Christmas Caper in July

Leslea Wahl takes a look at Deception in December, a fun middle-grade mystery story by Catholic author Doreen McAvoy.

Deception in December is part of Doreen McAvoy’s middle-grade Fern Valley Mystery series. The characters in this series are wonderful—from the main protagonists to the supporting cast, they all help to bring the story to life. I especially appreciate the positive messages and life-lessons that the author weaves into her stories. While this is the second book in the series, the author provides enough background information to understand this story. But if you want more information on the characters, you can also check out Secrets in September. 

Twins Will and Wendy and their friends find themselves involved in an intriguing adventure set at the town’s mysterious Mayfield mansion. As Christmas nears, can the twins and their friends uncover who is behind the strange happenings around town that threaten to tear their friend group apart? Can Will regain his confidence, on and off the basketball court? Join the residents of Fern Valley in this heart-warming Christmas-time caper.  

Summary: 

Thirteen-year-old Will Abbott is enjoying his eighth-grade year and looking forward to a fun-filled December packed with basketball games, snowball fights, and Christmas pageant practice. With Otis Mayfield safely behind bars, Will's biggest problem is enduring the antics of the class bully, Beefy Boris. But when an old car belonging to the Mayfield family is spotted in town, Will fears another Mayfield is back. And when his friend Betsy's baby pictures, believed to have been lost in a fire, mysteriously start appearing, Will is certain someone with ties to the Mayfield family is involved. With Betsy's residence in Fern Valley in jeopardy, Will must retain the services of Boris's newly formed messenger service. Can a bit of Christmas spirit help Will and his friends find the answers they need to keep Betsy from leaving Fern Valley?   

Ask for Deception in December at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com. It is available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

Copyright 2023 Leslea Wahl
Images: copyright 2023 Leslea Wahl, all rights reserved.
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