This is a Crosswind County Mystery short story. Duke’s Christmas features the readers’ favorite character from Kirkland’s comedy mystery, Crossbow. Duke must once again save the day, this time Christmas Day. Someone is trying to steal Christmas from the residents of Buffalo Springs, Kansas including Sheriff Dave Simmonds, Mary, and Duke’s master and meal ticket, Deputy Chuck Wilson. Without the keen nose of K9 Officer Duke, and a little bit of pure luck, it would have been a sad Christmas for all. This is Kirkland’s first new work since he was diagnosed with end-stage liver failure due to non-alcoholic cirrhosis shortly after his last full-length book was released. A life-saving transplant occurred in September of 2013, allowing him to return to entertaining his fans. He encourages his readers to register as potential organ donors.