Murder at the Parsonage
Dive into Murder at the Parsonage by Dirk Volcano, where Biddy Apple uncovers Thistlebrook Hollow’s deepest secrets. Join the Village Detective adventure
When the villagers of Thistlebrook open their morning newspapers, they’re met with a headline that sends a shiver down their spines: A Murder is Published. It’s not just any headline—it’s an ominous invitation to a mystery about to unfold before their very eyes. The chilling news promises a crime that will soon come to light, thrusting the quiet village into the centre of a real-life whodunit.
All eyes turn to Miss Hamshank’s grand but mysterious estate. Known for her reclusive nature and the secrets she keeps within her sprawling mansion, Miss Hamshank suddenly finds herself at the centre of a storm. Villagers, both curious and anxious, gather near her doorstep, drawn by the headline’s dark promise and the prospect of uncovering a sinister truth. The atmosphere thickens with tension as they anticipate what they might find behind the heavy oak doors.
In the midst of the rising uncertainty, Thistlebrook’s finest sleuth, Biddy Apple, steps up to face the challenge. The sharp-witted retired headmistress has already solved her fair share of the village’s most perplexing mysteries, but this time, the stakes are even higher. With a crime yet to be fully committed, Biddy must rely on her instincts and experience to untangle a twisted plot, identify the potential victim, and stop the killer before it’s too late.
As Biddy delves into the secrets hidden behind Miss Hamshank’s walls, she encounters a tangle of old rivalries, unexpected alliances, and layers of deception. The villagers, each with their own quirks and potential motives, become pieces of a complex puzzle. The tension grows, and Biddy must navigate a maze of red herrings and cryptic clues to discover who is behind the chilling headline and why they chose to announce their intentions so boldly.
‘A Murder is Published’ is a captivating cosy mystery that weaves suspense, charm, and the intrigue of village life. With Dirk Volcano’s vivid portrayal of Thistlebrook and Biddy Apple’s blend of wit, warmth, and tenacity, readers are taken on an exhilarating journey. Will Biddy solve the mystery before the final act is played out, or will the killer’s plan succeed under the cover of the village’s curiosity? Find out in this thrilling new chapter of the Village Detective series—available now on Kindle Unlimited.
Thistlebrook had seen its fair share of mysteries, but none quite like this.
As dawn broke, the early risers of the village began their usual routines, one of which was collecting the Thistlebrook Times from their front stoops. But this morning, as they unfolded the crisp sheets of newsprint, they were met with a headline so startling, so audacious, that coffee cups were put down, conversations were paused, and more than one monocle was nearly dropped.
A Murder is Published.
The words echoed in minds and murmured from lips, drawing a cloud of unease over the usually tranquil village.
Sarah Tillbury, the florist, was the first to voice the thought on everyone’s mind, “Is this a twisted joke? Or some author’s idea of a book promotion?”
By midmorning, a sizeable crowd had gathered outside the newsagent’s shop, all seeking answers. Mrs. Phyllis Grey, the editor of Thistlebrook Times, stood with an expression of sheer bewilderment. “I don’t know how this happened! We didn’t approve this headline!”
As confusion swirled, someone pointed out the subheading, which had been largely overlooked in the initial shock. It read: Witness the spectacle at Miss Hamshank’s residence, 3 pm sharp.
“Why Miss Hamshank’s?” murmured George Bentley, the village barber. “She’s been out of the public eye for years!”
With a mixture of trepidation and curiosity, a crowd began to gather outside Miss Hamshank’s sprawling mansion. The grand old house, with its ivy-covered walls and towering chimneys, had always been a subject of village speculation. With its owner’s reclusive nature, it was a repository of whispered tales and half-formed theories.
At precisely 3 pm, the massive oak door creaked open, revealing a parlor room where, at the center, lay a scene straight out of a detective novel—a body, artfully arranged with an open book by its side.
Gasps echoed, and the crowd recoiled, their worst fears confirmed. The headline was neither a joke nor a promotional stunt. A murder had, indeed, been published.
From the edge of the crowd emerged a familiar figure, Biddy Apple, her sharp eyes immediately scanning the scene. “Step back, everyone,” she instructed, her voice carrying the authority that had made her a village legend.
As Biddy began to piece together the initial clues, it was clear that this was not just another mystery. It was a challenge—a direct provocation to Thistlebrook’s most celebrated detective.
And so, with the setting sun casting long shadows over Miss Hamshank’s home, the village of Thistlebrook braced itself for a mystery that promised twists and turns at every corner. The game was afoot, and Biddy Apple was, once again, at its heart.
Dive into Murder at the Parsonage by Dirk Volcano, where Biddy Apple uncovers Thistlebrook Hollow’s deepest secrets. Join the Village Detective adventure
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