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About the Author: Deborah Lacy runs Mystery Playground, a blog about mystery and Fun.
Nick loved Christmas. He couldn’t care less about the presents, the trees, the hot cocoa, the caroling, and almost everything else about the holiday. What he loved most were the lights outside the houses. Swags of glowing icicles, blinking nets of light, big trees swathed in strands of bulbs, well-lit reindeer, crèches and the occasional inflatable Mickey Mouse dressed in a Christmas sweater.
He didn’t love the lights because they were pretty or festive, or even because they made the street brighter. He loved the lights because it made his new job so much easier. Because Christmas lights could tell you what was in a house that was worth stealing. Sometimes the lights could even give you a clue if the house’s owners were home or not. All burglars knew you never robbed a house with a car out in front, but few realized the wealth of information outdoor holiday décor could provide.
This year, LED icicle lights in large quantities with a lit up Snoopy and Woodstock complete with Santa hat meant these people loved the latest of everything. They would have expensive electronic gadgets and a home filled with other expensive toys. But electronics could be easily traced, so Nick never stole them. And any family that went to so much trouble to decorate was probably home for the holidays. Nick skipped houses with large quantities of LED lights.
Loved the story. Reminded me so much of the old Alfred Hitchcock stories. Can't wait to read more from Deborah Lacy.
"Another reason why Christmas was a great time for burglary. No one thought it odd if you were wearing a knit cap and gloves." Good set of rules. Character, environment and plot. Then the conflict. Of course he will be back next year.
Nice twist, very well done.
Excellent plot twist. I am sad to see the story end so soon.
I loved it. well written and developed.
Loved this story. I think I am going to have to rethink my Christmas decorations this year!
Loved the ending! Did not expect it.
I liked the twist in the tail of the tale. I liked the way the character of the burglar was established. I enjoyed reading this.
Great story. A realistic character turning to a life of crime. Great complications. Loved it.
Lovely, a murder with plenty of good feelings to evoke the holiday spirit. Just what I needed.
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