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Murder by Valentine Candy: Holidazed, #4
Murder by Valentine Candy: Holidazed, #4
Murder by Valentine Candy: Holidazed, #4
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Murder by Valentine Candy: Holidazed, #4

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Oh, the irony! Billionaire ladies' man Adam Erb is murdered by lethal valentine candy.

On Valentine's Day, notorious bad boy and right-wing podcaster Adam Erb is found dead in the back of his limousine, his mouth stuffed full of erectile dysfunction pills disguised as candy hearts. Huck Carp, an adversary of Erb's and a doctoral student in applied sociology, suggests to police that the perpetrator is a severe psychopath. Imagine his surprise when, in front of his would-be girlfriend, they arrest him for the crime.

To prove his innocence, and save his relationship, Huck must utilize all his academic research skills. Aided by friends from his favorite donut shop, he follows the trail of evidence from viral social media hashtags to private performances at the Booti Tooti Gentlemen's Club, and behind the velvet curtain at the mysterious Society of Enlightened Celibate Savants (SECS). Huck is an intellectual, not a lover, but the deeper he probes, the more he realizes that solving this crime will require him to look into his own heart.

EVOLVED PUBLISHING PRESENTS a satirical, down-right funny novel sure to keep a smile on your face. [DRM-Free]

LanguageEnglish
Release dateFeb 4, 2021
ISBN9781622535248
Murder by Valentine Candy: Holidazed, #4
Author

Gregg Sapp

Gregg Sapp, a native Ohioan, is a Pushcart Prize-nominated writer, librarian, college teacher and academic administrator. He is the author of the “Holidazed” series of downright funny satires (Evolved Publishing), each of which is centered around a different holiday. Previous books include Dollarapalooza (Switchgrass Books, 2011) and Fresh News Straight from Heaven (Evolved Publishing, 2018), based upon the life and folklore of Johnny Appleseed. He has published humor, poetry, and short stories in Defenestration, Waypoints, Semaphore, Kestrel, Zodiac Review, Top Shelf, Marathon Review, and been a frequent contributor to Midwestern Gothic, and others. Gregg lives in Tumwater, WA.

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    Murder by Valentine Candy - Gregg Sapp

    Copyright

    www.EvolvedPub.com

    To make sure you never miss out on any important announcements related to our books, special promotions, etc, please subscribe to our newsletter at the address below. And fear not, we’ll not spam you, nor will we share your information with anyone else.

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    ~~~

    MURDER BY VALENTINE CANDY

    Holidazed – Book 4

    Copyright © 2021 Gregg Sapp

    ~~~

    ISBN (EPUB Version): 1622535243

    ISBN-13 (EPUB Version): 978-1-62253-524-8

    ~~~

    Editor: Brandon Sanford

    Cover Artist: Kabir Shah

    Interior Designer: Lane Diamond

    ~~~

    PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

    At the end of this novel of approximately 52,933 words, you will find two Special Sneak Previews: 1) A FAMILY FEUD TEXAS STYLE by Kent Swarts, the first book in the Denny McConnell PI series of detective murder mysteries set in Texas, and; 2) INLET BOYS by Chris Krupa, the first book in the PI Kowalski series of detective murder mysteries from Down Under. We think you’ll enjoy these books, too, and provide these previews as a FREE extra service, which you should in no way consider a part of the price you paid for this book. We hope you will both appreciate and enjoy the opportunity. Thank you.

    ~~~

    eBook License Notes:

    You may not use, reproduce or transmit in any manner, any part of this book without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews, or in accordance with federal Fair Use laws. All rights are reserved.

    This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    ~~~

    Disclaimer:

    This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously.

    Books by Gregg Sapp

    HOLIDAZED

    Book 1: Halloween from the Other Side

    Book 2: The Christmas Donut Revolution

    Book 3: Upside-Down Independence Day

    Book 4: Murder by Valentine Candy

    ...and Books 5 and 6 are contracted and coming soon.

    ~~~

    Fresh News Straight from Heaven

    ~~~

    Dollarapalooza (or The Day Peace Broke Out in Columbus)

    ~~~

    www.GreggSapp.net

    What Others Are Saying about Gregg Sapp’s Books

    HALLOWEEN FROM THE OTHER SIDE:

    Gregg Sapp has done it again! He has authored another intense novel that is almost impossible to put down once you start reading it. Sapp creates characters with whom the reader closely identifies to the point of bonding. His description of surroundings and individuals is so precise that it is easy to form mental pictures placing yourself center stage in every aspect of the story. The plot is superbly crafted with enough excitement to enjoy the story and remember select minutia long after you have finished it. Halloween will never be the same. ~ Tim Terry

    ~~~

    UPSIDE-DOWN INDEPENDENCE DAY:

    This book pokes fun at both redneck conservatives and liberal academics. This is the first book by this author I have read but won’t be the last. ~ Dan Smith

    ~~~

    FRESH NEWS STRAIGHT FROM HEAVEN:

    Johnny Appleseed told many a good yarn about his life and times. He would like this book. ~ Howard Means, Author of Johnny Appleseed: The Man, the Myth, the American Story (S&S 2011)

    ~~~

    "Fresh News is as fresh as today, filled with the flavor and plain frontier talk of the Western Reserve. It’s unmissable." ~ The Akron Beacon Journal (Book Talk, August 2, 2018)

    ~~~

    This narrative begins at Owl Creek in 1801 and immediately I am captured not only by the description of America’s western frontier but by this gangly and cheerfully unconcerned barefoot backwoodsman who made walking sticks fashionable. Against a lush and fragrant backdrop, Sapp provides an array of multidimensional characters in an unpolished landscape that is researched and executed so well, it is difficult to tell that which is invented and that which is historically accurate. ~ Lori’s Book Loft

    ~~~

    Gregg Sapp presents a superbly researched, highly entertaining, and thoroughly enjoyable historically based novel surrounding the exploits of Johnny Appleseed; intertwined with some of the most noteworthy persons and events of the time period. If your initial reaction to the topic is that it may be rather trite—I assure you it is NOT. The historical references and characterizations are intricately researched, creating an exceptional description of lifestyles and living conditions in the cruel harsh frontier at the onset of the nineteenth century. Sapp is a professional researcher with prominent academic credentials who knows how to evaluate the authenticity of primary and secondary sources of information and then craft them into a highly readable and truly exciting adventure. In addition to being a truly exciting story, this book gives the reader a fascinating prospective of frontier living not previously available in other novels. ~ Tim Terry

    BONUS CONTENT

    We’re pleased to offer you not one, but two Special Sneak Previews at the end of this book.

    ~~~

    In the first preview, you’ll enjoy the First Chapter of A FAMILY FEUD TEXAS STYLE by Kent Swarts, the first book in the Denny McConnell PI series of detective murder mysteries set in Texas.

    ~~~

    ~~~

    OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!

    YOU’LL FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:

    The DENNY McCONNELL PI Series at Evolved Publishing

    In the second preview, you’ll enjoy the First 2 Chapters of Aussie author Chris Krupa’s THE INLET BOYS, the first book in the P.I. Kowalski series of detective novels from Down Under.

    ~~~

    ~~~

    OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!

    YOU’LL FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:

    PI KOWALKSI Series at Evolved Publishing

    Table of Contents

    Copyright

    Books by Gregg Sapp

    What Others Are Saying

    BONUS CONTENT

    Table of Contents

    Dedication

    MURDER BY VALENTINE CANDY

    Introduction

    Prologue

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 4

    Chapter 5

    Chapter 6

    Chapter 7

    Chapter 8

    Chapter 9

    Chapter 10

    Chapter 11

    Chapter 12

    Chapter 13

    Epilogue

    About the Author

    More from Gregg Sapp

    What’s Next?

    More from Evolved Publishing

    Special Sneak Preview: A FAMILY FEUD TEXAS STYLE by Kent Swarts

    Special Sneak Preview: INLET BOYS by Chris Krupa

    Dedication

    To Laura,

    a genuine lulu and my sibling in crime.

    Introduction

    From your Valentine.

    Sign-off in a letter from Saint Valentine to his jailer’s daughter, prior to being beheaded, February 14th, 270 AD

    Prologue

    God bless America, Adam Erb said, placing one hand over his heart. He centered himself in front of the American flag draped on the wall behind him, looked straight into the camera, and spoke into the microphone. And until the next time, my friends, remember: The truth ain’t right or wrong. It’s just true.

    He then closed out by playing his theme music—a clip from Sugarfoot Rag. When it was done, he loaded this latest segment of Talking Truth onto his web page, where subscribers could access it and all his other podcasts, as well as purchase T-shirts, coffee mugs, tote bags, bumper stickers, lip balm, toilet paper, and other assorted swag.

    Sighing, Adam put his feet on the desk, removed his headphones, and pushed back his chair. He reached into a mini fridge on the floor beside him and cracked open a can of cold Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. He had only recently acquired a taste for it. Previously, he consumed craft ales exclusively, dismissing mass-produced lagers as piss water. PBR still was pissy, taste-wise, but after having drank enough of it, anything else made him constipated. Besides, it wasn’t like he drank PBR as a matter of taste preference; it was a lifestyle choice. According to data gathered on his website, members of his new demographic drank more PBR than milk and water combined. He imbibed it to show that he was one of them.

    Adam belched with satisfaction. It sure felt good to be back on top. He no longer took success for granted, fickle as she was. Seemingly overnight the public went from voting him the most eligible bachelor in Columbus, to reviling him as sexist and a harasser. His reputation plunged as one woman after another came forward to complain about his behavior, and, like vexing insects, he couldn’t swat them away fast enough.

    He never doubted himself, though. After enduring insults, hostility, accusations, and even a measure of public disgrace, he emerged on the other side with his mojo, money, and rakish good looks fully intact. He did it by remaining steadfast to his principles—that is, he denied everything, at every opportunity. Plus, it didn’t hurt that he had the financial means to settle out of court. A non-disclosure agreement was a beautiful thing. Every relationship should have one. And over the long term, it was much more effective than paying ad hoc hush money to disgruntled ex-employees and bitter ex-lovers. Such was the cost of doing business.

    Love was breaking out everywhere across Columbus, Ohio. Sunday was Valentine’s Day, and Adam was an in-demand catch for appearances at several local venues hoping to cash in on the holiday. He checked his calendar for the next day, Friday, February 12. At 9:00 a.m. he would be the guest of honor at the breakfast meeting of the Buckeye State Babes Motorcycle Club, where the ladies would honor him with their coveted Leader of the Pack award. At 11:00 a.m., with the assistance of members of the Columbus Milk Maids roller derby team, he would cut the ribbon at the grand opening of a new Bullseye Outdoor Gear and Target Range in Hilltop. He would then have lunch with Ginny Campbell of the WXOF News Squadron to discuss business and possibly flirt a little—Ginny didn’t object to a bit of harmless dalliance. He appreciated that she was safe; although, excluding members of the press, he considered safe women a turnoff. Then, throughout the afternoon he would make drop-in appearances to hand out candy to fans at various Big Loots department stores across the greater metropolitan area. A late addition he hadn’t yet put on his web page was an encore gig at Daisy Mae’s Moonshiner Tavern, where he would lead the evening’s first line dance. The Daisy Mae ladies loved him. With luck, maybe what’s-her-name would be there again.

    It was getting late. Anymore, Adam could hardly stay awake after ten. Still, before he turned in, he needed to tweet, post a story to Instagram, and add updates to Facebook. Adam never let a day go by without contributing a meme or two to the social media universe. Over the years, he’d started a veritable hit parade of hashtag trends, both before and after his personal hard times. They numbered in the hundreds, including several that peaked at number one atop Val Vargas’s daily Trends You Can Use list for Columbus.

    On Twitter, he tweeted, #READY-TO-ROLL tomorrow, all over Cow Town. Can’t wait to meet up with all you guys and gals. Look for me in your neighborhood. Check my website at www.adam-erb.fan for details.

    On Instagram and Facebook, he posted a fifteen second video of himself, shirtless beneath pinstriped bib overalls, wearing a Make America Great Again baseball cap, while he popped the hood on his custom retrofitted GMC pickup / stretch limo to check the oil level. He showed the camera that it was full, gestured thumbs up, then replaced the dipstick and dropped the hood.

    He commented, Revved up and #READY-TO-ROLL to see all my fans and valentines.

    Likes and comments began popping up in his news feed instantaneously. Adam scrolled through them, pleased by the positive reinforcement. Most responses were from fans and familiar names who cheerfully approved everything he posted. He could tweet Eat shit and die and they’d still love it. There were some from the usual haters too. Fuck ‘em—he’d gotten the last laugh.

    One posting particularly intrigued him. It read: I’m #READY-TO-ROLL too. I’ll be yours if you ride me hard.

    It was from @LadyMuleskinner—her again! He couldn’t figure her out. The word hard contained a hyperlink. Adam imagined a curvy blond in blue jean short shorts, a plaid blouse knotted over her bare belly, pointy-toed western boots, a straw hat, and maybe a lasso or a gun belt slung over her shoulder. He couldn’t resist clicking.

    The link took him directly to the Erb Is a Dick website, where his enemies continued to taunt him by posting and sharing stories about how and why he was, indeed, a dick. What was wrong with those women (he assumed they were all women) that they couldn’t just let bygones be bygones already?

    Adam chugged the rest of his beer and crushed the can. Damn it, he couldn’t let that be the last image of the day, the one he took to bed with him. He hovered his fingers over the keyboard. There were many sites he could visit to cleanse his mind and refresh his spirits. The entirety of the World Wide Web, with all its pleasures and wonders, was at his instant disposal. But for some reason he kept returning to the same damn site, where he swore every time he looked would be his last. It was like passing a car crash; he couldn’t turn away. He typed in just the first two letters of the URL and his autofill finished the rest for him.

    After Adam pressed Enter, his anticipation rose while the beach ball spun. The page loaded in sections. First, the banner, unrolling like a scroll to reveal the word Welcome in calligraphic script against rosé-colored wallpaper. In the center of the page was a heart-shaped padlock, with an old-fashioned skeleton key in the keyhole. By clicking on it, Adam turned the key and opened the page to an inscrutable world occupied by mostly women, but also a growing number of men, who otherwise looked perfectly normal, apart from their affiliation with SECS.

    What was it? A cult, a club, a fellowship, a secret society, a conspiracy bent on world conquest? Its leader called herself Madame Secsy, and Adam distrusted her almost as much as he was curious about her. He wasn’t entirely convinced that the whole SECS movement wasn’t some kind of a bamboozle. If nobody was getting rich off it, then what other purpose could there possibly be for it to exist?

    The group’s mission statement appeared in a box across the top of the screen. Beneath it was a Join Now button. Adam had never worked up the guts to press it, not even out of purely academic curiosity. In a right-aligned column was a series of topical links, including About, FAQs, News, Who We Are, Contact Us, Schedule of Events, Testimonials, and Shop Our Site. Adam often amused himself by clicking on any or all of these links, where the content included many personal affirmations of the SECS lifestyle, replete with the kind of feel-good fluff that you might otherwise find in a Hallmark movie, but which he suspected really contained coded messages just for initiated members of the society.

    Most intriguing were the personal profiles on the Meet Us link, which was limited to members only, although a handful were presented as teasers for the curious and undecided. Adam studied them carefully—Amber, twenty-eight, who had a degree in special education; Cheri, thirty-four, divorced chiropractor and mother of two; Natalie, eighteen (eighteen! for crying out loud), an undeclared freshman at Ohio State; and Stanley, forty-two, a patent lawyer (wait a minute, was that Stanley—what’s his name—Steadman???) who wrote that he was sick and tired of playing sex games and looking for a lasting relationship. In their profiles these people looked as normal as vanilla ice cream on white bread. But why they wanted what they wanted and, more to the point, did not want what they did not want made no sense whatsoever to Adam. They might as well not want the air that they breathe.

    And yet, he was sorely tempted to join, for, deep down, he too was sick and tired of playing sex games.

    A pair of xenon headlights swept across Adam’s parlor window and cast a blinding glare on his computer screen. He checked his Rolex—10:15 p.m. What the fuck? He went to the window and watched a black sedan approach on the long driveway and park in the turnaround at the front of his manor. Somebody got out of the car and stretched, as if arriving after a long trip.

    Adam jogged to his vault room, logged onto the console of his security system, and toggled the front door camera so he could catch a glimpse of the visitor. He magnified the image on the monitor and turned on the porch lights. She faced the camera and mouthed, Hell-o Ad-am.

    Holy Pabst Blue Ribbon, he muttered to himself. I don’t believe it.

    Adam dashed into the bathroom, gargled with mouthwash, and took his special medicine. He then slipped into a pair of sweatpants, tugged on the belt of his robe, and skipped downstairs to answer the doorbell. When he reached the double doors, he squinted through the peephole, and was startled to see an eyeball look directly back at him. Adam took a deep breath and opened the door.

    Well, what a total surprise this is, he said. You look great.

    I hope I didn’t disturb you.

    Well... no, not at all. I was just checking my email.

    Can I come in?

    Adam shivered. Uh, sure. It’s cold enough to freeze a person solid out there. Can I take your coat?

    Thanks. How about something to drink?

    Oh? Well, sure, of course. Long island iced tea?

    Whiskey. Straight. Pour one for yourself too.

    Adam dug his hands into the pockets of his robe and pinched his thigh. It hurt, so this must be really happening. Then he wondered—can you feel pain in a dream?

    What brings you here tonight? Adam asked.

    I have something for you. Here.

    Adam accepted a heart-shaped box with a red bow on it. Although he was seldom at a loss for something to say, Adam was flummoxed. Thanks, but....

    I know it’s a couple days early, but happy Valentine’s Day.

    Adam opened the box. It contained dozens of mini, multi-colored candy valentine hearts, each with a message that seemed written just for him like Kiss & Tell, Lie to Me, and Tell Me a Secret. He popped one that said R U Wet? into his mouth and sucked on it.

    Delicious, he said. Uh, I guess I should say happy Valentine’s Day to you too.

    Have another.

    Thanks, don’t mind if I do.

    Chapter 1

    Jay-Rome Hawkins arrived half an hour early for the 8:00 a.m. pickup so he could turn on the heater in the Erb-mobile before his boss man was ready to roll. It took forever for that beast

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