The Devil's Coins

By David J Cooper

As the problems continue, Penny Lane must battle her greatest enemy yet…

After dealing with the dolls problem, Penny can’t rest until she finds the three missing coins. While she is looking for them, a mysterious figure from the past turns up in the village.

As if that isn’t enough, Penny has to find out why he is also in search of them.

She has to get to the coins before he does because if she fails, and they fall into his hands, the village and everyone in it face being destroyed.

But who will get them first?

The Devil’s Coins is the third novel in The Penny Lane, Paranormal Investigator series. If you like things that go bump in the night and things that make your hair stand on end, then you’ll love this classic third instalment.

Buy The Devil’s Coins to continue this thrilling paranormal series today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: David J Cooper
• Release date: Mar 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9781790235094

David J Cooper

David J Cooper, a British author, delves into the realms of the paranormal, horror, suspense, and mystery with an expert touch. Originating from Darlaston, West Midlands, his diverse journey from engineering to teaching and local politics has imbued his writing with a rich tapestry of experiences. His literary venture began with an unforgettable mark—a featured poem, "God's Garden," acclaimed in the Best Poems and Poets of 2012 anthology. Currently residing in a tranquil Mexican town, David shares his home with four loyal dogs—Chula, Sooty, Benji and Princessa — and a vibrant parrot named Muchacho. David's novels are an enigmatic treat for those with a taste for the eerie and the unexpected. With a knack for weaving gripping suspense and unforeseen twists, his narratives promise an enthralling journey that beckons fans of authors like Stephen King.

Book preview

THE DEVIL’S COINS

David J Cooper

Copyright 2019 David J Cooper

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the author.

Dedication

For my niece, Debbie Croft

Introduction

The trouble Penny had with the dolls is now over but she is still worried about the coins.

Where could they be? Does the old man have them? What other evil tricks has he got up his sleeve?

She is also worried about the curse on the village and knows that the coins were mentioned in it.

She also thinks that a mirror and a key are linked to it and maybe if she can find them she will be able to lift the curse, get rid of the old man, and save Buckleigh.

But will she find them?

Chapter One

Autumn had painted the village red, yellow, and orange. Faint odours of wood smoke and cinnamon wafted through the air as Penny and Aunt Molly strolled towards the pub; the fallen leaves crunching under their feet. The brown lawns now thinly covered with leaves from the almost naked trees; corpses of what was once summer.

The front door of the pub looked very seasonal wrapped in orange lights that resembled miniature pumpkins, aglow and flickering in the biting Halloween night air.

The strewn acorns formed a carpet for them to tread on as they opened the door and went inside.

The warmth of the bar welcomed them; caressing their numb cheeks, ears, and noses.

The crackle of the fire was trying to make itself heard above the babbling voices of the locals, some wearing fancy dress.

Tom and Beryl, the landlords, always liked to celebrate Halloween and the pub was a gathering place for the villagers to have a good get together now the tourist season was over.

They also liked to have fun on Guy Fawkes Night which was only a few days away.

Sally Sutton, Sadie, Les and Pam Barnes, and Peggy Baldwin were all sitting together in a corner.

Do you mind if we join you?" Penny asked.

Not at all, replied Les as he got to his feet and let them pass.

So you didn’t bother wearing a costume? asked Sadie.

Aunt Molly thought we would look ridiculous, Penny replied. I see you have a lot of green balloons pinned to you. What are you supposed to be?

A bunch of grapes, she replied.

Well be careful who comes near you, said Aunt Molly. Or you could go off with a bang, especially if someone throws a cocktail stick at you.

And can you guess who I am? asked Sally.

That’s easy, replied Aunt Molly. Anyone can see you’ve come dressed as a witch.

I’m not just a witch, she replied. I’m the wicked witch of the west!

Will you be singing Over the Rainbow then? Aunt Molly asked.

I can’t sing, she replied not realising Aunt Molly’s sarcasm.

I can see you’re a scarecrow, Penny said to Les. But who are you Pam?

I’m supposed to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, she replied.

Oh, of course, said Penny. Pigtails and cotton dress. Yes, now I can see.

We only need the tin man and the lion to make the group, chuckled Aunt Molly.

Isn’t Mrs Gentle going to come tonight? asked Pam.

No, replied Penny. She said there was a good film on telly and doesn’t want to miss it. She told me she was going to come to the bonfire though.

Tom, the landlord, walking like a clockwork soldier, wobbling from side to side headed towards their table. His tricorn was almost falling off his head. What would you like to drink? he asked. The first one is on the house.

From what you’re dressed as, said Aunt Molly. You must be Jack Sparrow.

No I’m not, he replied. I’m Long John Silver. Jack Sparrow didn’t have a wooden leg.

Why are you wearing a long nose? Aunt Molly asked Peggy. What’s it supposed to mean?

I didn’t want to go overboard, she replied. If I had changed my look completely I might have scared the cats.

So you’ve come as a nosey parker? she asked.

Pinocchio, she replied.

Well I never, said Aunt Molly. Now I’ve seen it all.

I’ll have a gin and tonic, said Pam. Les will have a whisky and dry.

Me and Aunt Molly and will have a lemonade shandy, said Penny.

Sadie and me will have a white wine, said Sally.

A sweet sherry for me, said Peggy.

Right, said Tom. I’ll send Beryl with the drinks.

All heads turned as a group of young people slowly approached the bar. Their clothes were shredded and they wore masks showing dislocated jaws, torn tongues and blood stained teeth.

They don’t come from around here, said Peggy.

Well there aren’t any grockles around here now the season’s ended, Aunt Molly said.

Beryl, dressed in a black and yellow striped outfit, came over with their drinks. Looking at the youngsters, I like your costumes, she said. Very original. Are you on holiday?

No, replied one of them. We’re from Torquay and thought we’d come out here first for a couple of drinks. There’s a big fancy dress do at the Imperial later so we’ll be going to that. We’re supposed to be zombies.

I thought it was a bit strange having tourists here at this time of year, she said. There’s an empty table over there if you want it. Oh, by the way, I’m a wasp.

We’ll be okay standing at the bar, he replied.

She nodded and placed the drinks on the table, taking care not to knock them over with her wings.

I see you’ve made a beeline for us, said Aunt Molly laughing. Take care with your balloons Sadie. We don’t want this bee bursting them.

They all laughed.

I heard those youngsters say they were from Torquay, said Sally.

That’s right, said