A cave exploring expedition is sent out to a series of newly found caves in Sicily, the entrance to which is paved up with layers of sediment and suprisingly well-preserved remains of countless of reinforced walls which date to increalintly earlier and earlier times in our species' history. Daredevils, adrenaline junkies and documentary film team, including Lucetta Gamache and two of her colleagues, Robert Gordon and Sammy Morris, are asked to accompany a team of professionals to explore the caves and document their findings. As they enter the caves, it becomes apparent that something is amiss; there are strange symbols etched into the walls, an odd stench in the air, and an unsettling feeling that sits around them and seems to seep into their very souls. As their expedition lengthens, they face multiple challenges that pushes each on the small team to breaking point - and even past. Prophecies in a long-lost language cover the walls and depictions of scenes resembling well-known tales fill their restless dreams. As they document everything they see, they realise something is following them; a force which escapes the understanding of modern science, all religion and beliefs, philosophy, and simple logic chase them through the caves as they descend deeper and deeper to their own doom.
A criminal mastermind makes a bold move against a wealthy client to put himself in a position to retire in comfort. He has no idea what he's up against when a young widow, desperate to make ends meet, sets her eyes on earning the bounty set on his head.
***
Newly widowed housewife Melody Scott needs to earn some major cash, fast. When her bright and busy children learn that a priceless ruby bracelet has been stolen and a six-figure reward is being offered, they convince her to try to do what the police, museum security, and the best private investigators have failed to do. Working against them is a notorious thief who has met people from around the world, but who has never once encountered a woman like Melody Scott. When the sweet innocence of the Scott family clashes against criminal forces more dangerous than they ever imagined, Melody is all too aware that a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do to protect her family.
The Widow, Melody Scott is a 2021 Watty Award Winner!
Content Warning: This story does contain depictions of stalking behavior.