Cupcakes, Bats, and Scare-dy Cats (An Annie Graceland Cozy Mystery Book 6)

by Pamela DuMond

  “Good,” I said. “I’ve got my money on Fartier. Has either of them confessed yet?”

  “Hildy has a pretty solid alibi. She was at The Juiced Bar getting soused from nine p.m. to four a.m. when the bouncer poured her into a cab and sent her home.”

  “Maybe Mr. Fartier just wanted to give her an alibi.”

  “Maybe,” Raphael said. “Or, maybe he didn’t invite her to his Halloween bash because she was so competitive that she wouldn’t have given John any time to kill Anthony Spiggottini. John’s prints were all over the blood speckled Juiced Bar work out strap that Mozart dragged around for a bit.

  “Did all that wear and tear tamper with the evidence?”

  “Yes, but there’s still plenty left. John Fartier can let a good attorney argue that for him.”

  “Do you think they’re still going to rip down my apartment?”

  “Maybe,” Raphael said. “But there’s at least a six-month stay while they investigate Kathleen Barton’s letters and documents that you found in your apartment. Who knew Kathleen Barton used to live at your place? That’s crazy!”

  I glanced over at Grady who was dancing with his boyfriend Liam. He had finally given up the Jamie from Outlander look and was attempting an Earnest Hemingway costume.

  Julia and Cody wore Mulder and Scully outfits and smooched in a dark corner of the front yard.

  I looked at Anthony who sat dejectedly on the front step and stared at all the partiers. “Raphael, can you refresh my drink?” I asked.

  “Anything for Dorothy,” he said, took my cup, and walked away.

  I walked over to my former apartment manager. “Your information helped a lot, you know,” I said. “Why couldn’t you have been this sweet earlier?”

  “You mean when I was alive?” he asked.

  I nodded.

  He shrugged. “How was I going to be the muscle guy for a slumlord if I was a nice guy? It just didn’t fit my job description.”

  “Oh,” I said. “When did you finally figure out you were dead?”

  “As soon as I saw the European guy in the silver thong,” he said. “No one living would wear such a thing. What do I do now?”

  “Well, you could stick around and haunt folks for a while. I totally wouldn’t mind if you gave Hildy a few scares. Or, you could go to the Afterlife. I hear it’s a pretty nice place to live. Very homey.”

  “But I don’t know how to get there,” he said.

  “Well, Vlad,” I said. “In my experience, you need to go to the light. There’s a big Jack-O’-Lantern over there that’s bright as the sun on a cloudless day. Walk toward it, click your heels together three times, and recite, ‘There’s no place like home.’”

  He stood up. “What about Prince Philip?”

  “Feel free to take him with you,” I said.

  “He left,” Anthony said. “Something about getting prepared for All Saints’ Day. Had to get his hair done so he’d look presentable for some guy named Peter.”

  I sighed.

  “Nice doing business with you, Graceland,” Anthony said. “Remember, no dogs are allowed in your apartment. Cats are okay if they’re written into your lease. The security deposit cannot be returned if the wear and tear is above normal parameters. I wish we could have done that getaway with the hotel room overlooking Parking Lot E at the track. And, I’m sorry about putting your picture on the wall at the bar.” He saluted me, turned, and walked toward the Jack-O’-Lantern.

  I waved at him. “The getaway was never going to happen. And about the picture thing, it’s okay, Anthony. I went back there and took it down.”

  “I don’t mean the one at The Juiced Bar,” he said. “I meant the photos at the other bars.” He clicked his heels together, squeezed his eyes shut, and recited, “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home…”

  I frowned. “What other bars?”

  But like a fart in the wind, he was gone.

  I looked up and a lone bat flew out from under a tall tree and winged its way toward the full moon. I shivered.

  Raphael walked up, handed me my drink, and held up his glass. “A toast,” he said. “Here’s to an uneventful Thanksgiving. Happy, haunted Halloween, Annie.”

  Chapter 34

  Excellent Adventure

  Theodore (The Cat)

  I WOULDN’T WANT to repeat leaving home again in such a dramatic fashion. But I did learn a few things on my excellent adventure.

  Number one. Don’t shoot the dog. Yes, they are smelly, oafish beasts, and clearly inferior to felines. But push comes to shove, there are a few that aren’t that bad. I met one of them and I’m proud to call him my pal. Please don’t tell him I said that.

  Number two. The occult is not a laughing matter. You might think it’s all fun and games to play Bloody Mary, or goof around with a Ouija board (I only did this once, but that is another story), but conjuring up a spirit from the dead, or the Great Beyond, or even liking one of those fake cat sensations on YouTube, clearly has ramifications.

  Number three. The catnip might look greener on the other side of the fence but chances are it comes with a harness attached.

  And number four. I love you cat mother, Annie. No one can take your place. There will never be another you, and there really is no place like home.

  I was, however, thinking that wet cat food feeding time must be increased to three times a day instead of the rigorous once a day schedule that you’re currently enforcing…

  THE END

  DEAR READER:

  I HOPE you enjoyed Scare-dy Cats! Please consider leaving a review on the site where you bought the book as well as on Goodreads. Reviews help an author more than you can imagine.

  FYI — as of Autumn 2015, I’m in the middle of re-vamping my website. Sign up for my newsletter for special deals and offers, and who knows what else! Pam's Newsletter Signup Form .

  I’d love it if you’d check out my other books. Everything I write has humor and heart.

  ON A PERSONAL NOTE, ( PSA warning…), I recently rescued a stray dog digging around in the garbage in the alley behind my home. I took him to the local Vet, and had him scanned. He was chipped, but the dog’s owner had not registered the chip with the parent company. I was very lucky to find this dog’s owner. So –– please remember to chip your animals AND register them every time you move.

  GO READ a good book and tell someone you love about it!

  XOXO,

  PAM

  Scare-dy Cat Recipes

  Bloody Mary Cocktail

  By

  Mary the ‘Spirit’ Cat

  INGREDIENTS:

  1 teaspoon sea salt

  1 cup ice cubes (use the filtered water – cleaner and healthier for you.)

  1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger of vodka (Use the good stuff for a better tasting drink.)

  ¾ cup spicy tomato-vegetable juice cocktail (example, V-8, or the low salt version of V-8.)

  2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce

  Salt and pepper to taste (Cut back on the salt if you have heart issues.)

  1 stalk celery (Up this to two stalks to get in a serving of your daily vegetables.)

  2 stuffed green olives (I personally hate olives, so I skip this, but it’s up to you.)

  DIRECTIONS:

  Use tall glasses and salt the rims. An easy way to do this is to pour salt onto a small plate. Moisten the rim of the glass with a damp towel, and press into the salt. Place the ice cubes in the glass.

  Fill a cocktail mixer full of ice. Combine the vodka, vegetable juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper concoction, with a dash of salt and the pepper. Shake this thoroughly and strain into the glass. To finish, Garnish the Bloody Marys with celery stalks and olives (if you insist on being an olive-lover), stuck onto toothpicks.

  ENJOY RESPONSIBLY!

  Davis Family Cherry Dream Pie

  By

  Julia Davis

  INGREDIENTS:

  Crust

  3 cups (1 - 13.5 ounce package
) graham cracker crumbs (either Honey Maid or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs such as Kinnikinnick brand)

  1-1/2 sticks (6 ounces) butter, melted

  1 teaspoon salt

  Filling

  2 cups (9 ounces) powdered sugar

  2 8-ounce packages cream cheese (softened to room temperature)

  2 envelopes Dream Whip mix

  1 cup cold milk, whole or 2%

  1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  Topping

  Two 21-ounce cans Comstock Cherry Pie Filling

  INSTRUCTIONS:

  CRUST

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a 13”x9” casserole dish with cooking spray.

  Mix graham cracker crumbs with the salt and melted butter and stir until thoroughly combined. Mixture should resemble wet sand.

  Press graham cracker mixture into casserole dish with very clean hands and form short edges around the side of the dish with the crust.

  Bake for 10 minutes then remove and cool completely.

  FILLING

  Pour the 2 envelopes of Dream Whip mix into a medium sized bowl along with milk and vanilla extract.

  Using an electric hand mixer, beat for 30 seconds on low. Increase speed to medium high and beat for 3 – 4 minutes until mixture thickens and forms peaks.

  Refrigerate until needed.

  In a large mixing bowl beat the 2 packages of soft cream cheese on medium, until soft and creamy.

  Reduce to low speed and gradually add the 2 cups of powdered sugar. Once incorporated increase speed to medium high and beat until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.

  Remove Dream Whip from the refrigerator and gently fold into cream cheese mixture.

  Spread cream cheese and Dream Whip mixture over the cooled crust, spreading to the edges of the dish.

  TOPPING

  Spread the 2 cans of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese mixture.

  Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  Recipe can be halved and made in an 8”x8” baking dish.

  Southern Night Cocktail (Aka -- Comfy Peach)

  By

  Robin Kelly

  INGREDIENTS:

  1/3 of a glass Southern Comfort

  1/3 of a glass Peach Brandy

  1/3 of a glass either Peach Schnapps or Cranberry Peach Juice (This depends on how potent you want this drink to be!)

  If you want this to be a slushy and cool type of drink, add crushed ice mix.

  DIRECTIONS:

  Mix. Shake with the ice.

  This one can be potent! Drink responsibly.

  Toffee Square Cookies

  By

  Margaret Dieman

  INGREDIENTS:

  ½ C melted butter

  3 C rolled oats

  1 C brown sugar

  1 Tsp salt

  1 egg beaten

  ½ C dark syrup???

  1 Tsp??? vanilla

  ¼ C sifted flour

  1 six oz. package of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

  INSTRUCTIONS:

  Combine butter and oats and mix well.

  Combine the flour, sugar, salt, the egg, vanilla, and dark syrup and mix well.

  Blend these two mixtures together thoroughly.

  Spread evenly in the bottom of a greased 9X13 baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

  Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.

  Return to the over for 1 to 2 minutes to melt the chocolate. Sprinkle with nuts if you wish.

  Cool and cut into squares.

  SHOULD YIELD APPROXIMATELY 24 SQUARES.

  Spooky Surprise (Cookie Dough) Cupcakes!

  By

  Laura Devries

  Professional Baker

  COOKIE DOUGH:

  2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

  1 teaspoon baking soda

  1 teaspoon salt

  1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

  3/4 cup granulated sugar

  3/4 cup packed brown sugar

  1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  2 large *pasteurized* eggs OR equal amount liquid egg substitute*

  2 cups chocolate chips

  DIRECTIONS:

  Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs (or egg substitute, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Using a tablespoon as a guide, scoop balls of cookie dough onto waxed paper or parchment and place in a container that will fit in your freezer. Once all of the cookie dough is scooped, place in the freezer for at least 1 hour or until completely frozen.

  *Using pasteurized eggs or liquid egg substitute will reduce any potential hazard that might result from using raw eggs. However, egg-free cookie dough can also be used. Any uncooked or undercooked meat or egg product carries potential risk. Take appropriate precautions and safety measures as necessary.

  CUPCAKE BATTER:

  1 stick butter, softened

  1 3/4 cups sugar

  4 eggs - room temperature

  1 tsp. vanilla extract

  1/3 cup oil

  2 3/4 cups cake flour

  1 1/4 tsp. baking powder

  3/4 tsp. baking soda

  1/2 tsp. salt

  1/4 cup vanilla pudding mix

  1/2 cup dark cocoa powder, sifted

  1.5 cups whole milk

  IN A LARGE BOWL or bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs. Mix on low speed until fully incorporated. Add oil and mix thoroughly.

  In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pudding mix, cocoa powder.

  In a small bowl, whisk together coffee liqueur, Irish cream and sour cream thoroughly.

  Add dry and liquid mixtures to the mixing bowl in two additions, scraping down sides and bottom of bowl. Mix until smooth.

  Fill baking cups 2/3 full and add a ball of frozen cookie dough to each cupcake just before placing into the oven.

  Bake at 350° 18-22 minutes (in a standard oven, less for convection ovens) until a toothpick inserted at the edge comes out clean (inserting in the center will not give an accurate reading as cookie dough will be gooey).

  Cool completely, then frost and decorate.

  VANILLA BUTTERSCREAM ICING:

  1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened

  3 - 4 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted

  A pinch of salt

  2-3 tablespoons whole milk

  2 tsp. vanilla extract

  PLACE SOFTENED butter into the bowl of a stand mixer that has been fitted with the paddle attachment. Turn the mixer on a medium setting and cream the butter until it is smooth and has lightened in color, about 3 minutes.

  Add confectioner’s sugar, ½ a cup at a time. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. After each cup of powdered sugar has been incorporated, turn the mixer onto the highest speed setting and for about 10 seconds to lighten the frosting.

  Add milk until the frosting has reached the preferred consistency.

  For a firmer frosting, add more confectioner’s sugar, a ¼ cup at a time. For a softer frosting, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time.

  Apply to cupcakes after they have cooled.

  Serve fresh, or cover and refrigerate.

  Acknowledgments

  A huge thanks to my usual suspects: Renee George for another awesome cover, Debbie deBlas for boldly beta reading this ms, and Arianne Cruz for editing.

  Thanks to my real-life cheerleaders – you are awesome and I am grateful for you every day: Kristin Warren, Joan Brady, Sue Berger, Dakota Cassidy, Michael James Canales, Allison Morse, Alta Kirkland Roberts, Jeanie Whitmire Jackson, Cheryl Cavitt Carlson, Carole Sauer, Terri Billingsley Dunn, JM Kelley, Kaye DuMond, An’gel Molpus, Maggie Marr, Sylvie Fox, Beverly Diehl, Deborah Daly Roelandts, Beverly Osborn
e Cavaliere, Cindy Sample, Joanne Pence, Carolyn Haines, Monica Mason, Cheyenne Mason, and Melissa Black Ford. Thanks to my friends and family.

  Thanks to those who contributed recipes for this book: Debbie deBlas, Laura Devries, Robin Kelly, Kim Davis MacMahon. A big thanks to my Cupcakes narrators Kelly Self and C. Aurora deBlas.

  Thanks to my readers for embracing this book. Annie Graceland’s adventures wouldn’t continue without your support. You are wonderful.

  A special thanks to the Los Angeles Public Library for featuring Cupcakes, Lies, and Hot Guys in their Self-E Program. I do appreciate your support.

  Go read a book and tell someone you love about it!

  Xo

  Pamela DuMond

  Also by Pamela DuMond

  Free:

  Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guys (Annie Graceland Cozy Mystery, #1)

  Pamela DuMond Free eBook Sampler

  The Annie Graceland Cozy Mystery Series:

  Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guys (Annie Graceland Cozy Mystery, #1)

  Cupcakes, Sales, and Cocktails - A Novella (AG, #2)

  Cupcakes, Pies, and Hot Guys (AG, #3)

  Cupcakes, Paws, and Bad Santa Claus (AG, #4)

  Cupcakes, Diaries, and Rotten Inquiries (#5)

  The Annie Graceland Cozy Mystery Box Set: Books 1 - 4

  Romance:

  The Messenger (Mortal Beloved Time Travel Romance, #1)

  The Assassin (Mortal Beloved, #2)

  Part-time Princess (Ladies-in-Waiting, #1)

  The Story of You and Me (Driven, #1)

  Crazy Beautiful Love: 3 Novels. 3 Heroes. 3 Ways to Fall in Love

  Other:

  Staying Young: Simple Techniques to Look and Feel Young

  Books in the Works:

  Part-time Princess (#2)

  The Seeker (Mortal Beloved, #3)

  The Huntress (Mortal Beloved, #4)

  Cupcakes, Bats, and Scare-dy Cats (AG, #6)

  Cupcakes, Bars, and Rock Stars (AG, #7)

  Book 2

  Book 3

  About the Author

  USA TODAY Bestselling Author Pamela DuMond discovered Erin Brockovich's life story, thought it would make a great movie, and pitched it to 'Hollywood'. Her book THE MESSENGER was optioned for film/TV.

  She writes Cozy Mysteries, YA, Romance, and Self-Help.

  She's addicted to the TV shows The Voice, and The Black List. She likes her cabernet hearty, her chocolate dark, her foods non-GMO, and she lives for a good giggle. When she's not writing Pamela's also a chiropractor and cat wrangler. She loves reading, the beach, working out, movies, TV, animals, her family and friends. She lives in Venice, California with her fur-babies.