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.