Estate in Peril: A Maude and Mabel Cozy Mystery by Sue Hollowell

Author:Sue Hollowell [Hollowell, Sue]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-31T23:00:00+00:00

***

“Ah, Maude and Mabel! Just in time for our mystery club meeting,” Erin said with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “We have quite the crowd today, so I’ve set up the back room for us.”

“Lead the way,” Maude replied.

“Did you both have a nice day?” Erin asked as she led us through the narrow aisles of books, her snug jeans topping another cute pair of cowgirl boots.

Maude and I whipped our heads toward each other behind Erin’s back. Nice didn’t exactly describe the state of affairs that we found at Kenneth’s. “It was certainly an adventure,” I said.

“Here we are,” Erin announced, pushing open a creaky door to reveal a cozy room filled with overstuffed armchairs and a large wooden table piled high with books. The walls were lined with shelves overflowing with every mystery novel imaginable, and the soft glow of lamplight cast flickering shadows on the floor.

“Ah, Maude, Mabel! Delightful to see you again,” Stan said, adjusting his glasses with one hand and extending the other for a handshake. “Always a pleasure.”

“Likewise, Stan,” Maude replied, accepting his handshake with a lingering look in her eye.

Before we could get comfortable in our seats, the door swung open, and in sauntered three more club members. We made introductions all around as we met Jack, Gabi, and London.

Settling into our seats, we began chatting about our recent trip to the beach. “I couldn’t believe the commotion,” I started, pausing for dramatic effect. “The whole town is in an uproar about the new proposed development.”

“Yes, it’s supposed to be condos.” Jack shook his head. “A monstrosity of glass and steel that would loom over the quaint seaside cottages like a hungry beast.”

“Such a shame,” Gabi sighed, shaking her head. “It’s always the little people who suffer most.”

Rubbing his hands together, Stan said, “Where should we start today?” His smile gleamed toward Maude.

“Well,” Maude jumped up from her seat and paced the length of the table. She had an audience. The room fell silent, the air thick with anticipation. “We have a real-life mystery to solve.” She inhaled deeply. I watched the pain on her face, not realizing until this moment just how stressful this had been for her. Investigating one of her own family.

“Go on,” London urged, her eyes alight with intrigue.

The door opened with a squeak, and we all jumped. Erin re-entered the room, looking around at the stoic faces all geared toward Maude. She quietly took a seat next to London, her notepad in front of her.

“Maude’s son Nathan had a neighbor named Kenneth,” I explained, my voice wavering slightly as I recalled the grisly details. “He was murdered, and because Nathan had a restraining order against him, he’s become a suspect in the case.”

“Good heavens!” Gabi gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock.

“Surely they don’t believe Nathan could do such a thing,” Jack said, his brow furrowing with concern.

“Of course not,” Maude huffed indignantly, “but we must clear his name and find the real culprit.

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