A "cozy" mystery set on the beautiful shores of Nova Scotia, Mystery Gifts draws on the colorful culture and people of the southwestern coast of that Canadian province. The cast of characters includes people from different cultures and religions who work together to solve a mystery uncovered by bored U.S. visitors when five days of their vacation are rained out. The backgrounds of the characters contribute to their unique methods, as do the surprising and unusual "gifts" that three wish they didn't have. There is also a touch of magical realism-in the form of seagulls.~ Mystery Gifts is a compelling murder mystery with some unexpected twists and turns. But it is also so much more. It's a story about human connection and how that connection can help us recognize the unique gifts we all possess. Thompson-Slaughter's debut novella inspires just as much as it entertains. ~ Christine Green, Words on the Verge