The Ghost of Mudwood Manor: The Story Keeper's Paranormal Cozy Mysteries, #2

By Emory Keller

We're going to the magic symposium. It's time for me to be introduced to the magic community but end up being wrongfully accused.

 

I was looking forward to a well-deserved break, but the fun is over when a famous healer is murdered.

 

The Elders lock down the estate to prevent anyone from leaving, and the killer is making sure the evidence points at me.

 

Grandma still visits me in my dreams, but now I'm seeing a new specter. I think he's trying to help, but it's hard to know who to trust.

 

Ezra and Sadie are my new family now. Putting my life in someone else's hands is teaching me to trust in ways I never knew I needed.

 

Looks like fear plays on the darkness in everyone, even Storykeepers.

 

I know beyond the shadow of a doubt there's goodness hiding in the darkness, but if I'm wrong, dragging this killer into the light might be the death of all of us.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emory Keller
• Release date: Jun 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9781962807029

Book preview

The Ghost of Mudwood Manor

Emory Keller

Contents

Copyrights

Prologue

1.Push the British Buttons

2.Mudwood Manor

3.XOXO, F

4.What's the Merge?

5.The Bestest, Leastest Sophie!

6.Abnormal Acting, Nope, Not Me

7.Enough Murder-Talk

8.Secrets in the Walls

9.Really Squeaky Words

10.Glittering the Big Dogs

11.Big Britches & Guild Elders

12.Panic! In My Sweaty Bed

13.Unraveling the Spells

14.Frat Houses & Rom Coms

15.No Way Out

16.Uhhhh...What Needs to Get Out of His System?

17.Another Tomato in The Basket

18.Solanum Mudwood

19.Forbidden Plants from Coffee Shop Owners

20.Sunspot Sleeping

21.Sleeping Dogs & Sadie's Bite

22.The Most Pretentious Ezra West Behavior, Ever

23.Nobody Puts Sophie in a Frame

24.A Ray of Bloody Sunshine

25.What's a Stoat?

26.A Muffin for Your Troubles

27.About a Boy?

28.Curse the Stars

29.Ill Intentions are Smelly

30.Standing in My Power

Copyright © 2023 Heel Hook Publishing

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the publisher's prior written permission, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [e-mail].

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Book Cover and Illustrations by Chris Hunter

1st edition 2023

Prologue

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N ow, now, Sophie! My grandmother’s familiar tone rang through, rattling the foggy darkness that swirled around me. What good does it do to walk around with your hands stretched out in front of you?

I laughed, shaking my head. How else am I supposed to navigate the dark, Grandma?

There was an eerie silence, and a strange, unsettled feeling fell over me. I opened my mouth to say something else, still walking forward with both arms outstretched, when I felt a drop of water land on my shoulder.

Rain! My voice rang out excitedly, and I heard my grandmother chuckle.

That’s how I knew you were meant to be with me, dear. You always loved the rain.

Why can’t I see, Grandma? Why is it so dark? Fear crept up the back of my neck, suddenly feeling vulnerable in the abyss.

Stop walking with your hands out, dear! You’re going to get hurt!

Her tone turned shrill, the same fear that was flaming up onto my cheeks ringing in her voice. It sounded like nails on a chalkboard.

Don’t fear the dark, Sophie! Trust your instincts!

I shook my head and swallowed the lump in my throat. I can’t see!

You’re going to get—

Before she could finish, a sharp prick sliced into my arm and I called out in pain. I dropped to my knees, gasping for breath as a burning sensation burrowed through my shoulder. I could feel the wet grass underneath them, the raindrops falling harder now.

It does no good to feel around in the dark! My grandmother’s stern tone boomed loudly in my left ear. You’re a Solace! Trust your gut!

The alarm blared from my bedside table. I groaned, rubbing my palm over my sweaty face. My left hand automatically slammed onto my clock as my right hand reached for my dream book.

I’d been having stressful dreams for the past two weeks, and they always ended the same. I cut my arm, my grandmother yelling at me, followed by me sitting down on wet grass while being scolded like a child about trusting my gut.

Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I stretched before venturing to get ready for the day. I clicked on the television and turned on the news, hoping to hear the sunshine peeking through my sheer curtains was there to stay.

Though the skies may look clear and blue, don’t be fooled! A large rainstorm is sweeping through the West Coast—

I sighed, but couldn’t slow the smile spreading across my face. I really did love the rain. With one click my TV screen blinked off. As I did my morning routine, I blasted music from my phone and danced around. I shook my head at the black television screen once more before heading towards the door.

Double or nothing you’re right, Mr. Weatherman. I grabbed the green umbrella from the coat rack and swung open the door.

I took a large breath in through my nose as I stepped onto my porch, closing my eyes to take in all the smells of spring. The flowers on the trees were just starting to fully bloom. It gave the air a natural sort of perfume, something that I had completely forgotten about Elkin after being gone for so long. I couldn’t grasp the idea that in a couple of hours, this beautiful spring day would turn into a torrential rainstorm.

Locking the door behind me, I smiled to myself. It didn’t take long for this town to feel like home again. But when I thought about all the craziness I’d gone through in the past couple of months, I became overwhelmed with gratitude.

"That’s how I knew she thought I was a fool! What kind of respectable lady would I be if I walked around in six-inch heels? I went in there to buy new walking shoes, and this saleswoman tried to sell me bright red heels!" I turned to face the street and chuckled fondly under my breath as I heard the familiar voice.

Like clockwork, three figures turned the corner and came into my line of sight. They all walked in step with each other, their feet falling in unison despite their height difference. Nancy, Agnus, and Thistle were taking their walk around town, and clearly Thistle was up in arms about some shoes; her face turned increasingly more red and her arms flew through the air as she spoke.

I raised my hand up and waved with a smile. They didn’t notice me, though, because they all began talking over each other at the idea of a lady wearing six-inch heels. My arm lowered and my smile spread further across my face in amusement.

Thistle, Agnus, and Nancy were wearing matching outfits in all different colors.They were so engrossed in conversation, the three women were oblivious to the fact that they were all talking at once. I loved these precious old women whose commitment to friendship and ridiculous conversation was endearing.

Screeching tires snapped my gaze to attention; my heart jumping into my throat. An old, black, rusted sedan came speeding around the corner and was headed right for my three walking friends as they began to cross the street.

Hey! I darted down the three steps, landing on the sidewalk. I frantically waved my hands above my head, trying to attract the attention of the driver. Clearly, he either couldn’t see me or didn’t care, and the three friends were so busy yelling over one another that they didn’t notice the oncoming danger.

The combination of the driver’s stupidity and the lack of awareness coming from Thistle, Nancy, and Agnus were about one second away from disaster. Out of instinct, my hand shot forward as I called upon the golden lines of energy running beneath the earth. I focused on the three of them and shifted my fingers to the right, causing them to be swept onto the sidewalk beside me.

The car rumbled as it zoomed by, driving quickly over the spot that Thistle, Nancy, and Agnus were just standing. I let out a massive sigh, leaning over and placing my hands on my knees as relief flooded over me.

You look to be in a tizzy, dear! Agnus set her hand on my shoulder while she straightened out her hair with the other. The other two were still regaining their balance after their magic-induced tumble.

Are you guys alright? I looked frantically at the three of them.

What’s all this fuss about? Thistle rolled her eyes. A determined-looking Nancy raised her chin.

You know what this means, girls? Nancy’s voice lowered and a cold panic rose up my spine. The other two women leaned in closer to Nancy, waiting for her to reveal her great secret.

It means we have to re-walk that whole strip of sidewalk. Nancy pointed across the street. "We are going to get free steps!" Nancy punched her fists into the air.

Steps? I looked between the three of them with shock.

Yes, dear. Thistle nodded, closing her eyes patiently. We use these to track all our steps. As if they practiced, they all pulled up a pant leg ever so slightly, showing a pedometer strapped around their ankles.

And since you moved us back quite a bit, we’re going to reach ten thousand even faster than normal today! Nancy’s thrilled expression lingered on her face.

Don’t underestimate the power of walking, dear. Best to get into the habit while you’re young! You won’t have those looks forever! Agnus added, touching my arm gingerly before rushing off, the other two following. Once again, they crossed the street without a second glance.

Maybe precious isn’t the right word to describe them, I murmured to myself.

1

Push the British Buttons

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W ell, if it isn’t my best customer. Vardon’s eyes crinkled as I walked up to the counter of Two Moons Cafe, his voice low. I rolled my eyes playfully.

I didn’t take you as someone who would play favorites, Vardon! He leaned over the counter and I leaned in to meet him halfway.

You are my favorite, but don’t tell anyone. It leads to muddy business. He followed up with a wink before picking up a paper cup and writing my name on it. For the most part, I got the same drink every morning, and he always sent along a milky drink for Sadie.

I sat at a small table next to the window and looked out at the town while I waited for my drink. The sun was doing a little dance with the clouds, and I let out a sigh of contentment as I rested my chin on the heel of my hand.

Looks like spring has finally sprung. A familiar voice rumbled from next to my table. I jolted slightly, startled by the unexpected conversation. As soon as I turned, I could feel heat rising to my cheeks.

Morning, Charlie. I greeted him with a smile. I held his gaze as he gestured to the empty seat across from me.

May I?

I nodded and straightened my posture. Please, go ahead.

Charlie scooted the chair out from the table and sat down, sipping his smoothie. Vardon had a soft spot for him, clearly, considering he’s still the only person in town that I’ve seen walk out of the coffee shop with a smoothie in hand.

What’ll it be? Cloud watching or people watching? His tone was light, with a playful mockery lingering beneath it.

Clouds today. I let out a theatrical sigh and turned away from the window. It’s much too early for proper people watching. Such a shame.

He let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "A shame indeed. It isn’t truly a good morning without proper people watching."

We sat in a comfortable silence. Right when it looked like he was about to open his mouth and say something further, Vardon called my name and slid two drinks forward on the counter.

Looks like that’s my cue to actually open the shop. I smiled and stood. Before I passed him, Charlie rested a hand lightly on my arm.

I stopped walking and looked at him, expecting him to say something. Instead, I was met with a blank gaze. I tilted my head at him and slightly furrowed my brow. As if shaken out of a trance, he let out a laugh and removed his hand, stumbling over his words.

Have, uh, a nice day, Sophie. His cheeks grew flushed. I grinned broadly and nodded.

You too. Enjoy the cloud watching, it’s just about to get exciting! Apparently, we’re expecting a storm!

You don’t say? His embarrassment turned into a lopsided smile.

That’s what the meteorologist told me this morning. If you start to feel restless being rained in, you could always come pick up a book. I happen to know a place. I wiggled my eyebrows at him and Charlie laughed.

I might take you up on that, Solace.

I thanked Vardon and grabbed both cups. He held up a hand before I turned to leave, cuing me to wait. After a moment, Vardon reemerged from the back of the shop with a small baggie of treats in hand.

Here, these are for my little buddies at the shop. His mouth formed a tight-lipped smile as he looked at the bag with pride.

I’ll be sure to tell them it’s from you. I rested my hand on his arm and finally turned to leave.

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Unlike the intense bell at the coffee shop, whimsical chimes greeted every customer at my bookstore. There was a comforting type of chaotic energy. The musky vanilla scents of valerian that Sadie grew on the windowsills, mixed with the streams of light that reflected across rows of bookshelves, made this space feel like a sanctuary. It was home.

The placid moment surrendered to a cat sprinting through the rows, chasing what looked to be a book nymph. Book nymphs were not uncommon guests at the shop, especially Plume. A typical nymph stood about a foot tall at most, and their skin was a blue-gray hue.

Hey! Fight nice, guys! I called out in the direction that the two of them had gone. I shook my head and went to set down my things.

I walked through, flipping on lamps and pulling open curtains to let in the light. I had to thank Verdon for humming the Motown song now stuck in my head. It led me to the old record player my grandma Florence left behind, since I knew it was one of her favorites.

The tune filled the space, and my off-key humming became louder as I buzzed around the bookstore, letting the energy from the Story Magic fuel me. This was all part of the routine that Sadie drilled into my head: open the shop, let the light in, then get to work.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted movement on the shelves by the window. I turned, leaning slightly to get a better look. From where I stood, I had the perfect vantage point to witness the cat-and-mouse game Sadie and Plume were playing. Sadie, crouching low to the ground in cat form, narrowed her eyes as she looked from side to side.

Plume was shelves above her, watching her every move. I chuckled under my breath as he dove off the shelf, landing on Sadie playfully, who let out a startled meow.

A couple of loud crashes came from some shelves as they ran again. Okay, okay. Enough roughhousing, guys! You’re making a mess!

I didn’t mean to knock them over! Sadie’s voice rang out from a few shelves over. I stood with my hands on my hips, staring down at the pile of books on the floor. I was trying to catch Plume! We’ll put them back. I just have to get my dress on!

I let out a laugh. Don’t worry about it, Sadie. I looked around, taking in the particles of dust that floated in and out of the streams of sunshine, an aftereffect of the fallen stories. I really should dust this section better.

"I can dust it,