Below is an excerpt from the latest Ned McNeil mystery, Moonstruck and Murderous. It is available at Pen-L.com and at Amazon.com. Happy reading!
My flashlight’s beam had no trouble picking out the well-worn trail. Trees pressed in on either side and the wind moaning through them sounded like voices from another world. Sternly, I reminded myself that no wolves or mountain lions lived in these parts any more. At least, I had not heard of a sighting. These animals preferred a solitary life, far away from civilization. I hoped.
The path ended at the edge of the mansion’s yard. Hedges and flower gardens cast flitting shadows as I crept past them. The dark silhouettes of barns loomed in the distance and the well-lit house sat just in front of me. Should I go to the back door and knock? Myra had asked me not to tell anyone of our planned meeting. I couldn’t imagine that the Carvers would be happy about it.
Taking a deep breath, I shrugged and prepared to go back the way I had come. Myra wasn’t at her house and she wasn’t anywhere between there and the big house. After my excitement at possibly learning something from her, I felt deflated. This was evidently a wild goose chase. I’d try to talk to her another time.
As I turned around, I heard a noise somewhere near-by, just past the herb garden.
“Myra?” I called in a semi-whisper. “Are you there?”
There was no mistaking it this time. “I’m here. Help me. Please.”
My heart in my mouth, I started in the direction of the voice. My flashlight’s beam picked out the herb garden and gazebo. Again, I heard it. Not words this time, just a faint moan as if someone were in pain. And then, “The maze.”
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