The House of Dolls: Paranormal Mystery Series, #2

By David J Cooper

When Pam Barnes embarks on the transformation of her sister's secluded rural retreat into an enchanting antiques shop, she never fathoms the dark mysteries lurking beneath its timeworn facade.

As the renovations commence, a chilling revelation rattles Pam's world—a haunting doll surfaces, unraveling a history steeped in betrayal and peril. With the fate of the entire village hanging precariously, Pam resolves to unearth the truth buried within.

Enter Penny Lane, an enigmatic local psychic whose mesmerizing gifts may unlock the labyrinthine secrets shrouding the doll and the cottage. As Penny delves deeper into the tangled past entwined with the enigmatic doll, she unravels a shadowy underbelly, casting a pall over the once serene village.

In a breathless race against the clock, Penny embarks on a heart-pounding quest to unearth the truth before darkness consumes all.

Prepare for a spellbinding odyssey through suspense and enigma, each twist and revelation peeling back another layer of intrigue.

Can Penny unearth the secrets in time to safeguard the village, or will these long-concealed truths emerge with malevolent intent, poised to obliterate everything in their wake?

Buy now and continue the terrifying story of the village of Buckleigh.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David J Cooper
• Release date: Jul 16, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393490562

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

Introduction

Alicia’s aunt and uncle purchase her parents’ old cottage.

During renovations the workmen discover a doll beneath the floorboards. But that’s not all they find.

A string of paranormal activities take place and a mysterious figure from the past shows up. How is he connected with all of this?

Penny starts investigating. It’s during her investigations that she comes across some disturbing evidence.

Has a new evil been unleashed on the village?

This is the second book in the series Penny Lane, Paranormal Investigator.

I hope you enjoy it.

CHAPTER ONE

Just after the tragic death of young Alicia, her parents put their cottage on sale and left the village and their memories behind.

A year had passed and during that time the cottage stood alone and had deteriorated a lot but now the For Sale sign had been removed.

Peggy Baldwin, the local busybody, had something new to gossip about. She had to be the first to find out who had bought the cottage. If she wasn't out and about gossiping she'd be at home, sitting behind her lace curtains, waiting to spot something. She felt it was her privilege to meddle in other people's private lives and activities and find out what was going on in the village. Nobody liked her much, yet nobody really disliked her. In fact, nobody took any notice of her and took what she said with a pinch of salt.

It was Tuesday morning and she had gone to the post office to pick up her pension.

Amy Gentle, the postmistress, was attending Penny when the bell on the door tinkled as Peggy walked in.

Scanning the post office, to see if there had been any changes since the week before, she greeted them.

Good morning, Amy. Good morning, Penny.

Good morning, Peggy, they replied together.

What brings you here, Penny? she asked, with her nose in the air. I know you're not here for a pension. Are you buying stamps or sending a parcel or something?

As a matter of fact, I’m here to collect a pension, she replied.

Raising her eyebrows Peggy said, You're not old enough for a pension.

I'm picking up my Aunt Molly's, Penny said trying to stifle her giggles.

Can't she come herself? she asked, rubbing her finger across the counter to see if she could detect any dust. Is she sick or too lazy?

Knowing what Peggy was like Penny bit her tongue at the remark.

No. Aunt Molly isn't sick and as for being lazy, quite the opposite, she replied. She's busy at the tearooms. You know the holiday season will be upon us soon. She's getting things organised there. As soon as I've finished here I'll be going back to help her.

Amy joined in the conversation.

You have a lovely way with words, don't you Peggy? she asked. You’re never lost in thought.

Not understanding what Amy was getting at Peggy replied, I suppose I do have a way with words now you put it like that. That's what makes me different. By the way, I see you've moved the scales to the other side of the counter.

Oh, said Penny. I never noticed.

I did it on purpose, said Amy. I wanted to see who would be the first to notice. And guess what? You're the one.

I don't know why you want to keep shifting things from one place to the other, she said. It was okay where it was in the first place.

A change is as good as a rest, said Amy. Are you here to collect your pension or do you have something more to tell us? I know you never miss out on anything.

Yes, she replied. I am here for my pension but I also wanted to tell you that the For Sale sign at the Keay's cottage has gone.

That's right, said Penny. The new owners are coming down today to look it over.

Well it needs a lot of work on it, she said. It’s been left in a right state and has been standing out like a sore thumb. I don't know why the Keay's couldn't have paid somebody to have taken care of it until it was sold.

They left the village because they wanted to get away from the tragic memories of Alicia's death, said Amy.

Without turning a hair or showing emotion she said, It was still their house and they had the responsibility to look after it. There's no excuse so I don't know why you're defending them.

Maybe you can get to know the new owners, said Penny. You can find out what they're going to do with the place.

Good idea, she said. I'll do that. I'd love to know if they got it on the cheap. I should think so. After all, it was left abandoned and run down.

Don't you know what it sold for? asked Penny.

No idea, she replied.

What a surprise, said Amy.

I'm not a clairvoyant, she barked, as she looked at Penny.

Penny turned to Amy and said, Thanks for the pension. I have to go now.

Say hello to your Aunt Molly for me, Amy said, taking Peggy's pension book from her. Now Peggy, you're pension money.

Will do, said Penny opening the door to leave. The bell tinkled again.

Aunt Molly was chatting to a couple, who appeared to be in their mid-forties, when Penny got home.

Ah Penny, she said. I’d like to introduce you to Les and Pam Barnes. They’re the new owners of the Keay’s place.

The couple got up from their seats to shake hands with her.

Hello. I’m Penny, she said. There’s no need for you to get up.

Pam’s elegantly manicured hand, fingernails painted purple, took hold of Penny’s quite firmly. The bangles on her arm reflected the sun as they cascaded to her wrist.

She was quite a beauty with her tall and slender body. Her chestnut hair, falling gently to her shoulders, gleamed as it captured the light just right. Her hazel eyes were trimmed with gorgeous long lashes.

The brown, tweed, tailor made suit she was wearing seemed out of place.

You look familiar, Penny said. "Have I seen you somewhere before?

I’m Alicia’s aunt. Her mother’s sister, she replied. We’ve never been to Buckleigh before.

That’s why you look familiar, said Penny. You look a lot like her.

She asked us if we’d like to buy the cottage, Pam continued. I spoke with Les about it. As it was a bargain we decided to go for it.

That’s right, said Les, as his tough and scaly hand shook Penny’s.

An old scar on his forehead marked his strong, defined face. The stubble on his chin indicated that he hadn’t shaved for a couple of days. The silver threads in his golden hair glinted in