Hello, magical reader. This is a free short story for subscribers of Nyx Halliwell’s Cozy Corner that can be enjoyed over a cup of your favorite brew or before snuggling down to sleep. ☕️💜
©2024 Nyx Halliwell
I’ve added an audio recording of the story at the end for my paid subscribers. Enjoy! (And if you’re not a paid subscriber and would like access to the audio, as well as other bonuses, you can upgrade here: https://nyxhalliwellauthor.substack.com/subscribe?)
P.S. Don’t miss the release of Tricks and Treats next week, kicking off my new Witchy Candy Shop series! A faerytale princess with a flair for creating delicious treats embarks on a journey filled with candied clues, mystical riddles, and magical mishaps to solve a murder. Check it out here: https://www.nyxhalliwell.com/trick-and-treats-a-witchy-candy-shop-mystery-book-1 (Paid subscribers will receive a Book Funnel link to download for FREE!)
Willowbrook, a picturesque town nestled between rolling hills and lush forests, exudes an enchanting charm with its cobblestone streets and cozy cottages. This welcoming community is a place where the magic of everyday life flourishes. If you need to catch up on Willowbrook stories, use this handy Willowbrook Stories Index https://nyxhalliwellauthor.substack.com/p/willowbrook-index
Ember, the beloved town librarian of Willowbrook, is excited to host a special book club discussion featuring none other than Penelope Pawsworth, the renowned author of the bestselling Feline Felony mystery series. As the event kicks off with anticipation, Ember can't help but feel a flutter of excitement at the prospect of meeting her literary idol.
The book club members eagerly gather around as Penelope, with her trademark paw brooch adorning her lapel, regales them with tales of her writing process and the inspiration behind her captivating mysteries. Mrs. Grayson asks, “Where do you get your ideas for each book?”
“From real life, of course,” Penelope replies. She slips off the brooch. “Just like with this gift from my dear aunt, which I’m using in my next caper. It’s not just a pin for my lapel, it’s also a stamp. Now, when I autograph books, I can stamp my famous paw print next to my name.”
Penelope returns the brooch to her lapel and shows the group her current work-in-progress: Feline Felony: Paws of Peril. Everyone wants to know what happens and who the suspects are. Penelope gives them hints, but won’t divulge any spoilers.
After the discussion, the book club members gather for refreshments. When they return to the table, however, they discover Penelope's prized manuscript is missing.
Ember's eyes widen in shock as she surveys the room, her mind racing with possibilities. "Oh no, where could it have gone?" she murmurs, her heart sinking at the thought of disappointing Penelope. Clover, her kitten, who had been sleeping in her basket, wakes and meows, sensing Ember’s distress.
Ember puts on her sleuthing hat, rallying the members to help search. They comb through every nook and cranny of the library, turning over books and peering behind shelves in their quest.
As she scours the last set of shelves, Ember notices a stack of loose papers beneath a nearby bookshelf. Clover reaches her paw into the space and snags one, pulling it out.
“I found it!” she calls. Ember retrieves the missing manuscript, its pages crumpled but otherwise unharmed.
As she examines the top page closely, she notices something peculiar—a faint paw print smudged across the cover. Her brow furrows in confusion as she turns to Penelope, who watches with a glint in her eye.
"Penelope, do you have any idea how your manuscript ended up under that bookshelf?" Ember asks, her voice tinged with suspicion.
Penelope grins as she accepts the stack of papers. "You make an outstanding sleuth with your kitten sidekick.”
Clover rubs against Penelope’s ankles. Ember shakes her head. "It seems the culprit was closer than we thought."
Penelope confirms to the book club members that the missing manuscript was never truly lost but hidden away by Penelope herself. “The storyline includes a book club, and I wanted to see how you would all react if called into action. You did wonderful,” she tells them. “And once the book is published, I’ll send a box of signed copies to you.”
The book club members erupt into applause, impressed by Ember's sleuthing skills and Penelope's clever ruse. Clover also receives extra pats and a treat for her role.
As they bid farewell to their esteemed guest, Ember can't help but chuckle at the amusing twist of fate that brought their literary adventure to a thrilling conclusion, knowing that in Willowbrook, every story has a happy ending.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this short story! If you wish to read more like it, please let me and Princess Winnie know by clicking the heart below, replying to this email, or sharing with your friends.