A Stolen Map. A Dead Thief. And a Festival Hiding More Than Folklore.
Beatrice Lowe would rather be arranging rare books in her antique shop than chasing criminals. But when a restricted historical map vanishes during Hartsbridge’s beloved Folklore Festival, the quiet librarian is pulled into trouble once again. With her sharp-tongued psychic cat, Sherlock, offering dry commentary in her mind, and local detective Jack Rivers reluctantly comparing notes, Beatrice quickly realizes this was no simple theft.
Caleb Rowe, an ambitious archivist with access to sensitive mountain records, disappears the same day the map goes missing. When he is later found dead near the Eastward Heights, it becomes clear he was not acting alone. Someone used the festival as cover, and someone silenced him before he could talk.
As café whispers swirl and the Riverbank Grannies trade knowing looks, Beatrice uncovers a darker truth: the stolen map does not lead to treasure. It points to something meant to stay sealed.
The thieves are already heading into the mountains. If Beatrice cannot stop them, Hartsbridge will pay the price.
