A Secret in Ash Brooke by Dutch Rhudy Summary: A small town detective agreed to mentor a local newspaper reporter, who wished to enhance his sleuthing hobby. In the process of improving his observational skills, the reporter scrutinized various citizens torso and behavior. As his facial recognition abilities increased, he grew more aware of subtle similarities and differences. The reporter soon became intrigued with an exceptional physical likeness between two young women. Each portray different cultures, and appear nothing alike in manner of dress, or in their separate lifestyles. The reporter, convinced they must be twins, maintained a constant vigil on his suspects. He befriended one of these ladies to learn more about her. All attempts at justifying to himself she was a twin, proved futile. Subtle comments among her friends and family, confirmed she had only one sibling, an older brother. These facts led our sleuth-hound reporter, to believe these two women were one in the same person. Turning his attention from the proper lady, with her strict religious upbringing; to the one of questionable moral values. His observations only invited confusion, and generated unanswered questions. Each time his suspicions exposed another clue, a positive clarification negated the probability. Their timetables overlapped, and one person cannot possibly be in two places at the same time. Or can they? Certain his assumptions are correct, our reporter continued his quest to learn the truth.

The Vanishing Corn Mystery Summary: Set in a tiny rural community, where everyone crosses paths daily. The Vanishing Corn Mystery, introduces us to a paranoid retired farmer. Like the little boy who cried wolf; Hank Swazi complains to the townsfolk about repeated thefts. To put a stop to these imaginary crimes, he frequently replaces every hasp, latch and lock. From grain bins, secured tighter than Fort Knox, Hank-the-crank begins missing a measurable amount of corn. His obsessive-compulsive disorder drives him to take inventory, level and mark the remaining volume, every time he fetches a pailful. Unbroken hidden seals on the padlocks, clear those he accused of thievery. Hank devises a plan and starts on his quest to discover the culprit.

The Elusive Smoking Gun Summary: Within the confines of a highly secured area, a sniper kills the state senator. The police apprehend the suspect in under three minutes. Successful in his devious plan to hide the rifle; the killer waited on a bench, and showed no sign of fleeing. An extended search by the FBI failed to locate the murder weapon. With no evidence to hold him, the sniper walked. The case remained unsolved for years.

Boot & Milk Balls - Hometown Antics Collection Four Fun Non-fiction Short Stories Summary: Boot & Milk Balls take us back in time to the mirth and madness of a bygone era. The antics of fun-loving, hometown characters, often turn bazaar. Two popular legends, grossly entwined, evolve to become one macabre tradition. Three additional short stories; Lost Books Found, Hidden Treasures and The MPA; bring this mischievous Des Peres, Missouri era to a close.

Summary: Set in a famous Franciscan Monk's Art Studio. Lady Buff & Yardstick is a heart-warming story of a mother and kitten. Shunned by mama Magdalena, and befriended by Brother Matthew; curious little Yardstick provides funding for a new infirmary roof.