER

  Pennyfoot Hotel Mysteries

  ROOM WITH A CLUE

  DO NOT DISTURB

  SERVICE FOR TWO

  EAT, DRINK, AND BE BURIED

  CHECK-OUT TIME

  GROUNDS FOR MURDER

  PAY THE PIPER

  CHIVALRY IS DEAD

  RING FOR TOMB SERVICE

  DEATH WITH RESERVATIONS

  DYING ROOM ONLY

  MAID TO MURDER

  Holiday Pennyfoot Hotel Mysteries

  NO CLUE AT THE INN

  SLAY BELLS

  SHROUDS OF HOLLY

  RINGING IN MURDER

  THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP

  Published by the Penguin Group

  Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

  375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA

  Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada

  (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.)

  Penguin Books Ltd., 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

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  South Africa

  Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

  This book is an original publication of The Berkley Publishing Group.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

  Copyright (c) 2008 by Doreen Roberts Hight.

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author's rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

  BERKLEY PRIME CRIME and the BERKLEY PRIME CRIME design are trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

  PRINTING HISTORY

  Berkley Prime Crime trade paperback edition / November 2008

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Kingsbury, Kate.

  Ringing in murder / Kate Kingsbury.--Berkley Prime Crime trade pbk. ed.

  p. cm.

  eISBN : 978-1-440-60212-2

  1. Baxter, Cecily Sinclair (Fictitious character)--Fiction. 2. Pennyfoot Hotel (England :

  Imaginary place)--Fiction. 3. Murder--Investigation--Fiction. 4. Christmas stories. I. Title.

  PR9199.3.K44228R56 2008

  813'.6--dc22 2008022222

  http://us.penguingroup.com

  To Bill,

  for all that you give and all that you are.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Writing can be a lonely business--days spent in front of the computer with no one to talk to but the dog, and let's face it, those conversations tend to be clearly one-sided. There are, however, many compensations, and I have been blessed with more than my share.

  First and foremost are the people who help me put my books together. I have had many editors over the last twenty years, some of whom have been exemplary, and others--not so much. My current editor, Sandy Harding, surpasses all others. Always helpful, always cheerful, always encouraging, always there. I enjoy our lengthy chats, and my creative output has benefited from her skills and her friendship. My sincere thanks.

  Paige Wheeler came into my life late in my career, and this outstanding agent has been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration. She's efficient and knowledgeable, and most of all, accessible. I haven't always had that and I deeply appreciate her efforts on my behalf. Many thanks.

  Ann Wraight is a friend of long-standing, who keeps me constantly supplied with research and memorabilia. Thanks for always thinking of me, and for sending me those heavy magazines that keep me in touch with the UK.

  My sincere thanks to Judith Murello and her wonderful team in the art department. My covers are amazing--eye-catching, intriguing, and beautiful, down to the last detail.

  My thanks also go to my incredible fans, who never fail to let me know when they have enjoyed one of my books. It is because of them that the Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery series survives. I, along with the entire staff and guests of the Pennyfoot Hotel, wish you and yours a joyous and peaceful holiday.

  And, as always, thanks to my patient and understanding husband. He gives so much of himself, and I hope he knows how much it means to
me.

  Happy holidays, everyone.

  CHAPTER 1

  "I still find it hard to believe that your wedding is only a few days away." Cecily Sinclair Baxter examined a crystal bell for cracks before handing it to the slender woman perched on a stool in front of the Christmas tree. "I truly did not think the day would ever dawn."

  Madeline Pengrath's tinkling laugh seemed to echo in the high ceiling of the library. "You have to agree, I am well past the age of a blushing young bride. I can imagine what people are saying--what is a respected doctor like Kevin Prestwick thinking, marrying that old witch? She must have cast one of her dastardly spells on him."

  Cecily would have laughed, too, except Madeline was closer to the truth than she cared to acknowledge. "Piffle," she said briskly. "I'm quite sure the people of Badgers End are happy that the doctor has found not only a good wife, but a beautiful one, no less."

  "Why thank you kindly, my friend, but I think it's more likely they are plotting how to get rid of me."

  In spite of the leaping flames in the fireplace, Cecily shivered. The Pennyfoot Country Club had dealt with more than its share of misfortunes over the past Christmas seasons. So much so that she couldn't find humor in any hint of disaster, no matter how remote.

  To change the subject, she murmured, "Yet another year has flown by. It really doesn't seem that long since we were celebrating the turn of the century."

  "Well, things have certainly changed since King Edward took over the throne."

  "They certainly have. I often wonder if the late queen is turning over in her grave. She was such a stickler for protocol. Her son has no such restraint, I'm afraid."

  Madeline grinned. "And the country is much happier for it. Come Cecily, surely you don't begrudge people some levity in their lives? You must admit, Queen Victoria was a priggish tyrant who frowned upon the slightest hint of revelry. No wonder Edward is such a libertine."

  "Levity is one thing. Promiscuity is something else entirely."

  "But so much fun!"

  Madeline's eyes twinkled with mischief, and sensing she was deliberately trying to shock her, Cecily changed the subject again. "How is your friend Miss Danbury enjoying our little seaside town? It was good of her to come in for your wedding, though it's quite a change from London, I'm afraid. I trust she's not finding it too cold and damp for comfort?"

  Madeline stretched an arm to hang the bell near the top of the tree. Her long black hair, which she refused to bind up, reached almost to her waist, and swung back and forth as she moved. "Not at all. Grace is quite enjoying the recent snowfall. It doesn't snow that often in the city."

  "It does make everything seem more festive." Cecily dug into the large box on the floor and came up with a bag of white lace angels. "I noticed she wasn't at the midday meal yesterday. I do hope she's not under the weather?"

  "She's perfectly well." Madeline took an angel from her and examined it with a frown. "She met a friend from London. I believe they planned to go gift shopping in Wellercombe."

  Cecily stared up at her friend. "Goodness. I would have thought shopping in London would have been far more productive. After all, the choice is somewhat limited in a small town like Wellercombe."

  "But the prices are a good deal more reasonable. Grace loves to find bargains, and she said her friend was delighted to spend a day at the seaside."

  "Ah." Cecily nodded. "A man friend, I presume."

  "Not at all. Grace doesn't much care for male companionship."

  "Well, I hope she will attend the banquet this evening."

  "I'm sure she will. She's looking forward to it. As am I." Madeline handed her back the ornament. "I think I'll put these angels on the tree in the foyer. They looked very nice there last year."

  "They did indeed." Cecily smiled, remembering how lovely the tree looked. "Will you make those pretty little sugar bells again?"

  "I already have." Madeline waited while Cecily dug deeper into the box. "Did Phoebe manage to finish your gown for the wedding?"

  Cecily paused. Phoebe Carter-Holmes Fortescue was an excellent seamstress who, before her marriage to Colonel Fortescue, out of financial necessity had sewn her entire wardrobe. She had offered to make the bridesmaids dresses as a wedding present for Madeline.

  Phoebe and Madeline were Cecily's very best friends, but both could be somewhat unpredictable. "Phoebe assures me the dresses will be ready for the wedding on New Year's Eve," Cecily said, praying that was true. "She plans to do the final fitting right after Christmas."

  "Well, I hope she doesn't let us down. I would hate to see my maid of honor walking down the aisle in a tea gown."

  Cecily laughed. "This will be my first time attending a wedding as maid of honor. I promise you, I will make sure that Phoebe has us all properly attired."

  "Yes, much as I dislike the idea of being married in a church, I am happy that you and Grace will be my attendants. I can't say as much for the other bridesmaid. I've never met Emily Winchester, but from what Kevin tells me about her, I have a feeling I won't like her."

  Since Madeline's predictions tended to be remarkably accurate, Cecily felt a small qualm. She had been the one to persuade Madeline to marry her handsome doctor in the sanctity of the Lord's house, and in deference to her friend and her future husband, Madeline had reluctantly agreed.

  Knowing quite well that her friend would much rather have been married privately in the woods with only the birds and woodland creatures in attendance, Cecily wanted so much for the wedding to be perfect in every way.

  Picking out a green glass ball inlaid with gold filigree, she murmured, "I happened to bump into Mrs. Winchester yesterday morning. She seems pleasant enough, though a little put out. Her husband had to return to London for the day. An emergency with a patient, I believe she said. He's Kevin's best man, isn't he?"

  "Yes. Dr. Winchester studied with Kevin in London. They have remained best friends, even though they haven't seen much of each other since then."

  "Well, I'm sure you and the doctor's wife will become the best of friends, too." She handed the ball to Madeline. "You have such a sweet nature, Madeline. Everyone who knows you loves you."

  "Not everyone. Phoebe, for instance. She will never forgive me for not inviting her to be a bridesmaid."

  "On the contrary, I do believe she was quite relieved. I know she was most pleased that you had accepted her offer to sew the dresses."

  "Well, I felt obligated to allow her to be part of all this fuss. After all, her son will be performing the ceremony." Madeline sighed. "I suppose her cuckoo husband will have to be there."

  Cecily hid a grin. "I can't imagine Phoebe being there without him."

  "Well, we can only hope that he behaves himself and refrains from attacking imaginary enemies or I'll be forced to turn him into a toad."

  Cecily's grin vanished. As well as she knew Madeline, she could never be quite sure that her friend wasn't actually capable of carrying out her outlandish threats.

  "At least we shall have one dependable member of the wedding party," Madeline murmured. "It was so very gallant of Baxter to agree to give me away." She raised herself on her toes to reach an upper branch, her floral skirt swirling around her bare ankles.

  Madeline often declined to wear shoes or stockings while indoors, which had raised more than one aristocratic eyebrow in the halls of the Pennyfoot.

  As for the local residents of Badgers End, they were well used to Madeline's odd habits. Though the women tended to fear her and kept out of her way, unknown to most of them, their husbands flocked to Madeline's house for a supply of her special potions. Many of them owed their continuing virility to Madeline's magic touch with herbs and flowers.

  "I do think that's enough on the tree for now." Cecily gazed in admiration at her friend's handiwork. "It looks quite dazzling. "Besides, I'm becoming quite nervous watching you dance around on that narrow stool."

  Madeline laughed, and leapt lightly down from her perch. "Dear Cecily. You know you
worry entirely too much."

  "Perhaps." Cecily closed the lid of the box. "Then again, while running an establishment as popular as the Pennyfoot, I have a lot to worry about."

  "You should insist that Baxter help you more. After all, he used to be manager of the Pennyfoot before he married you."

  "Baxter has his own business to worry about. Though he does help me a great deal when we are busy. Which reminds me. He should be home from the city by now. I need to talk to him about the Christmas Eve ceremonies."

  "And I must finish the decorating if I am to attend the banquet tonight." Madeline bent down and with surprising ease hoisted the heavy box in her arms. "Christmas is only two days away. There is still so much to do before the wedding." She hurried over to the door. "We will see you at the banquet, then. It was good of you to invite Kevin and me."

  "It will be your last Christmas as a single woman." Cecily followed her to the door. "I want all of us to share at least part of it."

  Madeline made a face. "Including that insufferable Phoebe and her deranged husband?"

  "Of course." Cecily gave her a gentle poke. "You can complain about Phoebe all you like, Madeline, but I know quite well that you are fond of her."

  "As a horse is fond of flies," Madeline muttered. She waited for Cecily to open the door for her then squeezed through with the box in her arms. "Ah well, beggars can't be choosers, as they say."

  She drifted off down the hallway, her breathless "Good-bye" floating behind her.

  Gertie McBride stomped down the hallway to the kitchen, muttering to herself under her breath. Christmas. Nothing but a big fuss and a lot of hard work. She slapped open the kitchen door so hard it swung back, bounced off the wall and smacked into her as she barged through.

  "Bloody hell!" Rubbing her nose, she glared at Mrs. Chubb as if it were her fault.