Mystery at Hidden Rock

By Janet Hodgson

Mystery at Hidden Rock is the first book in the Meadowsweet Stables Series. When the Dashwood family plan a horse-riding holiday they look forward to riding across sandy beaches, green fields and down forest trails, but their plans are quickly disrupted by events outside the family's control. A casual meeting with a stranger soon develops into a trail of danger and intrigue. A mysterious note, a false rock and an escaped convict are just some of the things that confront the family in this first mystery book of the series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Janet Hodgson
• Release date: Sep 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781838094287

Book preview

Mystery at Hidden Rock

Janet Hodgson

Published by 3 TO EMMAUS PUBLICATIONS LTD at Smashwords

Copyright 2021 Janet Hodgson, illustrated by Janet Hodgson

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Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Visit my website at: https://3toemmaus.com

For Stephanie – A Crown of Joy

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 A Surprise

Chapter 2 Off We Go

Chapter 3 Beside the Sea

Chapter 4 To the Rescue

Chapter 5 A Pirate's Lair

Chapter 6 Clifftop Rescue

Chapter 7 A Shocking Revelation

Chapter 8 Tangled Trails

Chapter 9 Nat's Bright Idea

Chapter 10 The Last Day and Then Home

Chapter 11 Becky Wakes Up

Chapter 12 More Developments

Chapter 13 The Beginning of the Mystery-Solving Club

Chapter 14 New Beginnings

The Next Book in the Meadowsweet Stables Series

Other Books by Janet Hodgson

Chapter 1

A Surprise

Bother ... bother! Nathaniel Dashwood whispered as he sorted through his home-school tasks for the day. He just couldn’t get his mind off the ‘announcement’. His Dad had told him he would share a long-held secret at the dinner table that night. Nathaniel pressed on with his work, trying to put the announcement out of his mind, but he was so excited. How could he keep this secret from the girls all day?

Meanwhile, his sister, Anna, had drawn a blank with her maths because of the lingering suspense that filled her mind. What has Dad got up his sleeve now? Well, she would just have to wait and see. Bottling up her thoughts, she pressed on with her schoolwork.

There were three Dashwood children: Nathaniel was the oldest at fourteen – a tall, athletic boy with a mop of blond hair – everyone called him Nat for short. Anna, who had just turned eleven, was a methodical thinker with a gentle disposition. Becky was the youngest, at eight. Both Becky and Anna shared a shock of thick black hair. Becky had a tendency to muddle things up when she was excited. She loved chattering incessantly.

They all knew that when Dad had something important to say at dinner, it was usually good news. Through experience, they also knew that Dad would make them wait until the meal was over and he had his coffee in front of him. By the time the aroma of the evening meal permeated the Dashwood household, it was the imminent announcement from Dad that filled every child’s mind.

Becky whispered to Anna as they sat down at the table. I’ve been so excited all day. It’s so annoying. I simply can’t wait.

Mother started serving the food. Mrs Jones gave birth today.

Becky lifted her eyebrows. What did she have?

She actually had a set of twins. Mother smiled.

Anna’s face looked shocked. That’ll be hard work.

Mother nodded enthusiastically.

Yes, she had two babies. She got a girl and a boy all at once. Double the trouble is what they often say, but I usually answer double the blessings!

The family laughed together.

Finally, coffee was served, and Dad put on his very important cough. All conversation petered out as every eye fixed on him.

As you know, I have an important announcement to make. It concerns our holidays, and we have arranged a very special one this year. Now, what if I give you two guesses each, except for Nat, of course, who already knows what it is?

The girls looked shocked and gasped at Nat, who grinned in a sort of superior way while nodding his head in a slow bobbing motion.

Dad gestured with his hand. Now then, Becky, you go first.

Becky thought hard for a few moments, her lips twisting round and round, before finally venturing in a tentative voice, A countryside holiday?

Yes, that’s right. Dad quietly went on, drinking his coffee.

The girls looked at each other. Becky whispered, Try to be vaguely specific, Anna.

Anna looked puzzled. How can I be vaguely specific, Becky?

Well, it’s like saying you’re not never doing nothing. Do you see? It’s specific, but vague at the same time. That way you can find out more with just one question.

Oh, I see, said Anna, rolling her eyes. This was just the kind of nonsense Becky often came out with.

Eventually, Dad looked at Anna. Okay, now it’s your turn.

A hotel?

Becky jerked her leg and kicked Anna secretly under the table, which was about as obvious as a cuckoo clock on the hour.

That’s too clear; I mean, what’s vague about that? Becky whispered.

I mean … to a seaside hotel. Anna shrugged her shoulders at