Welcome to Tuesday Tales, powered by a small group of authors, where word prompts inspire passages in the books we’re writing. I’m working on a cozy mystery, Pumpkin Patch Murder. Our word of the day is thrust. When you finish the passage, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
It was four ladies on the elderly side and another younger looking one. I could only see their backs and flashes of profiles as they gossiped. The whispery voices carried rather well.
A determined, grumpy voice said, “What befell Jack Douglas was mighty peculiar, happening so soon after the girl agreed to come up here. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if she tried to do away with him.”
The younger lady, sitting on the end, scoffed. “Whatever for, Momma Pearl? They said his accident was just that– an accident.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. Some might say the girl wanted to get her hands on Tea Thyme and the old inn. She used to live there, you know.”
“More likely it’s the new wife he brought with him who wants to do him in.” The matter-of-fact tone indicated that this one was accustomed to being the voice of reason in the group.
“Or that batty cousin of his!” Grumpy spat.
“What would anyone want with that old, haunted place?” a sad and weary voice asked doubtfully.
“There’s also his money to be considered,” Voice of Reason pointed out.
“I always enjoyed treating myself to tea back in the old days,” a frail voice said wistfully. “A lovely, civilized way to spend an afternoon.”
Voice of Reason objected, “As a customer, yes, but no sane person would want to own the building. And they call it a Glisten landmark. Hmph! It can never be historically accurate, not with the tearoom being added after the fact. Naomi Upshaw herself told me that.”
“Oh dear. It’s always been a money pit. Marcella Strickland was smart to get out.” Sad and Weary shook her head from side to side.
The frail voice offered, “I remember when she was a little girl.”
Grumpy’s head swiveled to the left. “Marcella Strickland?”
“No, the girl,” Frail replied. “Back when the family was still together. I always commented to my husband about her unusual name. Peridot, I think it was.”
Grumpy complained, “Peridot! Who names a baby that?”
Voice of Reason interjected, “Well, dear, your name is Pearl.”
“Excuse me.” Head swiveling to the right, Grumpy thrust out her formidable chin. “Pearl is a fine old family name. Peridot is, what, some kind of new age voodoo rock?”
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2025 Flossie Benton Rogers
Love the line – “new age voodoo rock.” Hmm. So some people suspect Peri? The plot thickens. Great slice of life of Glisten. Pretty nasty, accusing various women of committing a crime. I hope you’re going to fix their wagons!
They are a jabbering five-some for sure!
I love the banter between the women. I love that it gives a refresher of the details of the story. I do not like that the suspect Peri. I hope they find the true murderer soon. Great job!
Yes, she is able to hear what some of the townspeople are thinking. She may or may not overhear more at the funeral.
New age voodoo rock? That’s my birthstone, although I will admit Peridot isn’t a common name. Busybodies with nothing better to do. Hope someone puts them in their places.
I love green stones and have several peridot pieces. Peridot says her name Peridoe. How do you pronounce it? Doe or dot?
What a fun conversation to listen in on! I love, love, love how you named ‘Voice of Reason’. I think every group of women has one of those! LOL
I can’t wait to see where this all goes. Fun exchange about the names too.
Thanks so much, Trisha. I wondered if these “names” were going to work.