Writers of mysteries have only to look back in history to find inspiration. Just a hint of a mystery is enough to get a writer started with, what if… From its earliest days, America has had its share of real life mysteries. In fact, a Puritan leader, John Winthrop, one of the founders of Boston, […]
The Way It Was
·The following story is from my mother’s book, Remembering Etta Bend. These are the words of Susie Latty, who, much later, became my mom. The year would have been around 1918. Most of the things we used were homemade and they had to last as long as possible. Papa carved his own handles and wood […]
A Mystery from History
·Agnes wrapped her arms around herself as she sat at the table. Try as she might, she couldn’t stop shaking and she didn’t think she’d ever be warm again. She noticed Clara was trembling too. The sheriff opened his hand and let fall a small, circular object onto the table. Candlelight glinted on gold […]
A Grim Discovery
·“Clara!” she screamed, beating on the wall. “Clara! Get us out of here. Hurry!” She pounded on the wall with both fists, her phone on the floor at her feet. Maybelle crowded close beside her, adding her howls to the racket. At last, spent and breathless, Agnes sank down beside her dog and cat. Clara’s […]
Star Spangled Cat
·In honor of the birthday of our National Anthem, I re-print my story about the cat who helped Mr. Key on his endeavor. Star Spangled Cat By Blanche Day Manos “What?” I screeched. “Go to sea? Are you crazy?” Every one of my gray and white hairs stood straight up. Reggie laughed. “You look […]
And, On That Note
·Yesterday, I talked about words, their power, and the way we use them. On that note, I’d like to give my view of how these words many times are used to divide and infiltrate, to promote dissention and hatred. Books, movies, news stories that concentrate on past wrongs, evils, shameful laws are supposed to be […]