Murder, Minerals, and Mystery...

Geologist Penelope Lake is about to debut the biggest discovery of her career—a dazzling new mineral—at a high-profile gala hosted by the Sierra Springs Natural History Museum. But her excitement turns to horror when her friend Tessa, owner of the town's charming candle shop, is found murdered on opening day of the Spring Festival.

Everyone in town has been raving about Tessa's new Amethyst Falls diamond-infused candles—the festival's latest show-stopper. But when the sparkling display turns into a crime scene, Penelope finds herself pulled into an investigation that hits dangerously close to home.

With the town's two newest detectives questioning her mother as their prime suspect—detectives who happen to complicate Penelope's love life in very different ways—and a mysterious black SUV following her around town, the stakes couldn't be higher. Armed with her scientific mind and her trusty husky puppy Jasper at her side, Penelope must put her analytical skills to the ultimate test.

Can she solve the puzzle of Tessa's murder before the killer strikes again? Or will her debut as an amateur sleuth also be her finale?