Mystery Muffin & Soda Pop Slooth: The Ghost of Crippler's Creek

By Chad A Webster

It’s time for the annual Whispering Hollow Fall festival, but this year it’s not all fun and games. . . .

The pumpkin-carving contest has allegedly kept the ghost of Crippler’s Creek at bay and the town safe for decades. This year the jack-o’-lantern goes missing and someone—or something—is wreaking havo

• Language: English
• Publisher: IngramElliott
• Release date: Oct 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781732843622

Book preview

1

Friday morning, October 28

The time had finally come. No going back now. The finality set in like a coffin in a grave.

Mystery Muffin, born Megan Mooney, summoned as much courage as possible. Scott Soda Pop Slooth, as usual, sat right next to her, struggling with his own bravery while supporting his best friend. It seemed the entire town of Whispering Hollow was present, which added to the young sleuths’ nervousness. Mystery closed her eyes and clenched her jaw as Nancy Nichols, the town-hall secretary, walked up to the mayor.

Nancy shuffled some small pieces of paper, then reluctantly handed them to Mayor Fredericks. The mayor of Whispering Hollow glanced at each one, trying to remain calm. He cleared his throat, then stepped up to the microphone, which discharged a quick, high-pitched feedback. Police Chief Stanley Andrews stepped next to him, towering over him like an alert bodyguard. The mayor looked up at the chief, who showed none of the emotion the mayor was struggling with. No, the chief was all business, but the mayor was not reassured. Behind them, Mr. and Mrs. Moustache, pronounced Moo-stash, attempted to stand still in their customary fancy clothes. The mayor’s wavy hair blew in the breeze as he looked out at the crowd, then back to the papers, and cleared his throat again.

Ladies and gentlemen of Whispering Hollow, can I have y’all’s attention right quick, please?

Mystery was right: nearly the entire town was present again for this annual event, as well as dozens of outsiders. The school parking lot overflowed with cars onto the grass on the side of the school. The grassy area by the playground and ball field was jam-packed with people. The clamoring crowd stopped milling around and quietly gathered to hear the announcement. Adults and children fell silent and turned their eyes to the mayor—only a few quiet baby sounds emitting from the group. If they’d been seated, they would’ve been on the edge of their seats. The anticipation hung so thick in the air many folks unknowingly held their breath. Mr. Mooney put his arms around his wife and Mystery, then squeezed them close. Mrs. Slooth moved shoulder to shoulder with Mrs. Mooney and pulled Soda in front of her. Mystery leaned her head against her dad and looked at Soda. He was already looking at her with concerned eyes.

The midmorning October air was crisp and calm, but the sudden stillness was unsettling. The rustling orange, red, and yellow leaves were temporarily motionless and held onto their branches for dear life, refusing to fall. Even the clouds momentarily ceased their travel as the mayor scanned over each face in the crowd.

It was time to break the news.

Thank y’all for being here, said the mayor. Y’all have been waiting patiently, and we appreciate that—we really do. After I finish, I’d appreciate everyone’s cooperation in maintaining their composure, please. I don’t want things to get out of hand.

Chief Andrews nodded in agreement.

No point in delaying this any longer, folks. The . . . the, uh . . . the . . . The mayor rubbed his forehead as if to relieve a relentless headache impervious to medication. He sighed, then continued. The judges have all voted and we have a decision! The winner of this year’s Whispering Hollow Fall Festival pumpkin-carving contest is . . . drum roll, please. The local band, the Nighthawks, obliged the mayor and rolled the drum. The winner is . . . jack-o’-lantern number four, which belongs to—he flipped the paper over—Mystery Muffin!

The whole crowd cheered and applauded. Well, nearly everyone. Trevor and the gang, Brian and Bryan, stood there silently and scoffed. Mystery’s friend Linus, also a member of Trevor’s gang, clapped once before Trevor raised his fist to him. Rival kid detective Gavin Gumshoe Gunson didn’t look very happy either.

Oh my gosh! I can’t believe it! Mystery exclaimed, trying not to burst with excitement. Her mom and dad hugged her.

Congrats, Mys! Soda was happy for her, but slightly sad he didn’t win too.

We’re very proud of you! Mrs. Mooney said, beaming with pride.

Thank you!

Mystery, come on up here! Mayor Fredericks waved her up.

Mystery left her parents’ arms and strolled up to the mayor. She smiled, but not so big that it would make the other contestants feel bad. Mayor Fredericks put his right arm around Mystery and pulled her close to him. She glanced back and forth from the enormous crowd to her feet. When she saw the look on Trevor’s disappointed and angry face, it brought a pleasant sense of satisfaction along with a smile. He couldn’t bully the judges into giving him the blue ribbon for this—they weren’t school kids.

Mystery, not only are you the winner, but your name will go up on the plaque at town hall! The mayor took a piece of cardstock from Nancy. You also receive this blue-ribbon certificate, and your jack-o’-lantern will be placed out at Crippler’s Creek to keep our community safe this Halloween! Let’s give her a hand, y’all!

The crowd responded with raucous applause, hooting and hollering. Mystery was very proud of her pumpkin carving. The werewolf design was very intricate and detailed, especially for a sixth grader.

The mayor continued, We’d like to recognize a couple of other entries, if you don’t mind. The crowd quieted back down. First, the runner up: Trevor Greene.

Trevor’s gang went wild, but Trevor just folded his arms and scowled.

A few loners in the crowd clapped, including Trevor’s little brother, Travis.

Second, the most creative carve goes to—the mayor paused—Soda Pop Slooth for the carving of ‘Owl-Boy and Knucklehead,’ his very own characters! I’m told you can read all about them if you ask him to share the story he’s written.

Soda’s face flushed with pleasure and embarrassment. He gave Mystery a crooked look, but it faded when she pointed at him with both fingers and snapped them into two thumbs up.

Thanks, y’all, for your entries into this year’s contest and for coming out to the festival this year! We’d also like to thank Coleman Farms for supplying these amazing carving pumpkins to all our contestants! Be sure to visit Coleman Farms for your pumpkins and fresh apple cider, and to enjoy the haunted hayride! Let’s give them all another round of applause and enjoy the rest of the festival, y’all! The mayor stepped away from the microphone to more applause and bent down to Mystery.

Yes, Mayor?

Congratulations, Mystery. I’m very proud of you. We’ll get the cross carved into the back of your jack-o’-lantern and get it out to the grave prior to nightfall.

The Nighthawks started playing again, the leaves fell while the clouds rolled overhead, and the crowd went back to the fun and games of the Whispering Hollow Fall Festival. Everyone enjoyed the festival for the rest of the day and into the evening.

Unfortunately, the fun and games would soon become fear and chaos.

2

Rookie officer Eric Erickson was seated by himself. He was in uniform but didn’t have his duty belt on—no baton, no handcuffs, no pepper spray, and no gun.

Officer Erickson knew the fierce look in Mr. Greene’s eyes was meant for him. And there was nothing he could do. Sometimes you’re simply stuck, and your fate is not your own. He flashed back to the time he had to arrest Mr. Greene for nearly taking Mr. Sherlock’s head off with a baseball bat. It wasn’t personal; it was his job—but clearly Mr. Greene didn’t feel that way. This was payback.

You’ve had this coming, Erickson! Mr. Greene yelled.

Trevor stood next to his father, smiling and eager to watch the event unfold. Mrs. Greene stood next to Trevor with her hands covering her eyes.

Get him, Dad!

Mr. Greene reared back with all his might and whipped his arm around quickly and accurately.

Erickson didn’t plead for mercy, didn’t yell for Mr. Greene to stop; he merely closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable.

The baseball flew out of Mr. Greene’s hand like it was shot from a cannon and struck the target dead-on. Officer Erickson fell into the water tank with a splash.

Nice throw, Greene! he yelled back, water running down his face.

Thanks!

Good one, Dad!

Yeah, I still have a little of that pitcher’s arm left in me after all, Mr. Greene boasted.

Duke Brutal, the owner of Brutal’s Gym, had the pleasure of running the festival’s Dunk a Cop tank. He called Mr. Greene up to claim his prize for hitting the target on the first attempt. The Whispering Hollow Fall Festival brought the good out in a lot of residents, including Mr. Greene for a change. He chose a large stuffed bear, which he promptly gave to his wife along with a kiss. It was a Halloween miracle.

The festival offered plenty of fun activities this year, including costume contests, bobbing for apples, pumpkin bowling, and pumpkin tic-tac-toe. Corn tosses, pumpkin basketball, pie in the face, and a pumpkin ring toss kept the kids squealing with pleasure for hours.

The smell of fried dough accompanied the festival sounds: toy guns shooting at targets, balloons popping, games beeping, and people yelling in excitement on the carnival rides. Bob and Georgia Davidson were there too, selling and giving out free samples of Bob’s signature Bob-B-Q. It was some of the best barbeque around.

Nice shirt! Mr. Davidson said when he saw Soda Pop’s Third Annual Bob-B-Q shirt.

Thanks! said Soda Pop, grinning as he strolled through the transformed school yard.

Mayor Fredericks and Chief Andrews took Mystery’s winning pumpkin over to the Holden Hardware tent. Michael Holden carefully carved a cross into the back of it, then sprayed the inside with some chemical mixture that would prevent it from rotting too quickly.

Let’s go, Chief. I’ll feel better if we get this handled ASAP.

Me too, Chief Andrews agreed.

The two of them walked through the crowd with the chief carefully carrying the pumpkin like it was priceless work of art. When they got to his patrol car, he handed it to the mayor and opened the door for him. The mayor slowly sat down with a relieved sigh. Chief then drove out to the Weeping Willow Lane dead end.

They walked past Crippler’s Creek out to the large weeping willow tree—the only one out there. Nearby, they located the rock with a J carved into it. Michael Holden had already trimmed the weeds that engulfed the gravesite for the past year. Mayor Fredericks delicately placed the jack-o’-lantern on the ground in front of the rock. He let out another sigh of relief; then he and Chief bowed their heads. Each said his own silent prayer and returned to the festival without speaking a word. They were satisfied their actions would keep the town safe for another Halloween weekend.

At least, they should’ve, could’ve, would’ve.

3

Mystery and Soda sat at a picnic table, each enjoying a plateful of fried dough with powdered sugar. Soda’s face was covered in it—as was the friendly pig wearing a baker’s hat on his shirt. They saw Trevor and the gang over at the balloon-popping booth. Brian had finished throwing his last dart and didn’t pop a single balloon. Trevor laughed and laughed. Patricia Cole, who some kids called Fatty Patty or Hamburger Patty because she was overweight, was standing behind him, and she was also laughing obnoxiously. A kid who normally didn’t hang out with the group was with them too. He wasn’t as big as the others and had a pleasant look on his face.

Why is the new kid hanging around Trevor and the gang? Mystery asked between bites. I thought he seemed too nice for them. What’s his name again?

That’s Pete Friend, and I have no clue why he’s hanging around those idiots.

Mystery and Soda both glared daggers at Trevor.

I wish Pete would find another friend. Trevor doesn’t seem like his kind of pal, does he, Soda?

No, he doesn’t. I guess figuring out where you fit in is part of being the new kid. But, Mys, he’s even wearing the same sneakers as Trevor.

Makes me sick to think that nice boy is trying to be like Trevor, Mystery grumbled.

Trevor and his followers rode their bikes by Mystery and Soda. Soda noticed how clean and black Trevor’s bike tires were.

Looks like Trevor got new tires. He probably thinks that’ll help him beat you if you race again, Soda said with a chuckle.

For a second, Mystery and Soda thought he might ride by without saying anything, but they knew better. Sure enough, Trevor stopped and turned around.

Well, looky who it is! he sneered. "It’s Sodumb Slooth and Muffin Face. You both know my pumpkin was better than yours. You only won because your daddy is a cop! Your pumpkin doesn’t deserve to go on that grave! He turned to his gang. Like putting a pumpkin there does any good anyways. What a stupid tradition!"

Brian and Bryan cracked up, as did Hamburger Patty. Linus and Travis didn’t react, while Pete hardly smiled.

Trevor hopped off his bike, walked right up to Mystery and Soda, nearly bumping into Soda, and waited for a response. Neither said a word. Brian and Bryan glared at them while Travis and Linus looked around the festival instead of watching Trevor be a jerk. Patricia and Pete looked back and forth from Mystery and Soda to Trevor and the gang.

Look at that, boys—they’re too dumb to say anything, Trevor said as he knocked Soda’s Braves hat off his head.

Mystery scowled and Soda’s face reddened with rage as he bent down to pick up his favorite hat.

Brian looked off to his left and tapped Trevor on the shoulder.

What?!

Brian pointed off to his left at Mr. and Mrs. Mooney and Mrs. Slooth walking their way.

Let’s leave these losers to themselves. C’mon, guys, Trevor muttered as he led his gang away on their bikes.

Pete rode his bike near Mystery and Soda. Hey, guys, he said with an awkward smile.

They wanted to ask him what he was doing hanging out with a kid like Trevor, but neither did.

Hey, they both said.

See you two later, Pete said and rode off to catch up with the rest of the gang.

Soda brushed his hat off and put it snugly back on his head. Patricia and Pete rode right behind Trevor, while Travis trailed behind them all with an apologetic look on his face. Linus snuck a peak back at Mystery and Soda, but they didn’t see him.

Look at Hamburger Patty trying to get close to Trevor. Yuck! Mystery said when they were out of earshot.

Megan Mooney! Mrs. Mooney yelled. She and Mr. Mooney came back with hot dogs and fries. You know how I feel about that nickname. Patricia is a little overweight. She can’t help it. And don’t tell me that ‘Hamburger Patty’ is a better alternative than ‘Fatty Patty’!

I’m sorry, Mom, Mystery said softly, then waited to hear what her dad would say.

Mystery, do you remember the object lesson about the toothpaste? He didn’t wait for an answer. Once you squeeze all the toothpaste out, you can’t put it back in. Our words are the same way. Once they’re all out there, they can’t be taken back.

I remember . . . now, she said, sulking with a red face.

Mystery did feel bad about calling Patricia names. Even though she said it trying to be funny, she knew that others called her that to be cruel. Some people were plump and some were skinny; some people were brainy, and some were brilliant with using their hands. And so on. Mystery knew none of these were reasons to laugh at someone.

A few minutes later, Darren Pumpernickel and Andrea Hampton walked over to them.

Hey! Have you guys heard back from the Moustaches yet about finding their musket? Darren asked.

Mystery shook her head. Not yet. They told us they’re waiting on something before we start the investigation—whatever that means.

Hmm. Well, do you guys wanna come with us? Darren asked. We’re gonna go do the haystack maze right quick!

Mystery and Soda looked at the adults with raised eyebrows and bottom lips poked out.

Go! the adults exclaimed in unison.

The parents watched the kids run off to enjoy the festival when Mystery suddenly stopped at the Coleman Farms booth. They had some fruits and vegetables for sale next to something else Mystery couldn’t stop staring at: a small pig pen. Inside the pen stood a momma and papa pig and four little piggies. One in particular caught her attention. He was a little black piglet standing right next to his momma—in her shadow actually.

Aww! How cute! Mystery smiled. I wish we could have a pig.

Mystery walked over to the edge of the pen and managed to pet him without him running away.

Farmer Coleman smiled, repositioning his straw hat. Wow, Mystery. He normally dudn’t wanna be touched ’n runs off.

Soda shook his head. "There is no way your dad would let a pig in your house."

Mr. Mooney saw they had stopped.

Actually, Farmer Coleman started, pigs are cleaner ’n dogs—and smarter!

Really?

Yep.

Soda shook his head again.

Mystery hung her head. You’re probably right, Soda.

Farmer Coleman caught the little fella and let Mystery hold him for a few minutes. He was a well-behaved pig, and after a little while of her friends pleading with her to go, she reluctantly put him back down.

Awwww, he’s so cute. She giggled, gently stroking his head.

Come see him anytime, Mystery. And don’t forget to come to our haunted house!

She thanked Farmer Coleman, and the kids ran off to the entrance of the haystack maze that Mr. and Mrs. Holden, as well as several Holden’s Hardware employees, had put together. The bales were stacked high enough that not even Chief Andrews could see over the top.

Jim Thompson, one of the town high school kids, greeted them. Hey, y’all want to try for the best time? He held out a stopwatch.

The four children looked at each other and knew they wanted to beat the best time.

We’ll do it! Mystery exclaimed.

Cool gravy! said Jim. And Mystery, congrats on winning the contest. It must be cool knowing you’ll keep the town safe this year—if you believe that sort of thing, that is.

Thanks, Jim, Mystery said, slightly embarrassed. "Yes, it’s very cool. It’s also a cool tradition, even if you don’t believe the folklore. Better to be safe than sorry. At least that’s what my dad always says."

"Yeah, ‘folklore’ is what I meant. And your dad is right. If it is true, then it’s keeping the town safe; if it ain’t true, then no harm done. Jim pulled out a small walkie-talkie and pushed the button. Get ready, Jamal. Mystery and Soda are going for the record with Andrea and Darren."

Copy that, Jim. I’ll let you know when they come on out! Jamal Washington, another high schooler, said over the radio.

Jim asked them if they were ready to go, and each of them nodded. He held out the stopwatch with his thumb over the button.

"Good luck! Three, two, one, go!"

Jim pushed the button to start the time. Andrea started the timer on her smartphone at exactly the same time, and the four of them zipped into the maze and out of sight.

Why did you do that, Andrea? Soda asked.

So we’d know if Jamal gave us the correct time, she replied with a brilliant smile.

Ha! Good thinkin’! Darren laughed.

They went through the maze quickly—not running but not walking.

I sure wish my parents would let me have a smartphone. It seems like almost everyone has one at school but me, Mystery moaned, trying not to sound jealous of Andrea’s phone.

Neither Darren nor Andrea said anything. They both had phones, of course.

If it makes you feel any better, Mys, I don’t have one either. Soda wished he had a phone of his own too.

Thanks, Soda. My dad is so protective sometimes. He says the smartphones are too big of a distraction and that criminals and advertisers target kids. He says they make you waste time with dumb games and apps, which keep kids from reading.

They ran through the maze like a group of frantic rats searching for the cheese, making wrong turns and right turns throughout.

I know, Mys, it sucks. My mom can’t really afford one for me. Or she could but doesn’t want to spend the money.

They made a few more turns, finally coming to a halt at what appeared to be the final fork in the hay. Mystery turned to the other three.

Soda shook his head. I feel like we keep going the same way.

I agree. We need to do something, Andrea added.

From now on, if we make a wrong turn, one of us needs to stand at it so we know not to go that way again! Mystery suggested.

This worked until they came to a T-intersection they hadn’t been to before.

Which way? she asked.

Left, Darren said.

Right, Andrea stated, full of confidence.

Left, Soda supposed.

Right it is! Mystery yelled and ran right.

A moment later they exited the elaborate maze. Jamal radioed back to Jim, informing him the group was done.

Cool gravy, Jim replied over the radio.

Did we beat it? Andrea asked.

We’ll announce it later this evening. Maybe you did, but maybe someone beats you before the day is over.

The problem-solving teamwork really worked, Mys! Soda said. You’re so smart sometimes.

Mystery couldn’t help but smile at the compliment from her best friend.

The festival and fun continued on until the sun went down and Mr. Mooney said it was time to go home for the night. He knew Mystery was going to have a couple of surprise visitors, so he spoke up to prevent any protest.

Let’s get a fire going when we get home, you two, he said excitedly.

Okay, Dad!

Mystery and Soda absolutely loved building fires in their backyard fire pit! Not only that, but they had some other business they needed to attend to—sneaky business.

Let’s go!

4

Mystery, Soda, Darren Pumpernickel, Jodi May, Ed Benzing, and Travis Greene all stood in the Mooneys’ backyard with the fence gate standing open.

He’s out there, Jodi whispered as she moved closer to Soda.

And we’ve gotta find ’em, Darren added.

We don’t have a lot of time, and I don’t want anyone to get caught, Mystery said.

They all peered out into the dark Whispering Woods. The trees seemed to wave in the wind, like they had a pulse, and watched them with invisible eyes hunting for prey. The branches swayed back and forth like skeletal arms. This made the hunt that much more daring.

Is it safe to go out there? Travis asked.

Whispering Woods breathed in and out with a whisper.

No, but we don’t have a choice, Soda said, standing straight and tall.

They started to walk out of the backyard when Mystery stopped them.

Let’s split into two groups when we get out there. Be careful and stay safe, she said.

They stepped into the woods. Each little sound caused them to whip their heads around with wide eyes. Mystery, Soda, and Jodi went left while Darren, Ed, and Travis went right. The tree branches moved back and forth, up and down, creaking and cracking like they were doing a haunted dance to lure the children deeper into the woods. Then the woods fell eerily quiet. They were so quiet the kids could even hear their own breathing.

Even though they were all thinking it, no one wanted to ask if there was a chance they’d encounter a wolf out there in Whispering Woods. Everyone was fairly certain they’d caught them all last summer; however, there was no way of being one-hundred-percent sure. Another pack could’ve moved back in for all they knew.

Soda led the way a little deeper into the trees when they heard some rustling up ahead. He pointed in that direction, then motioned for the girls to follow. More leaves rustled; they froze.

What is it? Mystery said, hardly audible.

Soda was about to answer that he had no idea when something dashed out of the darkness, streaking toward them in a shadowy blur.

Jodi started to scream but managed to get her hand over her mouth before any sound came out. It was a good thing too. She would’ve given them up because of a squirrel.

Whew, they all thought.

I wonder if that was Sonny, Mystery said.

Sonny? You named a squirrel? Darren chuckled.

Yeah, we’re pretty sure we see the same one all the time, so we named it, Mystery explained.

And why do ya think it’s the same one?

Shut up, Darren, they said at the same time.

They trudged on as quietly as possible, wishing they’d brought a flashlight. It was too late now. They’d have to continue