In the twilight hours, when shadows stretch long and the whispers of the night begin to stir, there exists a realm between reality and the unknown. It is a place where the ordinary fades and the extraordinary takes hold-a realm where the carnival comes to life.
Within the confines of its weathered tents and faded banners lies a world of wonder and terror, where the line between delight and dread blurs with every step. In this realm of twisted mirrors and hidden passages, where laughter rings hollow and secrets lurk in every corner, one young woman finds herself drawn inexorably into its dark embrace.
Her name is Lily, a soul burdened with the weight of a tragic past and haunted by the spectres of her own doubts. Yet, fate has woven her into the fabric of this enigmatic carnival, where every attraction holds a secret and every smile hides a sinister truth.
As the carnival's secrets begin to unravel and its dark purpose slowly reveals itself, Lily must confront the shadows that lurk within her own heart. For in this realm of illusions and deception, where nothing is as it seems, the greatest danger may lie not in the darkness that surrounds her, but in the light of her own desires.
Join Lily on her journey into the heart of the carnival, where reality fades and nightmares come to life. But beware, dear reader, for once you step through the gates, there may be no escape from the eerie embrace of the carnival's twisted allure.
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.
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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.