A House to Die For by Vicki Doudera

This excerpt focuses on Darby Farr, a real estate agent dealing with the sudden death of her aunt, Jane Farr, and the subsequent murder investigation of Emerson Phipps. Darby becomes entangled in the mysterious circumstances surrounding Phipps's death at the Fairview estate, a property her aunt was selling. The narrative introduces several key characters, including Lucy Trimble, a potential suspect and Phipps's assault victim; Soames Pemberton, a troubled former Navy SEAL who framed Lucy; and Peyton Mayerson, an ambitious buyer with her own agenda for Fairview. Darby, with the help of journalist Miles Porter and her aunt's colleague Tina Ames, uncovers a complex web of deceit and past trauma, ultimately revealing the true killer, Linda Gefferelli, who sought revenge on Phipps for her sister's death. The story culminates in Fairview's sale to the Maine Island Association, symbolizing new beginnings for Darby and the community.