Murder at the Mystery Festival

Part 1 (Continued): The Guests Arrive

Lily opened the door to a bright-eyed young woman with long blonde hair pulled back in a braid. She looked exactly how you’d picture a yoga instructor, a slim build wearing non-descriptive workout clothing and flip-flops. The strap of her pink weekend bag was draped across her body.

"Hi, I’m Claire," she said, flashing a warm smile. "I drove here from Portland for a yoga instructor class… "

“Well, hopefully you can have some fun, too,” Lily said, mentioning the mystery festival in town.

Claire stepped inside, glancing around the cozy B&B with a look of appreciation. "Yeah, my sister lives here, and she’s obsessed with cozy mysteries. She has been talking about that festival for months. I just hope she makes time to see me, too, while I'm here," Claire joked with a light laugh.

Lily welcomed her in and directed her to her room. Claire took in the the simply decorated room and took a deep breath. "This really has such a peaceful vibe to it. It's perfect!"

Lily smiled, relieved that her first guest was experiencing exactly what she had hoped she would. "Oh, I'm thrilled you feel that way! That’s part of why I fell in love with this place— although the address had me a bit concerned."

Claire giggled as she pulled the strap of her bag over her head and set it on the floor at the foot of the bed, "Well that's true, Foggy Hollow Lane does sound a bit like it might be where the murder happens in one of those cozy mystery books." She winked and grinned.

"Oh, you're safe here," Lily said, turning to leave. "I promise."

After leaving Claire to her privacy, Lily headed to the kitchen and began carefully placing the fresh muffins on a platter before setting them out on the table.

Before long, the next knock came, this time from a woman in her forties. Diana introduced herself in a quiet, almost nervous voice. She had soft, sad eyes and avoided making eye contact at first. Lily couldn’t help but notice the delicate necklace she wore—a vintage-looking key on a satin string.

"That’s a beautiful necklace," Lily complimented.

Diana’s face brightened for a moment. "It was a gift. I never take it off," she said softly. After a pause, she added, "I’m... going through a messy divorce. I needed a break, and when I saw the Mystery Fest advertised, I thought, why not?"

Lily nodded sympathetically, inviting her to settle in. There was something about this second guest that Lily instantly trusted. Maybe it was the vulnerability that was required for Diana to share something so personal as a messy divorce. She made a mental note to ask Diana if she would like to walk with her later to the Silverbrook Hotel for the opening ceremony of the festival.

A little while later, a final knock brought Marjorie and Bill, a couple in their late fifties. Marjorie’s reputation preceded her—she was a famous cozy mystery author attending the festival as a featured guest. But her demeanor was far from friendly. She seemed irritable, barking orders at Bill, who dutifully carried all her luggage. He looked at Lily with a sheepish, apologetic smile as he passed her on the way in.

"Must be exciting to be part of the festival," Lily commented, trying to break the ice.

Marjorie grunted. "Exciting? It’s a nuisance. I’d rather be left alone to write." Bill chuckled nervously, but Marjorie shot him a look that silenced him instantly.

As the guests settled into their rooms, Lily finally took a breath. She knew opening weekend would be hectic, but she hadn’t anticipated such a unique cast of characters. Still, things seemed to be running smoothly—at least for now.

That evening after dinner, Lily and Diana set out toward the popular historic hotel for the Mystery Fest’s opening ceremony. As they approached the building, Lily noticed a woman standing alone near the back entrance, sunglasses covering her eyes, and a scarf wrapped tightly around her head as if trying to hide her identity. She had long dark hair pulled into a ponytail at the nape of her neck.

"She looks like she stepped right out of a cozy mystery," Lily whispered to Diana.

Diana glanced over. "Maybe she’s here for the festival, too."

They walked inside as the opening ceremony began, Marjorie taking the stage to applause from fans. Lily caught herself watching the woman in the scarf, who slipped quietly into the room and stood near the bar, removing her scarf and sunglasses and tucking them into her bag.

Diana excused herself to get a drink. A few minutes later, there was a commotion at the bar. A loud gasp and a couple screams emitted from the crowd, and Lily turned to see the woman, clutching her throat, choking.

In an instant, she collapsed, her red drink spilling across the floor, her last breath escaped her bluish lips within seconds.

Lily’s heart raced as the crowd began to murmer and panic. Someone had just died at a mystery festival. Diana reappeared beside Lily, visibly shaken.

As they were ushered out of the hotel, Lily glanced at Diana, whose face had grown pale.

"Are you okay?" she asked sincerely worried.

"Yes, I'm fine," Diana said meekly, her eyes cast down at the sidewalk.

What a strange coincidence," Lily said softly. "A death at a mystery festival."

Diana shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. "My husband always said there’s no such thing as a coincidence."

Things are about to take a darker turn. Tomorrow, the police arrive with shocking news that ties one of Lily's guests to the victim. Who’s hiding something, and why?

Check your inbox tomorrow for Part 2—more clues are on the way!