A Solitude Hollywood Death

By Saundra McKee

Everybody seems to be thrilled when a Hollywood screenwriter comes to Solitude to gather information that will result in a fictionalized film based on the crime solving successes of Fannie, Dana and Sharon. The stylish author's visit is cut short when she is found strangled on a popular bike trail on the river bank. The three amateur sleuths try to determine who had a reason to kill the outsider and why the murderer is trying to frame one of their own. This is the 12th in the Amish Country Murder Mystery series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Saundra McKee
• Release date: May 28, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476316628

Saundra McKee

I am a retired educator. I taught in the public schools for 15 years and at the university level for 22 years. I love to travel the world. I enjoy politics, dogs, mysteries and water sports. I am a lay speaker in the United Methodist Church.

Book preview

A Solitude Hollywood Death: 12th in Amish Country Murder Mystery Series by Sandy McKee

Published by Saundra McKee at Smashwords. Copyright 2012. Saundra McKee

All characters and events in this story are fictional. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental. While some of the places mentioned actually exist, they are used in an entirely fictional manner

June

Chapter 1

Monday

Sharon had closed the cheese shop for the day in honor of the screenwriter’s visit to Solitude. She, Fannie and Dana were seated around an oak table giggling like the schoolgirls they had once been together many years earlier.

Just pinch me, exclaimed Sharon. I still can’t believe that Hollywood wants to make a film about our sleuthing. This is the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me. The screenwriter should be here by now. What’s she like, Dana?

Well I only spoke with her briefly, but I was impressed. She’s done her homework and claims that she wants to be true to our characters and faith even though it will be a fictional script. She seems really smart and has an impressive resume’ for someone in their early forties. I think you’ll like her.

Fannie nodded solemnly. I still am shocked that the bishop allowed me to go forward with this project. I think he was impressed by how the movie could boost the local economy and donate needed funds into the women’s shelter and Amish medical clinic. There will be lots of carpentry jobs for sets, and the increased tourism will help all the local businesses.

Sharon set out a cheese plate and poured more coffee for each of her friends. Well I’ve already cast who will play each of us, not that the screenwriter does that, but we should give her ideas. I think Meryl Streep should play you Dana and Michael Douglass would be great as Larry. Helen Mirren should play Fannie with Harrison Ford as Eli. Of course, everyone already thinks my Bob looks like Richard Gere, so that’s a no brainer.

Dana smiled, Okay, Sharon. Who have you chosen to play you?

Sharon hesitated, Well that’s been the most difficult decision. What do you think about Sandra Bullock?

Fannie looked clueless. I have no idea who any of these people are. I’ve never seen a movie.

Dana couldn’t contain her laughter. Come on, Sharon. You assign us actors close to our ages, then someone much younger for yourself. We are all the same age. Sandra Bullock would be good as Mandy Turk.

Oh, I knew you’d say that, even though I think I am better preserved and the only one of us who uses any makeup to speak of, except for your occasional blue eye shadow. My second choice would be Susan Sarandon.

I think that’s a better selection, although the likelihood of getting any of those big stars to sign on is unlikely. But we can dream. Western Pennsylvania is becoming the Hollywood of the East lately. I think I see Ms Charming pulling into the parking lot now. It looks like she has an assistant.

Sharon welcomed the screenwriter to her shop and guided her and her assistant, an earnest looking young man with unruly red hair, to the table. Please call me Nancy and this is my assistant, Bruce Earl. We’re so pleased to finally meet the three of you. We’ll be in town for three days and hope we can get some preliminary information. I really want this to be your story. I won’t try to put words in your mouth. I’d like to gather some background information from each of you today. Maybe later this afternoon, you can give Bruce and me a tour of your lovely community. Tomorrow, I’d like to visit Fannie and Dana’s homes, then the following day, some of the crime scenes. Does that sound okay with you?

The three women