A Tom Tilly Mystery

By Ruel Diaram

'Read the book & solve the mystery'
On a rain lashed afternoon, the children of year six sat mesmerised when listening to their teacher Mr Smith read an incredible story about a priest who'd buried treasure somewhere as yet undiscovered. Of course, Tom and his friends didn't believe it were true, but it was...
For centuries, many have failed, could you be the first to 'Find Me?'
This book is dedicated to children, parents and those around the world who enjoy the thrill of the chase, so what are you waiting for?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ruel Diaram
• Release date: Jul 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9780993258244

Ruel Diaram

Trained in criminal law for over a decade and then specialised in family law. Always held an interest in creative arts particularly music, film and literature. My previous books have been written in the 'stream of consciousness' style using language consistent with time and place. A 'Tom Tilly Mystery' is my fifth book and first children's story.

Book preview

A Tom Tilly Mystery

Ruel Diaram

Copyright © 2017 Ruel Diaram

All Rights Reserved

Smashwords Edition

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Publishers

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

Important Notices:

One prize per winner.

Be respectful of the environment.

The author accepts no liability for loss or damage, enjoy this game responsibly and most importantly, have fun.

Acknowledgements

To Georges Prosper Remi better known as Herge, the author of Tintin, Franklin W Dixon or Leslie McFarlane whose series ‘The Hardy Boys’ informed my youth. Thank you Phoebe and Solomon, your constant enthusiasm was a joy to behold and for your artwork in the initial stages, yes I still have them. Finally, Reah Prosser and Cassie Finch who brought the text to life.

Dedication

To those both young and old who enjoy the thrill of the chase, this book is dedicated to you… Let’s go treasure hunting!!

Foreword

Tom Tilly is an old fashioned book, which some might say is a welcome return to the days where friends gathered on Sunday afternoons to read mystery stories, assuaging parent’s feelings of boredom or time being wasted slumped in front of laptops, mobile phones or a multitude of other electronic devices.

In truth, I find it difficult to think of anything more satisfying than pitting wits against the creator of this book, endeavouring to solve a series of clues deftly woven in both images and text.

Just imagine buried somewhere on this planet there’s an item or items so unique the person who succeeds will probably be the only one that owns it. Moreover, unlike other so-called treasure hunts, this one encourages children and parents to work together, so there’s no call for expensive hiking boots or the latest GPS systems, multi functional Swiss army knives or satellite navigation systems, however, what you will need is a little patience, a trowel and a bit of good luck, so, what are you waiting for, find me.

Anna Michalak

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Let the Adventure Begin

Edna Cordelia Tilly

When Richard Wagner’s ‘Dance of the Valkyries’ pierced the silence, Mrs Edna Cordelia Tilly launched her-self from the tranquillity of the sitting room, stood at the bottom of the stairs and demanded that her sleeping beauty ‘wake up this instance’.

Tomas’, she screeched, ‘Tomas, Tomas, wake up’, and then glanced at her Timex watch before repeating, ‘don’t you know its exactly two minutes past eight, oh and forty-seven seconds?’

However, apart from the shrill noise made by an alarm clock, it had to be said his un-nerving lack of movement concerned her so much so that Edna took one step closer towards his den, cleared the fright wedged inside her throat, increased the levels from annoyed to angry and screamed in what was undoubtedly the most officious sounding voices you’re ever likely to hear.

‘Tomas, Tomas dearie me you’ll miss the bus at the rate you’re going, you know your father won’t be happy standing in front of Mr…’ She pinched her lip and sighed, ‘oh what’s his name again?’ Then thought briefly before experiencing what you’d call a ‘eureka’ moment, ‘its Mr Smith! That’s it, Mr Smith!’ she said when climbing up the second step, ‘Tomas you don’t want to be standing in front of him again and try explaining the reasons behind your lateness, do you remember the last time, we don’t want a repeat now do we? I insist that you get up this instance and no more talk of him being a secret agent with a missing hand or anything else like that I’ve had enough of your silly adventures’. Moments later and finally his bedroom door creaked open with a small boy standing between the gaps.

‘They’re not silly mother, no, they’re as real as you and it’s not a missing hand, but a shoe, I have to find it’, then Tomas flew down the stairs and yelled, ‘It’s true, I saw Mr Smith the other day, actually it was break time yesterday he was acting…’ Edna interjected, ‘tell me how was he acting?’ Tom responded, ‘I can only describe it as…’ She raised her voice and repeated, ‘as?’ -‘As in acting very strange’, came the answer. She grinned after he passed her on the step, ‘so you’re alive?’ After returning her smile, he replied in an exasperated voice, ‘but course I’m alive, no time for breakfast as I’m going to be late that’s if you insist on chatting’. Edna stepped closer and ruffled his hair as Tomas sprinted past whom only paused to grab his duffle coat and bag off the bannister. ‘What time can I expect you home love?’ He appeared sheepish, ‘do you have to call me that?’

‘Oh, call you what?’ Tomas sighed, ‘The ‘L’ word, I’m, well I’ll be ten next week’, he coughed, ‘if you have to call me anything, can you please say Tom, Tomas or Mr Tilly?’ -‘Don’t be daft’, came the reply, ‘its either the boy who hasn’t got