Detective Chika: Spirits of Unsolved Mysteries is a supernatural detective story with a twist. Chika, a young detective with the rare ability to see ghosts, isn't solving grisly murders or chasing down criminals. Instead, she's helping spirits with unresolved, heartfelt mysteries unrelated to violence-often small yet deeply meaningful tasks they couldn't complete before passing on.
Chika's clients are ghosts with quirky personalities and unusual stories. From finding a long-lost locket meant as a proposal gift, to delivering a love letter that never reached its recipient, each spirit has an unresolved mystery that keeps them lingering in the mortal world. Chika takes on each case with empathy, persistence, and a touch of dry humor, forming unique connections with each spirit and learning more about the human experience in the process.
The story follows Chika as she balances her detective work with her gift, digging into odd and touching mysteries that reveal both the strange and tender sides of life. Every chapter introduces a new ghost with their own tale, creating a blend of mystery, supernatural intrigue, and emotional depth. As Chika unravels each case, she also finds herself exploring questions of purpose, memory, and closure, not just for her clients but for herself.
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.