They Do It With Smoke

Biddy Apple never expected a simple invitation to an old friend’s manor house to turn into her next great mystery. But as she steps into the grand halls of Thistlebrook Manor, she quickly realises that secrets are simmering just beneath the surface. Shadows move where they shouldn’t, whispers echo through the corridors, and the air is thick with tension. Thistlebrook, with all its timeless charm, has once again become a stage for intrigue.

The picturesque village seems to be hiding something darker than usual, and at the heart of it all lies the manor, a place filled with old stories, hidden grudges, and a mysterious new crime. Biddy soon finds herself caught in a web of deception, where every creak of the floorboards and every furtive glance suggests a story waiting to be uncovered. The stately manor’s atmosphere is full of untold truths, and Biddy must use her keen eye and sharp mind to piece together the fragments before the trail grows cold.

What starts as an ordinary visit turns into a labyrinth of unexpected clues and suspicious characters. The guests at the manor each have their own secrets, and Biddy begins to suspect that not all of them are there by mere coincidence. As she delves deeper, she uncovers long-held grudges, personal vendettas, and hidden motives that blur the line between friend and foe. The deeper she investigates, the more she realises that someone is working hard to ensure the truth stays hidden—using smoke and mirrors to keep their secrets safe.

Dirk Volcano crafts a spellbinding narrative with They Do It With Smoke, weaving suspense and humour into every twist and turn. Biddy’s relentless pursuit of the truth takes readers through the grand halls and secret passageways of Thistlebrook Manor, as she slowly but surely pulls back the curtain on the lies and deceptions. Each new chapter reveals fresh clues and unexpected twists, making this book impossible to put down.

Join Biddy Apple in this latest adventure as she unravels the mysteries lurking in Thistlebrook Manor. With its perfect blend of wit, charm, and suspense, They Do It With Smoke is sure to delight fans of classic cosy mysteries. Available now on Kindle Unlimited, this is one mystery you won’t want to miss.

Dirk Volcano delivers yet another enchanting mystery with They Do It With Smoke. Biddy Apple is at her finest, taking readers on a journey through the eerie corridors of Thistlebrook Manor. The suspense builds beautifully, with each new twist making it impossible to put down. The setting is perfectly atmospheric, and the cast of characters keeps you guessing right to the end. This cosy mystery is filled with wit, charm, and just the right amount of tension—Volcano is truly at the top of his game.

I absolutely loved They Do It With Smoke! Biddy Apple’s sharp wit and tenacious spirit shine as she unravels the mystery of Thistlebrook Manor. Dirk Volcano captures the cosy atmosphere of a village steeped in secrets while keeping the stakes high and the reader completely captivated. Each chapter offers new clues, surprises, and a wonderfully crafted story that kept me guessing. It’s a brilliant addition to the series and a perfect read for anyone who loves a smart, twisty cosy mystery.

They Do It With Smoke is a fantastic blend of suspense, intrigue, and village charm. Dirk Volcano has crafted a story that is both gripping and delightful, with Biddy Apple leading the charge into the heart of Thistlebrook Manor’s mysteries. The manor itself feels like a character, with its secrets slowly unfolding as the story progresses. I couldn’t get enough of the twists and the quirky characters, all of whom kept me entertained until the very last page. A wonderful, cosy read that’s hard to resist!

Thistlebrook Manor, with its turrets and ivy-covered walls, had always been an imposing sight on the horizon. Its ancient stones, weathered by time, held countless secrets, tales of passion, betrayal, and age-old mysteries that whispered through its hallowed halls. For most in Thistlebrook, the manor was a relic, a proud testament to a bygone era.

So when Biddy Apple found a thick cream envelope on her doorstep bearing the emblem of the manor, her curiosity was instantly piqued. With nimble fingers, she slit the envelope open, revealing an ornate card inscribed in elegant calligraphy:

“Dearest Biddy,

It’s been years since our paths last crossed. You might find it strange to receive this sudden invitation, but Thistlebrook Manor has tales to tell, and I believe you are the one to hear them. Please join me for dinner tomorrow evening. Your presence is of utmost importance.

Warm regards,

Louisa Tremaine”

Louisa Tremaine, a name Biddy hadn’t thought of in years. The two had been inseparable during their school days, sharing secrets and dreams. But time, as it always does, had drifted them apart.

As dusk settled and the lamplight cast a warm glow in her cozy sitting room, Biddy pondered on the unexpected summons. What could have prompted Louisa to reach out after all these years? The mere mention of tales at the manor suggested that there was more to this invitation than a mere reunion.

The following evening, as Biddy approached the vast gates of Thistlebrook Manor, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease. The sprawling estate, usually a vision of grandeur, seemed to brood under a cloud of foreboding.

She was greeted at the entrance by a butler, who, with a stiff nod, led her through the echoing corridors to the dining room. The room, bathed in the soft light of a chandelier, was a tableau of elegance. But its beauty was overshadowed by the palpable tension in the air.

Seated at the head of the table was Louisa, a vision of poise. Yet, her eyes, once full of mischief, now held a shadow of concern. “Biddy,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper, “Thank you for coming. There are things you need to know.”

Dinner passed in a blur of polite conversation, yet the unspoken hung heavily in the room. As the last course was cleared away and the two old friends were left alone, Louisa finally broke her silence.

“They do it with smoke,” she murmured cryptically.

Before Biddy could press for clarification, a sudden commotion erupted in the corridor outside. A scream, a crash, and then… silence.

Both women rushed out, only to find a scene of chaos. Amidst a cloud of dense, swirling smoke stood a shadowy figure, quickly disappearing into the night.

As the echoes of the intruder’s footsteps faded away, Biddy, with her famed deductive skills, knew one thing for sure: The tales of Thistlebrook Manor were just beginning to unfold.