Birth of the Black Orchids

They wanted to save the world. Now they'd be happy to cover rent and student loans.

Johnny Ly wanted to rescue and heal all the cats. Dianne Cortez thought that if numbers couldn't save the world, she could at least save people's money. JD Thompson wanted to bring justice to people caught in the legal system, but he can't do it for free. Also, they like to sing.

Somehow, the American Dream isn't working out for them.

When Johnny's grandmother offers them her old mansion, they flee high-powered jobs in Austin, TX, for a fresh start in the small Texas town of Beauchamp.

It's a nice old house. Too bad about the murder, which they'd better solve before it ruins their Christmas grand opening. Can they rise to the occasion as detectives with their skills as a veterinarian, accountant, lawyer, and ABBA tribute band?

Bonus story: "The Way Old Friends Do"

A few months later, Johnny regrets becoming Assistant Animal Control Officer when he breaks his leg during an encounter with a wild hog. Dianne regrets all the free coupons they handed out at the open house. JD regrets her idea of expanding their services into "babysitting old ladies."

Monitoring the finances of their elderly neighbor, Miss Leigh, seems like easy money, until the client runs away. Once again, they have to become detectives as they set out in a wild chase across the country to find Miss Leigh. Will they be in time to save her from herself, save the country from her, and save her dying friend?