Smoke Without Fire

Andrew Basnett, a retired professor of botany, is looking forward to a peaceful Christmas, but his plans are turned upside down. When an unexpected visitor arrives, Basnett finds himself drawn into a web of intrigue that challenges his peaceful existence. The holiday, usually a time of joy, quickly becomes a puzzle of deception and secrets that he must navigate.

As the festive atmosphere encroaches upon his life, Andrews can't help but delve into matters that are far more sinister than he initially imagined. The circumstances surrounding his visitor raise questions that he feels compelled to answer, compelling his scientific mind to investigate the underlying truths. Each clue reveals deeper layers of complexity, shifting his focus from the soothing joys of the season to the murkiness of human motives and behaviors.

In his quest for clarity, Basnett's botanical knowledge becomes an unlikely tool for unraveling the mysteries he faces. As he attempts to decipher the smoke and mirrors surrounding his holiday intrigue, he must confront not just the enigma at hand but also the unsettling reality of those around him. Will he manage to find the truth lurking beneath the surface, or will the chaos of the season overwhelm him?