The Dorian School of Music is one of the most rigorous music schools in the USA. With an acceptance rate of 3% and just a total of around 40 students accepted per year, musical brilliance is nearly guaranteed. It was founded in 1837 by Dorian Alabaster, a virtuoso violinist who died of poisoning the year after it opened. Now, young music geniuses from all over the country compete to be accepted, among them Jordan Liang, a violinist transfer student in his junior year. Jordan is chosen to preform the legendary Sibelius Violin Concerto, along with the Dorian Orchestra led by concert master Elijah Kingston, and student conductor Samira Farhat. Having to work closely together, Eli, Jordan, and Samira begin to discover things that they don't necessarily want to-- things that it seems like Dorian does not want them to know. A chilling mystery, romance, and music await, all behind the gloriously large wooden doors of Dorian.
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.