For lovers of armchair travel, amateur sleuthing, and good food and wine, my new cozy mystery series is the perfect summer read. Pre-order your copy of Book 1, Shadows of Serenity, now for only 99 cents at all Amazon stores. Here’s a little amuse-bouche to whet your appetite. Enjoy!

Prologue

The sun began its slow descent, casting a warm golden glow over the coconut plantation on the idyllic shore of Koh Samui. A middle-aged man with a sun-kissed complexion walked away from the beach, his bare feet sinking into the powdery sand. The rhythmic rustling of swaying coconut palms provided a soothing backdrop to this tropical paradise.

As he took a shortcut across the plantation to his hut, the restless canopy of palm fronds overhead created a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. The air carried the faint scent of coconut mingled with the ocean breeze. The verdant surroundings embraced him, momentarily allowing him to forget the worries of his everyday life.

With the retreat’s buildings in sight, he was confronted with the intoxicating scent of a frangipani bush he passed by. Lost in the stillness of his surroundings, his serenity was abruptly shattered by a strange sound emanating from behind. Instinctively, he turned, his eyes widening in recognition. Before he could defend himself, the back of his head was met with a sharp impact.

Collapsing to the ground, and with his senses fading, he painfully rolled onto his back, and his gaze settled on the familiar face standing above him.

“You won’t hurt anyone else,” the voice whispered, a heavy hammer in the killer’s hand, ready to administer the final blow.

Realization struck him like a lightning bolt, fear mingling with his final breath. He should have recognized his killer earlier. They had met before.

As his life force slowly ebbed away, his vision blurred, but the vibrant green, red, and yellow hues of the tropical landscape flashed in random sequences across his dwindling consciousness. The palms stood tall and proud, their slender trunks adorned with clusters of ripe coconuts, and the surrounding foliage contrasted with the azure expanse of the nearby ocean, creating a picture-perfect scene that betrayed the darkness lurking within.

When his last breath escaped his lips, the truth he carried within him slipped away into the shadows.

Chapter 1 Two Days Earlier

Harry sat cross-legged on the sandy beach, her steady gaze fixed on the shimmering turquoise waters of Koh Samui Bay. The rhythmic lapping of the gentle waves against the shore created a soothing melody, inviting her to dive deep into her thoughts. With her laptop perched across her bare legs, she again attempted to add a paragraph to her travel blog, but her thoughts meandered away, irresistibly pulled by the currents of memories and past regrets.

She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the tropical sun on her skin, and allowed her mind to wander back to her former life in the bustling streets of New York City, evoking the sights, sounds, and scents of a place that had once consumed her every waking moment. The constant hustle and bustle, the deafening cacophony of horns and sirens, and the polluted air that choked the city.

Her mind drifted to her tiny studio apartment, where she had spent countless hours hunched over a cheap wooden desk, her world confined to the space between four walls built far too close to each other. She had been subject to a whirlwind of deadlines and demanding editors; their pressure mounting with each passing day. Her big lifestyle magazine job had seemed glamorous at first, but it had slowly eroded her spirit, suffocating her love for writing. The Editor-in-Chief felt that Harry had a real talent for bringing the homes of the rich New Yorkers to life and delegated to her the writing of cookie-cutter pieces in which famous women showcased their city dwellings.

“So glad I studied Whitman and Dickinson so that I can write about the Kardashians’ walk-in closets,” she would joke to her friends in private.

One morning on the C train on her way to an editorial meeting, Harry had watched a young man board with a female pit bull on a short lead in one hand and a paint bucket and brushes in the other. Although people greeted the dog, they ignored each other, and a middle-aged woman fell asleep over her Kindle even though it was just nine a.m. Everyone around seemed hopelessly tired and hollow. At the next stop, the pit bull and its owner left the train, and a candy salesman boarded. He announced his presence to the disinterested crowd. The man was from Colombia and had just arrived in the city. He couldn’t find work, so he sold candy in hopes of getting a few dollars to get by. As he walked along the train, people looked away.

The man had undertaken a perilous journey across a continent to fulfill his dream, and here he was selling candy, Harry thought to herself. She wished she had some cash to buy candy, but she used her cell phone to pay for things in the city and never carried any cash. For the rest of the day, Harry could not stop thinking of the man’s life. He’s being ignored and struggles every day, yet he perseveres. It would seem I am merely leading a life of quiet desperation. A longing for freedom had seized her soul that day. A desire to break free from the constraints of her life, to seek new horizons, and to regain the joy of storytelling.

“What’s the worst that could happen?” she said, explaining her decision to a friend over drinks. “I can’t go on like this, and with my fibromyalgia, sitting for hours in front of a laptop is excruciating. I need to be out there, sucking out the marrow of life.”

And so, she made the bold decision to ‘leave it all behind her’ to embark on a journey that would take her around the world, documenting her adventures on her travel blog.

As Harry opened her eyes and escaped the stressful memory of her life in New York City, the serene panorama of Koh Samui greeted her. The contrast between her past life and the present moment couldn’t have been starker. Here, the air was clean and fragrant with the sweet scent of tropical flowers. The spacious expanse of the beach beckoned her to explore; to embrace the freedom she had yearned for.

She shifted her gaze from her laptop to the breathtaking bay, its crystal-clear water inviting her to plunge in. The vibrant hues of the sky and the sea merged seamlessly, forming a breathtaking spectacle that mirrored the transformation she had undergone since leaving her old life behind.

Just as she finished reminiscing about the journey that had brought her here, a gentle electronic ping interrupting her thoughts. Her phone displayed a reminder: “Yoga session – 6:00 PM.” With a satisfied smile, she closed her laptop, slipped it into her satchel, and rose from the sandy embrace of the beach. She reminded herself of the need to live for the present moment while continuing with the task of weaving her story, one adventure at a time.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Harry left the beach behind, ready to immerse herself into the calming practice of yoga, finding balance and tranquility in this corner of the world that had become her haven. As she walked away, she couldn’t help but feel immensely grateful for the serendipitous twists and turns of Fate that had led her to this wonderful place where the turquoise bay held the promise of endless possibilities. Had it not been for her fibromyalgia diagnosis, she would be currently walking across a filthy metro station to catch the C train and not across a pristine beach to a yoga session. While many people in her support group in New York focused on the daily pains caused by the condition and devoted the sessions to fishing for pity, Harry saw her illness as a call to action. A cliché warning not to waste the precious time we have. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, Harry felt grateful that she could walk the Earth and explore its natural beauty, share laughs with friends, and make plans for the future.

As Harry approached the pavilion, she noticed a couple already waiting outside. The man stood tall, his salt-and-pepper hair reflecting the sunlight, while his wife fidgeted nervously beside him. The husband seemed to be going through a midlife crisis, evidenced by a shiny silver earring; a hint of rebellion against the passage of time. The wife, on the other hand, appeared slightly overweight and carried an air of self-consciousness, her eyes darting around as if searching for reassurance. Both were dressed in similar harem pants and loose cotton shirts with colorful patterns of elephants and mandalas.

With a warm smile, Harry approached them. “Hello there! Are you here for the yoga session?”

The woman nodded. “Yes, we just arrived today.”

“I’m Harry. Welcome to the retreat.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Harry. I’m James, and this is my wife, Lisa. We’re so excited to be here. The place is beautiful.”

“Yes, even better than the photos,” Lisa said, speaking softly.

The trio engaged in light conversation as they awaited the start of the yoga session.

“Hello, hello!” a cheerful voice interrupted them.

It was Mary—a middle-aged woman from Nebraska known for her almost uncontrollable chattiness. Harry introduced the newcomers, and Mary continued to talk to them as if they were good friends, somewhat oblivious that the places and people she was referring to were completely unknown to the couple.

“We were in the Lime Tree, and Anthony ordered grilled crab, but you won’t believe it! They served him the whole crab in a shell. It took him an hour to pull out the tiny morsels of meat! He was not happy about it.”

“Lime Tree is a very nice restaurant near the retreat, and Anthony is one of the guests here,” Harry explained to the confused couple. “He’s over there.”

Harry waved at an elderly gentleman in white linen pants and a beautifully embroidered Indian-style shirt. He waved back at her but sat down on his mat and closed his eyes, signaling that he wanted to be left alone. An afternoon with Mary would do it to anyone, Harry thought. While Harry appreciated Mary’s friendly nature, her mind often drifted away while Mary went on.

As Harry set up her yoga mat, she waved at the other guests getting ready for the session. People were chatting about their experiences at the retreat so far, sharing stories of early morning beach walks, relaxing spa treatments, and the calming effect of the island’s natural beauty. Harry had only been at the retreat for a few days and could recognize some faces, but she hadn’t made any friends. She couldn’t help but notice that Lisa looked out of place in this tranquil paradise, as if she were an observer, not a willing participant.

James, on the other hand, was eager to fit in and explore the island. His eyes lit up as Mary described some boats trips that she had taken—the hidden coves, spectacular coral reefs, and emerald lagoons. He explained that he had seen them in photos on the internet and could not wait to experience them in real life. Harry, an avid explorer herself, listened intently, feeling a kinship with James’s enthusiasm for adventure. She was about to ask if they wanted to go with her on a boat trip organized by the retreat, when Yvonne, the yoga instructor, appeared. Wearing large hoop earrings adorned with long feathers that danced in the gentle breeze, she resembled an ethereal being. Her short gray hair framed her symmetrical face, accentuating her set-back shoulders and strong, athletic physique. As she spoke, her voice carried a sense of calm and wisdom, instantly captivating those around her.

“Namaste, and welcome, everyone. As we gather here today amidst the serenity of nature, let us take a moment to honor the journey that has brought us together. In the next hour, I invite you to embark on a voyage within, exploring the depths of your own mindfulness and tranquility. Let this session be a sanctuary for your mind, body, and spirit—a space where you can release, relax, and reconnect with your inner self. Remember, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ here, only the path to greater self-awareness and peace. So, let’s breathe together, move together, and awaken the harmony that resides within us all. Welcome to this moment of stillness in our beautiful retreat. Let’s begin.”

Everyone fell into a comfortable silence and settled on their respective mats ready to follow the instructor’s directions. The session began with breathing exercises, and then Yvonne guided them through a series of stretches and poses, allowing their minds to find peace in a world that is often without peace. Harry often wondered how quickly the time passed during the sessions, as she immersed herself in the here and now. Concentrating on the seashell wind chimes decorating the open-air pavilion, and listening to the sea, she felt invincible. Soon the session was over, and Yvonne was sharing some announcements of the next day’s activities at the retreat.

With a final exhale, Harry, James, and Lisa exchanged smiles, signaling a sense of camaraderie.

“Would you like to come over for a drink and some light supper?” Lisa asked Harry as they gathered their belongings. “We have a nice Chardonnay chilling in the fridge, and we’re going to order sushi from a nearby restaurant.”

“Wine and sushi? My two favorite things!” Harry said enthusiastically, trying not to reveal how surprised she was that the invitation came from Lisa.

I’m a terrible judge of character. Harry thought to herself as they agreed on the time and Lisa explained which hut was theirs. Perhaps Lisa is just jet-lagged and tired; that’s why she came off as standoffish. You really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

Talking to herself was a habit that Harry had acquired when she moved to New York. As a writer, she would often spend days on her own in her studio. New York was a very different place from the small town she grew up in with her grandparents. There, you could not get away from people, even though the total population was only a few thousand. In the city, people didn’t speak to you unless they had to. To help with the loneliness, Harry often spoke to herself, discussing her work and debating what to order for supper. She would have liked to adopt a rescue dog or a cat, but her landlord did not allow pets, and she hadn’t been sure where her life was heading.

Back in her hut, Harry dropped off her satchel on the bed, showered, and changed from her yoga outfit into shorts and a T-shirt. She walked through the resort’s winding paths until she reached Lisa and James’s hut nestled amidst the tropical foliage. Lisa and James were already on the porch, drinking wine in the soft ambiance of the lanterns. They hadn’t changed since they came from the session, which suggested they may have already had a drink or two

“Welcome to our humble abode,” James said, greeting her jovially. “One glass of Chardonnay coming up.” He disappeared inside the hut.

Harry made herself comfortable on one of the porch’s chairs.

“It’s so serene here,” Lisa said blissfully.

Harry had to agree as she marveled at the moonlit scene spread out before them, the moon’s silver rays shimmering upon the tranquil bay. A gentle breeze carried the salty scent of the sea, enticing her senses. Soon, James was back on the porch with Harry’s wine, and the small party clinked their glasses and enjoyed the moment and each other’s company.

As they indulged in the expertly prepared sushi that had been delivered to their porch, Lisa opened up about her struggle with her weight. “A friend of mine recommended this yoga retreat to help me shed some pounds,” she admitted with a sigh. “But to be honest, the food in Thailand has been so good, and the wine so cheap, I don’t see how I’m going to lose any weight here.

“I know what you mean,” Harry said, hoping Lisa wouldn’t dwell on the topic for too long. She was not a fan of oversharing and found it uncomfortable when strangers did it. But Lisa was in need of a sympathetic ear and kept talking about her personal struggles.

“When the kids were younger, I was always so busy, you know? There were never enough hours in a day, but ever since the kids left for college, I’ve found myself alone at home with not much to do. I’d watch TV and eat. It’s been difficult to find a new purpose in life.”

Harry listened attentively, offering a supportive smile. “It can be challenging when life goes through such transitions. But you’re here now, making steps toward finding a balance between life and taking care of yourself.”

Before Lisa could respond, James interjected, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “Speaking of taking care of ourselves, you should see my motorboat,” he exclaimed. “It’s a classic, a true piece of craftsmanship. The woodwork inside and out is amazing. I’d been dreaming of buying it for a long time, and now that the kids are on their own, I decided to do it. It’s my favorite place in the world, being at sea, feeling the wind against my face. Boats give me a real sense of freedom.”

Lisa rolled her eyes playfully, the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Yes, James, we’ve heard all about your motorboat,” she teased. “But let’s not forget, we’re here to unwind and let go of our worries, at least for a little while.”

Harry chuckled, enjoying the light banter between the couple. It was evident that James sought adventure and wanted to relive his youthful years at this midlife crossroads. Lisa, on the other hand, craved self-acceptance and a renewed sense of purpose.

As they shared stories and laughter under the moonlit sky, the evening unfolded with a comforting ease. The sounds of the ocean waves and the delicate clinking of glasses accompanied the warmth of new friendship. Harry, James, and Lisa gazed out across the moonlit bay and a fleeting moment of kinship was forged through shared vulnerabilities and the search for purpose amidst the ebb and flow of life.

As Lisa and Harry engaged in a heartfelt conversation, Lisa reached for her cell phone and began flipping through a series of cherished photos, her eyes brimming with pride and affection. She handed the phone to Harry, offering her a glimpse into her world.

“These are my children,” Lisa beamed, pointing to an image showing a handsome young man and a vibrant young woman. “This is Chris, my older son. He’s studying to be a medical doctor. Such a bright future ahead of him. And this is Clara, my younger daughter. She’s studying history online while working part-time at a small museum in Chicago. Both of them are my pride and joy.”

Harry’s eyes sparkled as she observed the genuine delight and love emanating from Lisa and James. It was evident that their children held a special place in their hearts, their accomplishments standing as a testament to the nurture and support they had received.

Demonstrating an eagerness to continue the conversation, James turned his attention to Harry. “So, Harry, where are you from?” he inquired, a genuine curiosity shining through his friendly gaze.

Harry paused for a moment, her expression flickering with a hint of introspection. “I’m originally from a small town in New York State. Ithaca? You’ve probably never heard of it,” she replied with a touch of nostalgia. “I loved Ithaca, but it’s so small. Everyone in your life, including your teachers, shop assistants, bankers, and accountants, knows each other and is in everyone’s business. I love it. But I’ve always had a restless spirit and the desire to explore beyond the familiar. I couldn’t imagine myself living there for the rest of my life. That’s why I went to Columbia University and then stayed in New York, working for a lifestyle magazine and freelancing for other news outlets.”

Lisa leaned forward, her eyes filled with warmth. “Your parents must be so proud of you traveling around the world and supporting yourself by doing what you love,” she said, with admiration in her voice.

A subtle change swept across Harry’s face, a fleeting glimpse of a deeper story yet untold. She hesitated for a moment, her gaze drifting toward the moonlit bay. “Well, my parents passed away when I was a child,” she responded, her voice tinged with sadness. “I grew up with my grandparents who, as you say, are so proud of me and support everything I decide to do.”

Lisa’s expression softened, understanding the unspoken depth of Harry’s words. Sensing Harry’s hesitance, she chose not to pry further, allowing the silence to settle between them like a familiar embrace.

The atmosphere was now marred by a mixture of emotions—sadness, longing, and unspoken desires. Each individual carried their own burdens and triumphs, their own tales woven into the tapestry of their lives. Harry, with her yearning for freedom and self-expression, found solace in the company of James and Lisa. Tonight’s conversation had become a refuge from her past.

As the conversation continued to flow, the glasses of wine were refilled, and a light-hearted gossip session began between Harry, Lisa, and James. They leaned in closer together, their voices lowered in conspiratorial tones.

“What do you think of Yvonne, the yoga instructor?” Lisa asked, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes.

Harry nodded, a smile playing on her lips. “Oh, Yvonne. She’s quite the character, isn’t she? I had the chance to chat with her when I arrived. She’s the co-owner of the retreat. She’s been here on Koh Samui for a while now.”

Lisa leaned in yet further, her curiosity piqued. “Tell us more,” she urged.

“Well,” Harry began, “Yvonne moved to Koh Samui after she retired from working on cruise ships. With her savings, she bought this piece of land, and she started off by renting a few huts on the beach to backpackers. But over the last decade, she has managed to transform it into this beautiful yoga retreat we’re all enjoying now.”

“Yvonne’s quite an interesting woman. A true free spirit, you could say,” Lisa chimed in, adding her own insight.

Harry nodded in agreement. “Absolutely. She’s originally from the Netherlands and has brought Dutch business savvy to the island. It’s clear she’s passionate about yoga and creating a space for others to find inner peace.”

“And I’ve heard her wife, Marieke, is more business-oriented. A perfect balance, I suppose,” James added.

“Exactly. As I understand it, Marieke runs the hotel side of things, taking care of the business aspects and attending to guests from all over the world, while Yvonne brings her creativity and love for yoga to the forefront. Together, they’ve built something truly remarkable.”

The three shared a moment of reflection, contemplating the dynamics of Yvonne and Marieke’s partnership. It was evident that their complementary strengths had played a significant role in the success of the yoga retreat.

It was late into the night when Harry left. The moon cast its soft glow upon James and Lisa, and the night air grew cooler. Before they turned in, Lisa looked at her husband and asked.

“So, what do you think?”

“I think she’s perfect for the job. Has a good reason to travel around and seems gullible enough.”

“I agree, but we need a few more like her.”

“It won’t be a problem finding them here among all the hipster backpackers. Let’s keep our eyes open.”