It's another Fourth of July in Dacus, South Carolina and the carnival fright house isn't impressing Avery's 7 -year-old niece Emma. That is, until the leg falls off of a chainsaw-wielding mannequin. Emma discovers a human leg bone protruding from the wizened limb.The next day, Avery joins her sister Lydia and her brother-in- law at a faculty picnic up on the mountain. The festivities are interrupted when one of the faculty wives disappears off the waterfall.Between the owners of the fright house wanting Avery to help them get reopened before they miss out on the holiday crowd, and the widower's new lady friend insisting that someone safe- guard his financial interests, Avery has her work cut out for her. She finds herself following the money as she pieces together a very cold case and a very cold-blooded murder.Cathy Pickens' signature wit and verve are in full force as she spins the most enjoyable yarn yet in this delightful Southern cosy series.