Holiday in Death by Nora Roberts

This text provides excerpts from the futuristic mystery novel, Holiday in Death, focusing on a grim series of holiday-themed murders. The main plot follows Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her aide, Peabody, as they investigate a serial killer who uses a computer dating service, "Personally Yours," to select his victims, decorating their bodies according to the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas." The narrative alternates between the relentless, high-tech police investigation, including interviewing suspects like the victims' matches and the dating service owners, and glimpses into Eve's personal life with her wealthy, emotionally supportive husband, Roarke, as they prepare for a rare shared holiday. The investigation intensifies with each new victim, pushing Eve and her team to their limits as they race to identify the killer, Simon, a cosmetic consultant who posed as a client, before he completes his murderous "gift" count.