Michelle Lobos and the Labyrinth

By M. Kate Allen

Michelle Lobos is thrilled to be at summer camp at last, even though Terry Groulx just won't leave her alone. In a moment of solitude, however, she discovers something shocking about the labyrinth on the floor of the camp lodge. Later on, the mystery of the labyrinth deepe

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thea Press
• Release date: Oct 31, 2021
• ISBN: 9781733506489

M. Kate Allen

After a childhood spent with her nose in a book, M. Kate Allen now spends her grownup life weaving magical tales of her own. M. Kate Allen lives in Tempe, Arizona, with her daughters, both of whom are voracious readers, and her husband, who is a hoot.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Michelle Lobos gazed at the stars and the sliver of waxing moon, breathed the chilly, pine-scented air, and thought that there could be nothing better than this.

Hey, Michelle! The greeting arrived in a loud whisper. Michelle suppressed a groan. Terry Groulx had been all over her since they rode up to Camp Shadow Pines on the bus together. Michelle wasn’t sure why her nose in a book didn’t communicate I don’t want to talk, but apparently it did not. Terry didn’t stop jabbering at Michelle for a moment the entire 2.5-hour trip to camp in Payson, Arizona. Michelle yearned to be left alone—she was a lone wolf, not a bird of Terry’s flock. Now it was nighttime and camp rules dictated that no camper should be out by herself. Michelle thought it was silly that campers as old as she was, nearly thirteen, should be restricted by such rules. She craved the broad night sky. And quiet.

You’re so cool, breaking the rules like this, Terry said. But I’ll hang out with you so you don’t get in trouble.

That’s okay, Michelle said. I’ll risk it.

You’re so awesome. But really, you shouldn’t be out here by yourself.

I appreciate the warning. I’d rather be alone. She pushed her long, black braid off her shoulder and returned her gaze to the stars.

Terry sat on the ground next to Michelle. You know what the camp counselors say. Anyone caught outside alone won’t be allowed to participate in outdoor activities the next day.

I know, Terry. Michelle turned her head toward the silhouette next to her. Please leave.

Terry inhaled sharply, then scrambled to her feet. Suit yourself, she snapped.

Michelle pushed the pushy girl out of her mind and resumed star-gazing. Minutes later, the sound of a camp counselor’s boots grew as the counselor padded across the massive bed of pine needles that lay on the forest floor, flashlight beam bobbing. Michelle held