John Twelvetrees left high stakes in Vegas to open a diner of his own in Brindle Bay, a quiet Pennsylvania town where he hoped the past wouldn't follow. But when a U.S. congressman dies under suspicious circumstances and the FBI names archaeologist October Katchmore the primary suspect, John finds himself drawn into more than a local scandal.

October's arrival coincides with the murder investigation and a proposed tax bill targeting religious organizations, leaving the town in turmoil. As fear and uncertainty ripple through Brindle Bay, John's diner becomes the emotional epicenter. His staff and regulars—including a team of single mom waitresses, an ex-con chef, and an autistic homeless man—play unexpected roles in keeping the diner alive and uncovering the truth.

John isn't looking for involvement—or connection—but October has upended his carefully managed life. As the town closes ranks even as it braces for the worst, he must decide what he's willing to risk for a woman who's shaken his defenses—and for his Highest Power.

Murder Taxes Love (approx. 75,000 words) is the first in the Twelvetrees Diner series—an upmarket literary novel that blends emotional suspense with a layered portrait of crime, community, and quiet redemption.

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