During the writing of my holiday cozy mystery Poisoned Pudding, I decided to change directions and rewrite some of the scenes. I am sharing the scenes I deleted or changed as Poisoned Pudding Bonus Scenes.
Here is Bonus Scene 1.
Poisoned Pudding – Holiday Corner Cozy Mystery
Joy Holiday, and her St. Bernard Angel, didn’t mind the cold. Not when the sun was shining, and the town square was decorated for Christmas. This was the first Saturday that Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves would be in the town square’s beautiful gazebo, greeting children and handing out coloring books and candy canes.
The centerpiece of the gazebo, its Christmas tree, is always a sight to behold. Every year the Gazebo Committee searches the local countryside for the perfect tree, one that exudes the spirit of the season. The town comes together to decorate the tree with a dazzling array of ornaments, tucking in memories and traditions that have been saved from generation to generation.
Throughout December, the gazebo is a hub of activity. Carolers gather on its steps, harmonizing melodies that echo through the town. Children line up to whisper their wishes into Santa’s ear as he sits on a special chair near the Christmas tree.
The gazebo has become a symbol of community spirit, unity, and the joy the holiday season brings to the town. Visitors from nearby towns travel to witness the spectacle and take in the majesty of the decorations that is Holiday Corner, Vermont.
Joy startled at the touch of a warm hand on her shoulder. Sheriff Frank Lawson, handsome in his uniform, smiled up at her as he bent to pat Angel on the head.
“A beautiful day to begin our annual afternoons with Santa,” he said, snuggling a little closer, placing his arm around Joy’s waist.
Joy and Frank dated in high school. They were the “it” couple. She was the daughter of the mayor, and he the son of the sheriff. It was thought they’d get married, but Joy left for college in Boston and then decided to take an executive position in New York. Now twenty-five years later and a divorce behind her, Joy returned home last year. Frank was a widower with a teenage daughter. The timing seemed right for them to rekindle their high school romance. They were taking it slow and enjoying the process of getting to know each other as adults.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the lovebirds,” sneered Garith London, town gossip and sneaky tabloid reporter.
“Don’t start Garith. It’s a beautiful day. Let’s keep it that way.” Joya sighed and shook her head.
“You don’t have to be so grouchy. I was only trying to make a living. Your ex-husband was going to pay me a pretty penny to trail you around and dig up dirt. That didn’t turn out so well for me. I’m just doing my job looking for articles to write. You two have a nice day.” Garith smiled and swaggered toward the Silver Bells Café.
“That man sets my nerves on end every time he’s around me. I know he’s up to no good.” Joy watched as he entered the café.
That’s when a young woman carrying a scruffy-looking suitcase caught her eye. She was a strikingly elegant woman with a slender and graceful figure. She looked casual and comfortable in jeans, boots, and a warm, puffy coat. There was a sense of unhappiness about her that tugged at Joy’s heart.
“Frank,” Joy tapped his arm, “have you seen that woman before?” She pointed across the street.
“Not until this morning when I saw her get out of Sam’s van. I believe she may be the new chef at Silver Bells,” he answered as they watched the woman turn the corner and use a key to enter what used to be the old doughnut shop.
“Looks like we have a new resident.” Joy nodded and turned back to watch the children lining up to visit with Santa.
*****
“Oh, my goodness,” she said, looking at the cobwebs and layers of dust on every surface of the small building.
“It’s going to take some elbow grease and lots of cleaning products to get this place ready for the health inspector.” Joya’s eyes opened wider as she took in the depth of the job that lay before her.
This was her chance to make her and her grandmother’s dream of being part of the Holiday Corner community a reality. Joya Frost believed that her catering business could have the power to bring people together. With her new company, Sugar Plum Catering, her aim was to not only provide delicious meals but also to create a joyful food experience.
She was ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work. The past was the past. This was her new beginning and nothing was going to stop her.
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