Murders in Paradise Homes

By Marcia Penante

This is a book that dares to enter the world of crime fiction, though in a careful and subtle way. It avoids the common chronicle style of crime novels, as well as the news reporting style that people see every day. The hope is to define this book by the well-known expression, "art imitates life and life imitates art", in perfect harmony, in which neither can exist without the other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 14, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483506258

Book preview

crimes.

The name of the place could only be Paradise Homes. It was built in an area tucked up against the mountainside, and from the homes, there’s a spectacular view of a valley. The area possesses a tranquil beauty that really offers a feeling of peace to those who are open to it.

The people who step into the gated community always feel a special sort of awe for the place. Everything seems perfect, from the construction, which reveals attractive houses that were clearly built with care, to the development’s well-manicured central courtyard.

It feels as though everything was planned just so, so that everyone would live in peace and enjoy a welcoming environment, one that is conducive to harmonious and tranquil living.

The gated community is always clean and well cared for, and proves that it’s possible for an ideal living situation to exist. Within the community, things flow with a natural sense of organization, which always amazes those who see this picturesque place.

This small corner of the world truly has the natural ability to attract and house people who want to and are able to enjoy a calm life, in constant contact with nature, and to revel in the perfect, healthy climate common to regions at that altitude.

The gated community is within city limits of Pedra da Serra, or The Stone of the Mountainside, a city named after a large rock on the top of a hill. From the rock, one can enjoy a unique view: not only of the valley below, but also of the gated communities around it.

This viewpoint is the area’s main tourist spot. It’s largely because of the wild beauty around – the untouched nature – but it’s also because of the beautiful landscape surrounding the hilltop. It’s nature in its purest form, and because it’s at the top of a small mountain, the only way to access it is by a steep climb up a dirt trail, traversable only on foot.

Anyone who drives there, including anyone who takes a motorcycle or a bicycle, must leave their vehicle below, in a small parking lot. This bottom area also hosts convenience stores and gift shops that sell local crafts and souvenirs. The trail is not very long – three hundred meters at most. The incline is steep, and the path is formed by a rough staircase made of rocks and logs. It also has a precarious return system made of cords, cables, and pieces of bamboo.

Visitors are often able to make their way to the viewpoint without too much trouble. This viewpoint was formed by nature itself, which seemed to want people to admire its creation and existence. It goes without saying that its a favorite photo opportunity among visitors, who also enjoy the simple cold wind that blows at such heights.

Some people even risk rapelling their way down; others prefer to scale the steepest side of the mountain; but everyone who goes there feels the special energy of the place. The landscape enchants the eyes and the heart alike.

There is also a small cave called the cavern of echos, which is formed at the base of the rock. It’s known as a place for young lovers to avoid being seen.

There’s also a legend that says that a kiss shared within the cavern forms a bond between the lovers forever…that’s why, they say, all the local women want to bring their partners there, though few actually risk it. Most people who do go into the cave do it to hear the echoes created inside. On busier days at the spot, the sound is an endless shout; but most of the time, it’s only the sound of the wind that echoes through that idyllic cavern.

But in all honesty, the most attractive sight is the intense green of the untouched land that the view reaches. This green makes up a rainforest replete with diverse vegetation and many different kinds of trees, which shelter nests from a countless variety of birds. The chirping and singing is so harmonious that it sounds like an orchestra.

Traveling down the mountainside, while still amid this ecological harmony, one arrives at a lake, where swans, ducks, and geese glide smoothly through the waters, as if they were simply another exhibition on display for visitors. All of this, along with the other species of wild animals in the area, contributes to making the location a feast for the eyes for locals and tourists alike.

The city of Pedra da Serra became famous because of its location. It’s in the middle of a mountain range, which is very inviting in terms of leisure activities. This opportune location was not passed up by those who chose to live there. All of the residents developed their own hobbies, even if that hobby was simply taking in the countryside, and escaping the stress of a big city.

Of course, with so many attractions, there are other gated communities in the area boasting the same features, the same landscapes, and the same privileges. Even so, Paradise Homes became a local gem. It may be because, from their balconies, residents have such spectacular views, to say nothing of the bedrooms in each house, which are cozy and well illuminated.

The architecture in the community is very elaborate. It’s reminiscent of alpine cottages, and the houses have three floors. The ground floor is an ample terrace, with a living room and dining room, as well as a kitchen and a laundry room. The second floor holds the bedrooms, an office, and a sort of second-story den to watch TV or enjoy the panoramic view from the balcony. The third floor serves as an attic, which can be used as a studio, a workshop, or simply a storage space. The design of the homes is truly inviting for anyone looking for a life with privacy and peace of mind.

The houses are impressive, but what really catches people’s eyes are the flowers that fill much of the empty space, from the planters on the verandas, to the gardens in front of each home. To an outsider, it seems as if there is some kind of competition among the homeowners to see who can grow the most beautiful flowers, or who has the most well-kept garden. The community is certainly inviting to those who enjoy gardening or related hobbies.

And to complement all of this, the gated community also has a large central common area, which is also well manicured. It’s full of flower beds, which contain a variety of flowers and greenery that are tended to with care. Though it’s not meant to be pretentious, all of this attention to detail suggests that everyone in Paradise Homes lives there in perfect harmony: even the flowers. But is it true? You will have the answer soon, dear reader…

At any rate, watching the residents be so involved in their gardens is quite a sight. Some of the plants are native to the region, such as bromeliads and various colors of the anthurium. Other plants are less common, such as orchids and tulips, as well as many types of roses, which are the greatest pride of the homeowners. These homeowners maintain their gardens in hopes of standing out and embellishing their properties, creating an image of lavishness.

At sunset, quite the spectacle occurs. The lighting brings a bucolic air to the place. Lamps are strategically placed around the community. They grace the gardens and help the colors of the flowers stand out.

It seems as if everyone who loves there must spend time contemplating nature, that their personal problems must take second place, which suggests an illusion of perfection that is far from existing.

For, behind that guise of tranquility, there is an effervescent agitation among people trying to free themselves of stress, people who are fighting in an unseen war between the real world and the world they’ve made up, the one they’ve idealized.

It becomes more and more clear that the main conflicts among the residents are the ones they each have within themselves. They don’t accept the fact that everyone there is running away from something, whether it be some specific problem they have, or simply the fast-paced world outside, which is deterring them in some way.

In reality, nothing is how it seems. It’s as if the residents’ own lives are a farce, as if they’re playing idealized characters that they themselves have made up, living in a scene that looks like paradise but is, in fact, total theatre.

They simply don’t know that the script to real life is very different from the one they’ve imagined. Maybe they’re just not prepared for reality, which, little by little, brings out the truth in each of them.

People need to live in the real world, with real problems. Though the notion of a fluffy, fictitious life is tempting, it can turn into something dangerous, especially when those living it lose touch with reality.

Passion is the trigger that destiny always fires at people… trying to avoid it is often more dangerous than facing it. When it appears, the script fails, and the screenwriters don’t have a chance to change the course of the plot. It brings about many conflicts and questions for the protagonists, who often lose control of the situation. They become hostages to their own feelings. This kind of submission prevents them from turning the story in their favor, and they are soon at the mercy of what is called destiny.

It’s at that moment that destiny is put into the lord’s hangs, transforming those involved into mere puppets, without their own will, controlled by a cruel and authoritarian director, a dictator with many rules who gives no chances to those with passion, or those in love. The only option they have left is to obey the tormenter that they call destiny.

In that seemingly calm place, no one can be as perfect as they try to come off as. In fact, they’re all trying to hide their egos, their weaknesses, their passions, but these things always come to a head – many times in an uncontrolled and totally unexpected way.

With her sharp eye and keen sense of perception, nothing gets by Estela. She has extensive experience in analysis – not only of animal behavior (because she’s a biologist), but of human behavior, too.

For a while now, she’s been gathering information that is none too pleasant, but that clearly shows what people are capable of when they have strong passions or desires. She knows that there’s a point at which they go crazy (if that’s the right term for it) trying to attain the objects of their desires. They get to a point at which they forget ethics, morals, and even their religious beliefs, if they have them.

Throughout her life as the wife of a renowned congressman, she learned many things about human nature, and she knows that people are able to go to extremes for their goals and their vanity. Yes, vanity can also become a very dangerous type of corruption, because it takes people on paths that not even they are capable of imagining.

It’s hard to believe, but in that peaceful and tranquil place, Estela felt a sense of danger that she’d felt before, and she didn’t know why. She was getting worried. She feared that some kind of catastrophe was going to occur and that, even with all of her experience, she would be rendered helpless, unable to do nothing except watch the paths that were being taken.

That summer in particular, there was a certain agitation present that was unlike the usual calm of the place. It seemed as if everyone was tense, worried about something unknown, or simply looking for a way to bring some life to that quiet place.

Could it be that the residents were just trying to find something new, to do something different?

I hope that’s all it is, Estela said out loud to herself. She’d moved to Paradise Homes to get away from all the crime that she’d lived among for most of her life. Only time would reveal the answer.

Though she still didn’t understand what was going on around her, or what the reason was for so much restlessness, she decided to focus on her garden instead. She pushed her thoughts aside and went back to her chores.

For her, it was worth exploring every inch of the place, to identify every bird, every different plant, especially the flowers….Oh, the flowers! They were one of her biggest passions. She never tired of observing them or touching them. At that point in her life, she had the luxury of spending time just admiring the bromeliads, the native ferns, the hydrangeas, and especially the anthurium, her favorite.

Her new living situation had exceeded her expectations, and she was very pleased with it. It was everything a single older woman could want at that stage in life: she could devote herself to her hobbies and her passions. She was amazed that she was able to breathe that fresh air and avoid the problems and pollution of big cities, which she’d dealt with for too long. In her new life, she always had her favorite tools on hand: a pair of binoculars, a camera, gloves, sunglasses, and a hat to protect her from the sun.

With her new style of dress and her new behavior, she easily blended in with the other residents, especially when she was doing her favorite activity: tending to her flowers. It was all very agreeable, and in this way, she did not arouse any curiosity from the others – about her current life or her past one.

As always, Estela was outside, gardening and keeping watch at the same time. That was just how she was, and no one was going to change her. That intuition that something was wrong activated all of her senses (which, by the way, were already very well honed).

Oh my goodness! Am I seeing things? Estela exclaimed as she watched Dr. Leo go into Alex’s house, and Gisela opened the door for him gleefully, as if they were teenagers and he were her new little boyfriend, with her showering his face with kisses and all that. They were completely disregarding the fact that they were both married, and both his wife and her husband had already proven to be the jealous type.

This isn’t going to end well. I smell a problem…and a big one at that! Estela said to herself; only this time, someone heard her mutterings: Rita, her longtime housekeeper and companion, had heard everything, and as always, interrupted Estela’s thoughts.

Dona Estela, you’re talking to yourself again. Be careful! The neighbors are going to think you’re becoming senile. As for me, I already know. Go ahead and call me nosy, but I already know all about it. Rosinha told me.

What do you know, Rita? Can you be more specific?

Well, you saw that how those two greeted each other. But rest assured that it’s nothing. If anyone would know what’s going on there, it’s Rosinha. Remember her? She’s married to Tonhão, the handyman. She’s a gossip who gets herself mixed up in everything, Rita insisted.

Estela raised her eyebrows at what she heard, but tried to hide her surprise with an adage: Curiosity killed the cat, or better, many cats had already caused problems for themselves by butting in where they shouldn’t have.

Well, you must be mistaken, Rita responded. Rosinha is doing very well for herself, actually. She just bought a plasma TV. She’s smart – she knows how to put a price on keeping a secret…

What are you insinuating? Estela asked. Are you saying there’s some kind of bribery going on? I think it’d be best if you kept your distance from that woman, before some of her problems fall into your lap – or into mine. Remember what happened with your cousin? The one who had problems with the police because she couldn’t keep her mouth shut?

Oh, Dona Estela! Perish the thought!

With that, she ended the conversation and started to walk away. Estela went back to her chores, calling after her.

Rita, can you go out to the vegetable garden and pick some tomatoes to make tomato sauce? We’ll never have lunch at this rate, if you keep on gossiping… Estela knew she was provoking her housekeeper, who couldn’t give her the last word.

Spaghetti again? If you keep this up, you’re going to end up round and red, just like the tomatoes in your plots. Is that what you call a healthy life in the countryside? Rita responded jokingly, though her boss was becoming a little overweight. Estela knew all too well that so much pasta was going to make her gain weight, but she was so enthusiastic about her new hobbies that she’d totally forgotten about all of her diet plans.

You know, Rita, you’re right this time. I’m really going overboard with the pasta. I’ve forgotten all about salads and vegetables. It’d be better if you made some grilled chicken with rice, and with some lettuce…you know, for decoration. Don’t forget the tomatoes, of course…oh! and the french fries…

I just don’t know what to do with you, Dona Estela, Rita said to herself, laughing. You’re like a child! You don’t know how to eat without filling yourself up on calories, not to mention sugar, which you can never resist. She continued chuckling as she left to make lunch.

As soon as she was gone, Genésio, the property manager, approached Estela. He made small talk with her, but soon revealed his real reason for visiting.

"Dona Estela, I happened to notice that your vegetable garden is just full of tomatoes. Would you be so kind as to pass some along to me? I must confess, my mouth waters just hearing the word spaghetti

Reviews for Murders in Paradise Homes

[paul.s · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm an assiduous reader of police novels. Since I'm a big admirer of this style of writing, inevitably I came across great masters such as Agatha Christie, Edgar Allan Poe, Geoges Simenon and so on. I confess that I was overwhelmed by this book, which was written by a totally unknown author, but who managed to engage me from start to finish with her plot filled with thrills and mystery, yet being counter balanced with a peculiar and unexpected sense of humour. All of which you’ll find described in an exquisite context, both in a soft, but at the same time, emotional way. For the ones with a heart condition: Beware! I certainly recommend this book to all the mystery novel lovers to take a big dive into the universe of the story. It will certainly impact the readers once they see a bit more of the universe which is a psychopath’s mind. And definitively it will take our sense of justice to some extremes once we realize who committed Murders in Paradise homes