The Lonely Hearts Murder Club: Cloverleaf Cove Cozy Mystery, #3

By Annabel Allen

Arden Lynn is looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend with a good book. Something with a little mystery and maybe a lot of romance. When her handsome neighbor shows up at the library, she thinks she's hit the jackpot. 

However, she gets more than she bargained for when an escaped prisoner bursts into the library and takes everyone there hostage. As the prisoner terrorizes the friendly librarian and her friends--questioning them about a former member of their writing club who had recently died--Arden worries that her trip to the library is about to end in tragedy. Luckily, things take a turn for the better when Max, showing remarkable abilities for a simple mystery writer, attacks the prisoner. 

Arden's suitably impressed and when she learns the title of Max's new book is the exact same name as the librarian's very exclusive writing club, she's suitably suspicious and decides it's high time she got to know her mysterious neighbor a little better.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Annabel Allen
• Release date: Dec 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393411055

Book preview

Chapter 1

I t was a real bloodbath . Five bodies in all.

Arden ran the tips of her fingers over the spines of the books in front of her as the librarian, a sweet woman in her mid-forties with mousy brown hair and thick red-rimmed glasses, pulled a book off the shelf. 

Veronica Riddle adjusted her glasses as she peered down at a book in her hand. Despite the body count, it wasn’t at all gruesome, she said, thrusting the book in Arden’s direction. 

Arden grimaced at the lurid cover. I don’t know, Veronica. I was looking for something a bit more mysterious and a little less horrific, she said frowning at the blood-splattered room depicted on the cover.

Ooh. Veronica plucked another book off the shelf and handed it to Arden. This one is even better. The killer knocks off over a dozen people in this one.

Arden raised an eyebrow. Perhaps she should have asked someone else for recommendations. Apparently, Veronica’s criteria for a good read involved a heavy body count...

Veronica placed another book onto the already increasing pile in Arden’s arms. 

...and zombies.

I was thinking more mystery, Arden said, her frown deepening as Veronica shoved another book at her, and less creature from the black lagoon.

Veronica, eyes huge behind her glasses, blinked. These are mysteries. 

Arden glanced down doubtfully at the monster on the cover. 

Veronica smiled sheepishly as she slipped the book off the pile and placed it back on the shelf. There really is a mystery plot. She turned back to Arden. Personally, I’m a big romance fan myself. She removed another book out of Arden’s arms. But I don’t read as much as I used to.

Why is that?

Veronica smiled shyly. I’m writing my own romance.

You’re an author? Goodness. It seems like everyone has some sort of creative talent in this town except me. My neighbor’s an author too. You probably know him. Max Ferris.

Oh yes, she said quickly, ducking her head. Arden was sure she saw a blush steal across the woman’s cheeks before her brown hair fell like a curtain, covering her face. He’s always here.

Arden wasn’t sure whether that was a good thing or bad thing. She had the sneaky suspicion her handsome neighbor was breaking hearts everywhere he went. So, what have you written?

Nothing yet, Veronica said tucking her hair behind her ears. My writing group says that my book is almost ready, but I don’t know. She made a face. Which reminds me, I really need to finish that last chapter before tonight. Her frown turned into a scowl. Kristen will be upset if it’s not done.

She inclined her head to the side as she peered around the bookshelves. A deep sigh erupted from her lips. There’s Kristen now, she said with the enthusiasm of someone about to get a root canal. 

Arden followed her gaze to a tall, statuesque woman in her mid to late forties, with long curly blonde hair, standing by the circulation desk. She watched as the woman leaned over the desk, turning her head this way and that, as she loudly called out Veronica’s name. When that failed to bring the librarian running, she hitched up her long tidied purple sundress and hoisted herself up onto the desk.  I’ve seen her before around town? Who is she?

Kristen Hazelrigg. She used to own the photography studio across the street before it went out of business. Veronica closed her eyes for a moment, then plastering a smile to her face said, Excuse me, before slowly walking over to the tall blonde.

Arden glanced down at the last remaining book in her hand and grimaced at the blood-splattered scarecrow on the cover.

She started to place it back on the shelf when a man’s hand appeared over her shoulder and plucked the book out of her hand. 

Arden glanced over her shoulder as Max Ferris, her handsome next-door neighbor, examined the book. "Blood of the Scarecrow. He raised an eyebrow. Big horror fan?"

I’m more of a mystery fan. I can’t get enough of them. She turned and smiled up at him. Speaking of mysteries, how is the book going? She gazed up at the ceiling as she tried to recall the title. "What was it called, The Lonely Hearts Murder Club?"

Uh, yeah. Tentatively. Subject to change.

Well, it sounds intriguing, she said tucking a lock of her long brown hair behind an ear. I can’t wait to read it.

Max’s smile fell slightly. He turned his attention to the side as he pushed his hair off his forehead revealing a small scar at his temple. It’s going.

Arden narrowed her eyes. Sounds like writer’s block. She looked up hopefully. Can I help? I’m an excellent researcher. 

He turned his attention back to her, his lopsided grin returning. She felt her knees grow weak as they always did when he smiled at her. Ever since the day she moved into Cloverleaf Cove, she found she couldn’t stop thinking about Max Ferris, the mysterious mystery author who lived right next door. Outside of a few flirtatious moments, she had yet to spend any real time with him. It seemed, whenever she was making any sort of progress, his pretty research assistant would pop up and drag him away. That sounds nice.

She found herself matching his smile. Good, because I’d be more than happy to help you.

An annoyed voice spoke up behind her. I’m perfectly capable of doing my own job, Dana Morgan, Max’s assistant, said coldly, but thanks.

Arden’s face flushed. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean ... Her voice trailed off as Dana turned away in a huff towards the front door. I’m so sorry, Max, she said feeling badly for insulting the girl. I didn’t mean to imply anything.

Max let his hand trail down her arm to her hand. Don’t worry about it. Dana’s just a little ...

Arden blurted out the first thing that popped in her mind. Jealous? She cringed. Sorry, but if there’s something between you two...

Please say no, she thought.

Max burst out laughing. No, no. Trust me. She’s just helping me out with my book.

Arden breathed a sigh of relief. She must think I’m trying to steal her job then.

No, not at all. He placed his hands in the back pockets of his jeans. Actually, I would love your help.

Name it.

You were right about the writer’s block thing, he said his gaze drifting towards the reference desk. Tell me something, how close are you to the librarian here?

Veronica? She shrugged. I don’t really know her that well. She seems rather shy.

Very shy. I’ve been in this place a dozen times and I couldn’t tell you what color her eyes are. I’ve been trying to get an invitation to that writing group she’s in, but I can’t get her to talk to me. She seems to like you. Do you think you could put a good word in for me?

Sure, I could try—

Veronica suddenly raced past them in a panic towards the front door. She fumbled with her keys as she locked the doors.

Everyone in the library stared at the librarian as she fluttered about, closing the window blinds one after the other and muttering to herself.

A knock at the front door caused Veronica to scream in terror. She spun around, her hand flying to her throat as she stared at the door.

An older woman possibly in her early fifties with flaming red hair and wearing a business suit stood at the door. She peered inside with a confused look on her face. 

For goodness sake, Veronica, Kristen said from her perch on the circulation desk. It’s just Brandy. Why are you locking up?

Arden didn’t recognize Brandy Leary at first—other than that initial vague sense that she had spoken to the woman sometime in the past—but upon mention of her name, she remembered speaking to the brusque florist when she enquired about a floral arrangement shortly after moving to town. She wasn’t exactly overwhelmed by the woman’s friendliness or her arrangement, so she never went back.

Veronica ran to the door and quickly let the red head in. Hurry, Brandy, she said pulling the other woman through the open door, come inside.

What’s going on? Brandy asked.

The police called, Veronica said, and said that a couple of prisoners just escaped from the jail. They’re armed and dangerous. She ducked her head, mumbling. They think one of them is on his way here.

Why here? Arden asked.

Veronica looked stricken as she nervously twisted her fingers. B-b-because he’s my husband.

Brandy and Kristen reacted in horror at the news. Brandy ran to the circulation desk where Kristen sat gripping the edge of the desk. 

I’m sure Phil isn’t on his way, Veronica said, her voice shaking. Why would he come here of all places?

Because you’re here, Kristen hissed. I told you he wasn’t any good.

It’s not her fault, Brandy snapped. 

Max took Arden by the arm. Is there a back door out of here?

But the police told us to sit tight, Veronica said.

Max pointed to the glass doors. Those doors aren’t going to stop him if he wants in here.

I’m with you, Kristen said spinning around on the circulation desk. She hopped off with her hand outstretched reaching for a door marked staff. 

Kristen jumped back with a cry of surprise as the door swung open. 

Brandy screamed as a big burly man passed through the threshold. He pointed a gun at Kristen’s head, his cold grey eyes passing over one person to the next before settling on Veronica. A cruel smile crossed his face as he stared at the frightened librarian.

Hi honey.

Chapter 2

Arden shifted uncomfortably in the hard chair Phil forced her into. She glanced at the other hostages seated in a circle in the back of the library away from the doors and the police surrounding the library.

Phil Riddle, Veronica’s husband, circled them in some sort of scary duck, duck, goose game. 

Veronica, Brandy and Kristen sat across from her nervously shifting in their seats.

Of the three, Brandy was handling it the best. While obviously frightened, she remained poised in her chair, her chin tilted high as if she was daring Phil to do something.

Veronica, on the other hand, was shaking so hard the legs under her chair wobbled. She sniffled loudly, taking in huge gulps of air as Phil circled them.

Meanwhile, Kristen played with her blonde hair, twisting and pulling at the strands until Arden was afraid she was going to make herself bald.

Arden glanced to her left and then to her right. Max and Dana sat on either side of her, their faces grim but otherwise calm. The only other people in the room were two elderly men she had seen in the computer room—Eddie and Frank—who sat on the edges of their seat, beads of sweat forming on their brow. 

To Arden’s surprise, she felt strangely calm, almost detached from it all. Some part of her realized that it was some primitive reaction to the stress of being taken hostage. Her brain’s way of protecting itself but whatever the reason, she was glad for it. The last thing she wanted was to dissolve into a puddle of tears and perhaps risk being shot. She had to remain cool and calm. There would, hopefully, be time later when she was safe at home to break down but now was not the time. Besides, what choice did she have? So, she sat back warily watching as Phil circled the chairs over and over again.

She couldn’t decide if he was crazy or not. So far, he hadn’t answered any of the police’s calls. He hadn’t even answered any of their questions. As soon as he saw the flashing police lights outside, he moved everyone to the back of the library, pulled eight chairs out and ordered everyone in the library to sit. From Arden’s vantage point, it didn’t appear Phil had any sort of plan to escape or any plan at all. He seemed content just to wander around in a circle muttering to himself about liars and cheats.

Max attempted a few times to get him to talk, but he gave up when Phil ignored him the same way as he ignored the incessantly ringing phone sitting at the circulation desk and the officer shouting through the bullhorn just outside the doors.

Except for a brief moment when she took a quick survey of her surroundings searching for any possible weapon to use on Phil and finding none, Arden kept her gaze on Phil, watching his every movement. Her gaze followed him as he walked behind Brandy, then Veronica, and then Kristen’s chair. As he passed the elderly gentleman next to Kristen and approached Dana, Arden let her attention shift to the mirror hanging on the wall behind Veronica’s head. She caught Max’s eye in the mirror just then and he gave her a slight smile—obviously trying to reassure her. For some reason, it had the opposite effect. For the first time since Phil walked in, Arden felt her facade start to crack. She reached out her hand and breathed a sigh of relief when Max took it in his. He squeezed it gently before turning his attention to Phil’s reflection in the mirror as he passed behind them for what seemed to be the millionth time in the past hour. 

Arden closed her eyes, praying to God for His help. She didn’t know how they were going to get out of this, but she just prayed they would.

Veronica’s normally quiet and placid voice, now made shrill with fear and panic, carried over the sound of the ringing phone and Phil’s ramblings, setting Arden’s ears to ringing.

"For