'Twas the Night Before Murder

The mansion of greeting card magnate Norton Pole was lit up like a Christmas tree. And, well it should be on the eve before the annual holiday. The festive occasion was a gathering of a few relatives and business associates, all celebrating another year of record profits (or is it?) for Polar Cards.

The assembled group knew everything that could be known about Pole, from the north to south, from east to west. What they didn't know was that, over dinner, Pole would make announcements that could change their holiday seasons forever. At least, they could've had not someone decided to take fate to task and end Pole's career permanently.

​For, on Christmas morning, his body was found lying under the huge tree in the great room, a startling contrast to the colorful decorations. But who would do such a thing? After all, Pole's passion was to produce the perfect paeans to postal patrons who patiently perused each massaged message. Why would someone want to end such a lucid life? Was it Pole's news that had triggered such a rude response? 

Or, had someone taken the opportunity to pay back a dubious debt and carry out a vendetta that had been held inside for years? Only stalwart sleuthing and superior skills would uncover a killer and deck the halls with calls of "golly."