Thrilling and Chilling Crime Stories

By Anima Sharr

From witnessing murders to facing wrongful accusations, these stories are filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing.

Explore universal themes such as justice, loyalty, courage, and the pursuit of truth through the eyes of the characters. Delve into the minds of both perpetrators and victims, uncovering the motivations behind their actions.

Experience high-stakes scenarios, from pirate attacks to assassination attempts, that test the characters' resolve. Watch as ordinary individuals are thrust into extraordinary circumstances and find the strength within themselves to confront challenges.

Reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the moral questions that define our humanity. Be prepared for unexpected revelations and complex characters that will keep you engaged until the very end.

Gain a deeper understanding of the emotions and circumstances that drive people to commit crimes. Witness the resilience and courage of the characters as they navigate danger and uncover truths that change their lives forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: pinky
• Release date: Jun 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227117045

Book preview

1. The Museum Mystery

The sun shone brightly in the clear blue sky as Margaret Thompson, a woman in her sixties, walked into the Grand City Museum. The air was warm, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees. Margaret was known for her sharp tongue and no-nonsense attitude, which often made people think she was rude. Her silver hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and her piercing blue eyes missed nothing.

The museum was cool and quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling city outside. The marble floors gleamed under the sunlight streaming through the large windows, and the air smelled faintly of old books and polished wood. Margaret, wearing her usual practical outfit of slacks and a neat blouse, made her way to the Renaissance exhibit, her favorite.

As Margaret admired a painting of a serene landscape, she noticed a commotion near the entrance of the exhibit. A security guard, tall and burly with a stern face, was arguing with a young man who looked about twenty-five. The young man, Sam, had messy brown hair and wide, innocent green eyes. He wore a simple T-shirt and jeans, and he looked genuinely confused.

I didn't do anything! Sam exclaimed, his voice shaking. The security guard, whose name tag read Officer Daniels, was not convinced.

We have you on camera near the stolen artifact, Daniels said gruffly. You're coming with me.

Margaret, always curious and never one to shy away from a confrontation, approached the scene. What's going on here? she demanded, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

This young man is being accused of stealing a valuable necklace from the exhibit, Daniels explained, his tone dismissive.

Margaret looked at Sam, then back at Daniels. Nonsense! He doesn't look like a thief. Where's your evidence?

Sam, looking desperate, turned to Margaret. I swear, I didn't take anything. I was just looking at the exhibit.

Margaret could see the fear in his eyes. She believed him. I'm Margaret Thompson, she said, offering her hand. And I think you might need some help.

Sam shook her hand gratefully. I'm Sam. Thank you for believing me.

Margaret turned back to Daniels. Show us the footage.

Daniels hesitated but eventually led them to the security room. The weather outside remained pleasant, the perfect backdrop to the tension building inside the museum. In the dimly lit room, Daniels played the security footage. It showed Sam near the necklace, but the angle made it unclear if he took it.

See? It's not definitive, Margaret pointed out. You can't just accuse someone based on this.

Daniels grumbled but knew she was right. Fine. But he's still the prime suspect.

Margaret decided to help Sam prove his innocence. We need to find the real thief, she declared. And I have an idea where to start.

They began their investigation by talking to the museum staff. The curator, Mistress Hargrove, was a petite woman in her fifties with glasses perched on her nose and a kind smile. She was shocked to hear about the theft.

I can't believe someone would steal from our museum, she said, shaking her head. I'll help in any way I can.

Margaret and Sam also spoke to the janitor, Mister Collins, an elderly man with a friendly demeanor and a penchant for storytelling. He mentioned seeing a suspicious figure the previous night but didn't get a good look.

After hours of questioning and searching, Margaret and Sam found themselves in the museum's courtyard, tired but determined. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city.

We're missing something, Margaret mused. Something right under our noses.

Sam nodded, looking around thoughtfully. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. What about the storage room? Maybe the thief hid the necklace there!

Margaret's face brightened. It's worth a shot.

They hurried to the storage room, where old exhibits and unused displays were kept. The room was dusty and dimly lit, filled with crates and covered artifacts. As they searched, Margaret spotted a small, ornate box tucked behind a large statue.

Over here! she called to Sam.

They opened the box to find the missing necklace, sparkling under the dim light. We did it! Sam exclaimed, relief flooding his face.

But their celebration was short-lived. They heard footsteps approaching and quickly hid. From their hiding spot, they saw Officer Daniels enter the room, looking around suspiciously.

He was in on it, Margaret whispered, her eyes narrowing.

Margaret and Sam waited until Daniels left before sneaking out. They needed a plan to expose him. The next morning, the weather was overcast, matching the tension in the air. They arranged a meeting with Mistress Hargrove and the museum's director, Mister Bennett, a tall, imposing man with a serious expression.

In the director's office, Margaret and Sam laid out their findings. We believe Officer Daniels is the real thief, Margaret explained. We found the necklace in the storage room, and he was snooping around there last night.

Mister Bennett listened carefully. This is a serious accusation. Do you have proof?

Margaret showed him the footage of Daniels entering the storage room and the necklace they found. We can set a trap, she suggested. Catch him red-handed.

That evening, under the cover of a drizzle, Margaret, Sam, Mistress Hargrove, and Mister Bennett set their plan into motion. They placed the necklace back in the storage room and hid, waiting for Daniels to take the bait.

Sure enough, Daniels entered the room, unaware of the trap. As he reached for the necklace, Margaret stepped out, flashlight in hand. Caught you! she announced triumphantly.

Daniels froze and then tried to run, but Mister Bennett and Sam blocked his escape. Mistress Hargrove called the police, and within minutes, Daniels was arrested.

With Daniels behind bars, Sam's name was cleared. The weather had cleared up as well, the sun breaking through the clouds, bringing a sense of relief and new beginnings.

Thank you, Margaret, Sam said, his gratitude evident. I couldn't have done this without you.

Margaret smiled, her usual stern demeanor softening. It was nothing. I couldn't let an innocent person take the fall.

Their friendship grew from that day on. Margaret, the tough, no-nonsense woman, and Sam, the young man with a heart of gold, became an unlikely but inseparable duo.

Margaret continued to visit the museum, often bringing Sam along. The staff, once wary of her blunt nature, grew to appreciate her keen eye and sharp mind. Together, Margaret and Sam solved other small mysteries, their bond strengthening with each adventure.

The Grand City Museum, with its marble floors and timeless exhibits, remained a place of wonder and discovery. And for Margaret and Sam, it was where a lifelong friendship began, proving that sometimes, even the unlikeliest partnerships could lead to the greatest of journeys.

2. The Hidden Truth

The day was gloomy , with dark clouds hanging low in the sky, as Emily Stevens walked into the Coldridge Prison. Emily, a woman in her early forties, was known for her charm and quick wit. Her chestnut hair framed her face perfectly, and her green eyes sparkled with intelligence. She wore a tailored blazer and jeans, looking both professional and approachable.

The prison was cold and unwelcoming, with grey walls and a constant echo of footsteps. The air smelled faintly of disinfectant and despair. Emily was there to visit her friend, Sarah, who had been wrongly accused of embezzlement. Sarah, a petite woman with curly blonde hair and soft brown eyes, looked tired and anxious when Emily arrived.

Emily, thank you for coming, Sarah said, her voice trembling. I didn't do it. You have to believe me.

Emily reached through the bars to hold Sarah's hand. I believe you, Sarah. We're going to find out who did this.

As Emily spoke to Sarah, a guard named Mark walked by. Mark was in his late thirties, tall and muscular, with a stern face that rarely showed emotion. Emily noticed the way he glanced at Sarah, a mix of pity and something else she couldn't quite place.

Sarah explained the situation to Emily. I was the head of the finance department at Crestwood Enterprises. Someone framed me, but I don't know who or why.

Emily's mind raced as she comforted her friend. I'll start by talking to people at your office. Maybe someone knows something.

As she left the prison, the rain began to fall, matching the heavy feeling in her heart. She had a sinking suspicion that this was more than just a simple case of embezzlement.

Emily visited Crestwood Enterprises, a sleek, modern building in the heart of the city. The reception area was bright and airy, with large windows that offered a view of the bustling streets below. She was greeted by Linda, the receptionist, a young woman with short red hair and a friendly smile.

Hello, I'm Emily Stevens. I'm here to ask some questions about Sarah, Emily said, her charm evident in her warm smile.

Linda nodded. Of course, Miss Stevens. You can start with Mister Thompson, the CEO. His office is on the top floor.

Mister Thompson, a man in his fifties with greying hair and a sharp suit, welcomed Emily into his spacious office. The room was filled with expensive furniture and a panoramic view of the city.

Emily, I assure you, we had no choice but to report Sarah. The evidence was clear, Mister Thompson said, his tone serious.

Emily maintained her composure. I'm sure it looks that way, but I believe Sarah is innocent. Can you tell me more about the evidence?

Mister Thompson handed her a file. These are the documents we found. The transactions were traced back to Sarah's computer.

Emily glanced through the file, noting the dates and amounts. Something didn't add up. She thanked Mister Thompson and decided to speak with Sarah's colleagues next.

As Emily made her way through the office, she spoke to several of Sarah's coworkers. Most of them expressed shock and disbelief at the accusations against Sarah. One person, however, stood out. David, a junior accountant, seemed particularly nervous during their conversation.

David was in his late twenties, with dark hair and glasses that kept slipping down his nose. I...I don't know much, he stammered. I just do my job and keep to myself.

Emily's intuition told her there was more to David's story. She decided to follow him after work. The rain had stopped, but the air was still damp and cold as she trailed David to a nearby coffee shop.

Inside the shop, the atmosphere was warm and cozy, with the smell of fresh coffee and baked goods. Emily watched as David met with Mark, the prison guard. Her heart raced as she realized she was witnessing something important.

David and Mark sat in a corner booth, speaking in hushed tones. Emily, sitting at a nearby table, strained to hear their conversation.

Are you sure everything is covered? David asked, his voice shaky.

Relax, Mark replied, his tone low and confident. No one will find out. Sarah is the perfect scapegoat.

Emily's blood ran cold. She had stumbled upon a conspiracy. She quickly left the coffee shop, her mind racing with the implications of what she had heard.

The next day, Emily returned to Crestwood Enterprises, determined to confront David. The weather was clearer, but a chill still hung in the air. She found David in his cubicle, looking more nervous than ever.

David, we need to talk, Emily said firmly.

David looked up, fear evident in his eyes. I don't know what you mean, he mumbled.

Don't lie to me, David. I saw you with Mark. I know you framed Sarah, Emily said, her voice steady.

David's face went pale. Please, don't tell anyone. I didn't want to do it, but Mark forced me.

Emily's eyes narrowed. Why would Mark do that?

David hesitated before answering. Mark and Mister Thompson are in on it. They needed a fall guy to cover up their embezzlement. Mark used his position to ensure Sarah got blamed.

Emily felt a surge of anger and determination. You're going to help me clear Sarah's name. We're going to the police.

Emily and David went to the police station, where they met with Detective Parker, a seasoned