The Gum Tree Gang and the Mystery at the Old Queenslander

By Marie Seltenrych

Tracey and Krystal find strange messages at the Old Queenslander and share them with their obnoxious brothers, Kevin and Matthew, who decide to try and help their school buddies. They try their best to find out if they are pilfering but end up being blamed for shop lifting instead. Determined to fight crime, the four decide to wait and try to catch their friends before they ruin their lives. Everything goes wrong as they decide not to tell their parents of their plans... Will they end up in police custody or will they find a way out of the pickel they are in and prevent a serious crime!
They must make serious decisions to unlock the mysterious notes and try to finish the mission and end the mystery. What have bricks to do with the messages and who can solve the mystery in time?
Adventure packed mystery rolled into one.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Seltenrych
• Release date: Oct 20, 2010
• ISBN: 9781458023759

Marie Seltenrych

I recently purchased new Photoshop Software, Elements 2021 and a second-hand Cintiq (Wacom). The picture on my profile is the first picture completed using these software products.I had unpublished this version of Runaway Princesses because of Kindle Unlimited rules (publish with Amazon only for 90 days and renew etc). I have now finished this process for the moment.It is very difficult for Indie authors to nagitate through all the pros and cons of different publishers online. We are buffeted from Billy to Jack, as the saying goes.Whilst I was creating the above picture (from scratch) I was disappointed to find my Elements Photoshop software crashing continually. It was another hurdle to overcome as an Indie Author who also creates her own book covers. I truly love to create my book covers and sometimes I have a book cover idea way before I have even begun to write the story nowadays. It must be the magic of creation and seeing the shapes and form evolving from simply scratching away with my Intuos pro pen. It is magical for me.I have also been trying to format the digital edition so that it displays correctly in EPub products, Kindle, and other places. Unfortunately these products have not cooperated together over the years, making life a little more disturbing for Indie digital artists.I hope it is a better product now to enjoy. As an Indie author and graphic artist, I do all this just for you, dear reader and those I call my followers. Thank you. MarieYou can find out more about my ideology on my webpage: https://www.runawayprincesses.com/contactOn a flight from Abu Dhabi to Manchester recently, I was asked by one of the attendants "How are you so intelligent?"[We had enjoyed a short chat during the landing process (near exits).]I replied, "I am old!", and laughed. With my 70th birthday pending, it was the first answer that came to my head. However, it was a bit of a shock to hear someone asking me such a thing as a stranger perceiving me as "so intelligent!"When we consider our lives, experiences, opportunities and setbacks, and take time out to ponder our way forward, we must see that our lives are a living organism shaping from day to day, adding and subtracting items of interest and value, to bring about the sum total of our comprehended being.Looking back over my long existence, I have learned a lot, and possibly forgotten more than I have retained. After all, our brain is a organic lump of matter that somehow cannot exist by itself for very long! It is like a director of an orchestra who has nobody to play any instrument. It is a useless effort to try and get one sound out without something responding. So while our life blood courses through our veins and our brain is working its work, we must try our best to get our thoughts out there into the world, scattered and maybe sometimes picked up by one or two persons who have a moment of inspiration, joy or contemplation.So, we work our work and let our creative juices flow as the saying goes. But it is more than creativity, it is contemplation, consideration, discussion, activity. Our whole lives are involved in our work as we dedicate ourselves to our task in hand.I have included some of the fringe accolades that I happened upon during my course of living, tokens of achievement that were always unexpected and appreciated. These are not listed to gain anything in particular, just a matter of fact that happened along the way of my life. The last thing I want is jealousy. Reader, never be jealous of another person's abilities, because your ability is equally astonishing when you ponder your own life and how it has evolved over the years you are alive. Jealousy is not a topic we often hear about, yet it is a lurking destructive possibility for any human being. We can all get caught up in forms of jealousy and must guard ourselves diligently on this matter. "I can do that!" or "That is nothing", are vital signs that we must learn to put down and change.However, a thought comes to mind that makes jealousy have another side to its coin. God is a jealous God and will not stand to have His creations bow to another. In other words, everything should be in its rightful place. God is justified in that God has the final say for all persons, even for those who cannot believe God even exists. (Theoretical, rational and knowledge based evidences)So, when you read my words and sometimes even pay a small price to download a copy, please be merciful and gracious. I have limited abilities, time and thoughts, but if I can share some with you for your benefit or for the benefit of those who listen to you, then I have done my job in this life. So, I write stories and dictate to my fingers what to say and do, to bring a new experience, a joy, a revelation or refocus to you, dear reader. To me, you are the first person I think about, yet I do not know your name. You are the one I want to hug, give encouragement and to show love, yet I have no idea who you really are, except that you exist and are present.If you leave my site with one new thought, fashion or change of plan for the better, then I am satisfied. Thank you for stopping by and for reading this message. One day we will meet in the future (Eternity) and everything shall be made clearer then. Until we meet, take care and remember to use your talents relentlessly while you are able, and never succumb to jealousy.[Marie has achieved many accolades for her volunteer work in her capacity as author, writer, teacher, and services to her community over many years. These are some of her noted achievements and awards:Certificate in Acting 1969; Bachelor of Ministries 2004.Experience: Stage production; Acting; Public speaking (motivational); Preaching (over 10 years); Worship leading (7 years);Teaching Religious Education (4 years); home schooling children (7 years); Editor of Newsletter (Slacks Creek 3/4) (7 years);Awards: Certification of Appreciation Cooinda House (2012); Certificate of Recognition Australian Blood Service (2012), signed by Jennifer Williams CEO; Certificate of Appreciation: Humpybong State School, (signed by Sam Knowles (Principal) and Ros Smith (President P & C) 2006. Certificate of Appreciation Underwood Neighbourhood Watch (2003) Silver Lapel Badge Award Slacks Creek 3/4 signedby Alex F. Erwin, Superintendent 1380, (2002). Merit Award, Writers World 1999. Certificate of Appreciation, Redeemer Lutheran college Middle School, 1999 (signed by J. Winslour (Head of Middle School) and W.J. Basrow (Librarian); Avon Team Leader Certificate 1999 (signed by Dianne Walsh District Sales Manager) ]Irish born Australian, Marie Seltenrych [nee Rafferty] began writing and drawing at age 4. During Summer holidays in her beloved Leixlip, she drew pictures and made comics with her beloved siblings, Dolores, Liam, Josephine and Raymond. Her youngest brother, Keith, (17 years her junior) has inspired her to write and has been one of her biggest encouragers. From crayon and pencil scribbles, she has gained skills and confidences to write, draw and publish short stories, children's stories, adult romance titles, an adult mystery, a play, a book on prophecy, a book on "How to do online publishing", various devotionals. Marie is also a poet (much to some people's surprise), and is always busy helping someone along the publishing journey. Her belief is definitely, "Love your readers"; "practice makes perfect;" "Pick up the pieces and move on" and "get the talent honed".Contact Marie [e-mail]

Book preview

The Gum Tree Gang

and

The Mystery at the Old Queenslander

By

Marie Seltenrych

10.18.10

Copyright 2010 E Marie Seltenrych

Published at Smashwords, 2010

Discover other titles by this author on Smashwords

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~~~~Chapter One~~~~

Camp Plans

The morning sun was bright in Krystal’s eyes. She squinted into the distance, brushing a strand of golden hair from her face and pushing it under her brimmed school hat. She held her hat in place, mainly to keep all her hair off her face.

She could see a small person waiting at the corner of the street. She knew it was Tracey, her best friend. As Krystal came closer, she waved to her. Krystal took her hand off her hat and waved in return. Krystal admired her neat little friend. Tracey looked really good in her royal blue-chequered uniform with a oyal blue jacket and blue brimmed hat. Tracey’s shiny, short dark hair was tucked under her hat.

Hi. Tracey smiled as Krystal approached.

Krystal’s face was pink from her brisk walk. Her bright blue eyes sparkled and her face broke into a large grin.

Hi, Krystal replied, slowing down her fast walking pace. Tracey joined Krystal, and the two walked quietly together for a few moments.

Got any ideas for the camp? Tracey turned her head to ask her friend.

Sure have! Krystal replied, grinning from ear to ear. ...about four pages!

Wow! Tracey stopped in her tracks.Krystal's eyes twinkled. What about you?

I’ve written down a few, definitely not four pages! Mrs. Goldsworthy will be happy, Tracey commented as the girls continued walking and talking.

I just hope she likes my ideas. Gosh, I can’t wait to go to Mount Tamborine. I’ll never forget last year! Do you remember...?

Krystal’s excited voice was stopped by a strange ‘whee’ noise coming close to the girls.

Krystal and Tracey jumped in fright.

Tracey stopped again, her hand over her heart. I nearly had a heart attack. It’s that brother of mine. Matthew, I’ll tell Dad, Tracey yelled at the two disappearing bikes and their riders.

You too, Kevin, Krystal shouted at her younger brother.

The two girls watched as the boys disappeared into the distance, their stack hats glinting in the sun.

Brothers..., Tracey sighed heavily.

Yeah, they have so much fun. Krystal’s voice had a wistful tone. Oh, I wish the camp would hurry up. I just can’t wait, Tracey. Only two more months to go, then it’s Mount Tamborine and fun, fun, fun!

~~~~Chapter Two ~~~~

Dark Clouds

It seemed like minutes before the two girls were leaving the school grounds and waving goodbye to their friends.

Krystal held the brim of her hat as they walked along. Her face was flushed from the day's activities, and several strands of golden hair had fallen out of place. She glanced at her friend. I don’t think Mrs. Goldsworthy liked some of my ideas! Krystal voice was sad.

About the camp? questioned Tracey.

Yeah, she had a ‘no way’ look on her face when she read my sheets. Krystal kicked a stone.

I’m not surprised. I nearly died when she read yours out: sausage throwing, rotten egg- rolling, tree climbing in pillowcases.... Tracey was grinning widely.

Well, it's fun to do something different sometimes. Krystal could not help smiling, directing her gaze to a nice tall mango tree. I love climbing. She stared at the top of the mango tree. I think I'll be a mountain climber when I grow up!

A drop of rain landed on her nose. Hey, looks like a storm's coming. I just felt a drip. Another drop landed on her hat. Let’s run home, said Krystal, pushing the straps of her bag higher on her shoulders and taking off in a fast run. After a few moments she looked back. Tracey was quite a way behind. C’me on, slow coach, she called out. The rain became heavier as Krystal placed her bag near her feet and stood next to the tree for a few moments, watching the black cloud move slowly over them, and the rain getting heavier. Yuk, I’m getting wet, Krystal moaned, as a large drop of water landed on her nose. She moved right up against the tree trunk. A few more drops landed on her. My hat’ll get wrecked. I’m going up on the verandah; it’s dry there." She picked up her school bag and ran up the rickety wooden front steps, leaping two at a time. In a few moments she was in a dry patch near the front door of the old building.

This is good Trace. C’me on. It’s really dry, she yelled at Tracey, who was still standing under the ‘ghost’ gum tree.

Okay. Tracey brushed a large droplet off her jacket. She picked up her school bag in one hand, and holding her hat with the other hand, dashed to the steps. She paused for a moment and then carefully walked up the wet steps.

You must have the whole library in here, Krystal murmured as she took Tracey's bag and placed it in a dry spot.

Tracey stood next to Krystal, slightly out of breath. Each girl took one side of the double door to lean against.

It might stop soon, said Tracey wistfully, looking at the black clouds overhead.

Maybe. Krystal pressed against her side of the door. Suddenly she almost fell backwards

as the door moved

.

~~~~Chapter Three~~~~

A Ghostly Idea

It’s unlocked. Krystal pushed the door a bit further. It creaked as it moved. She peered inside the opening, then stepped cautiously inside the building. It’s nice and dry in here. Krystal crept through the hallway of the house.

Tracey sniffed as she stood in the doorway, peering in. Looks dark and spooky, and it smells.

It’s okay. May as well look around while we’re waiting for the rain to stop, said Krystal, venturing further into the entrance of the house.

This was exciting! The children had always been a bit frightened to visit this house since the owner mysteriously disappeared and the place was left abandoned. Now that they were actually inside, Krystal did not want to waste the opportunity of checking the place out.

The light from the opened front door showed that there were several doorways off the hallway. There was an opening to the right and a closed door on her left.

Right or left? Krystal chose the closed door. Left, she said aloud, answering herself and turning the knob of the door. To her surprise, it opened!

Krystal stared into the room, her eyes adjusting to the poor lighting. The windows were boarded up, with only a small crack of light filtering in. The room had timbered walls on the lower half There was a timber ledge about as high as Krystal's forehead going right around the room. The wall above the ledge was painted a dull grey.

The ceiling had some