In the mist-shrouded town of Elderswood, where ancient secrets linger and legends whisper through the cobblestone streets, a new chapter begins for Alex Harper. Transferring to Elderswood High School, Alex is immediately captivated by the Gothic architecture and the eerie, timeless atmosphere that seems to pulse with hidden mysteries.
As Alex steps through the rusted iron gates of the school, she is greeted by a world where reality intertwines with myth. The ivy-clad walls and towering spires of Elderswood High hold stories of a bygone era, and the air is thick with the scent of old books and damp earth. Each step Alex takes echoes with the weight of history, and the eyes of long-forgotten figures seem to follow her every move.
On the first day, Alex meets Lily, a friendly and vivacious student who offers a warm welcome amidst the cold, stone corridors. But it is the enigmatic and brooding Ethan Blackwood who truly captures Alex's attention. Ethan, with his dark hair and piercing gaze, seems to know more about the school's secrets than he lets on. His presence is both alluring and unsettling, drawing Alex into a web of intrigue and danger.
As Alex navigates the labyrinthine hallways and shadowed corners of Elderswood High, she begins to uncover clues about the school's mysterious past. Whispers of ancient rituals, hidden treasures, and forbidden knowledge swirl around her, hinting at a deeper connection between Alex and the town's enigmatic history. Strange occurrences and eerie encounters become a part of daily life, and Alex finds herself drawn into a world where the line between reality and legend blurs.
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.