The Secret of the Lost Diamonds: An Amber and Elliot Mystery, #3

By Susan Brown and Anne Stephenson

In a last-ditch effort to save his family home, Henry Hamilton agrees to host a writers' conference at Ash Manor. On one condition -- he wants super sleuths Amber Mitchell and Liz Elliot to find the famous Hamilton diamonds before it's too late!

The stakes are high from the moment they walk in the door. With mystery writers looking for the perfect plot, and their friends Craig and Jonathan skulking in the shadows, Amber & Elliot take to the secret passageways in search of the precious jewels...     

"Where are we?" Amber whispered.

"We must be in the family wing," Liz said softly.

The girls stared at the old-fashioned furnishings: paintings in gilt frames, a pair of plush sofas, and two leather wing chairs facing a fireplace.

"I bet no one's been in here for years," breathed Amber, taking a step forward.

Suddenly Liz choked out a scream. Amber clutched her throat. They watched in horror as a hand slowly reached out from behind the chair…

Join Amber & Elliot as they risk everything to uncover the secret of the lost diamonds!

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephanie Browning
• Release date: Dec 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781999438982

Susan Brown

Writer and blogger, Susan Brown, has a passion to see people walking in freedom, identity and purpose. Whether in her work as an occupational therapist, raising her four children, speaking to groups or offering learning support to children and teens, her desire has always been to help people thrive. A strong believer in the power of authenticity, Susan often shares her struggles, failures and learnings with others, offering understanding and support as they work through their own challenges. When she's not writing or working, Susan's favourite way to relax is to immerse herself in a good story, preferably while reclined in a deep, gently swaying hammock. In her more energetic moments, she plunges herself into gardening, cooking, walking local trails with her husband or playing in the waves at the nearest surf beach. After twenty-five years in Launceston, Tasmania, Susan has recently moved to Wollongong, south of Sydney, where she lives with her husband, Mark, and three of their children.

Book preview

The Secret of the Lost Diamonds

CHAPTER ONE

Welcome to Ash Manor

Amber Mitchell leaned forward and peered out through the car’s rain-splattered window. And suddenly, there it was – Ash Manor. With its massive stone pillars guarding the entrance and an army of chimneys rising above the trees, Amber thought it looked like the cover of a gothic novel.

Elliot, she breathed, this place is fantastic!

Liz Elliot turned to face her friend, her grey eyes wide and luminous in the half-light of the car’s interior. Wait until you see the inside, she said as her mother slowed for the turn.

I’m guessing you haven’t told Amber about the diamonds yet, Caroline Elliot said as they entered the grounds.

Diamonds? Amber squeaked. What diamonds?

Caroline Elliot grinned at Amber’s reflection in the rear-view mirror. The famous Hamilton diamonds, she added as the car flitted in and out of the shadows. They’ve been in the family for generations. But Henry Hamilton, the current owner, has no idea where they are.

Really? Amber’s green eyes sparkled. Missing diamonds! This is going to be so cool!

Don’t even think it, muttered Liz. She tucked a loose strand of her long dark hair behind her ear and gave Amber a look. We’re here for a writer’s conference, remember?

"I know, I know. How to get away with murder...on the page. Amber sat back and gazed out the window, her mind reeling with possibilities. You have to admit the place does look haunted."

No sneaking allowed, you two, Caroline Elliot cut in. Remember that Henry Hamilton still lives here.

Amber knew better than to argue. Liz’s mother was the mayor of Ash Grove, and this conference was really important. They would have to be careful, Amber decided as the mayor pulled into the parking lot next to the old coach house.

They stepped onto the cobblestone courtyard. Watch where you’re going, cautioned Mrs. Elliot. Amber looked down. Water ran between the stones in tiny rivulets, reflecting the light from the old-fashioned lamps illuminating the parking lot.

She sensed Liz shivering in the gathering dusk.

What’s the matter, Elliot? asked Amber,

There’s something about this place. Liz shook her head. The last time I was here, it was sunny. Maybe that’s it.

Amber draped her arm around her friend. Just think how much better it is staying here than being at camp. Indoor plumbing and no racoons!

There would be other young authors participating in the conference, but only the girls, and their friends Craig Nicholson and Jonathan Weiss, would be in residence for the weekend.

Grab your bags, girls, directed Mrs. Elliot. It’s show time!

~~~

Whoa, declared Amber, her copper-red curls glistening as they entered the Manor and crossed the flagstone floor of the Great Hall.

Told you, said Liz, her head tilted back. The Hall itself soared two storeys high, its creamy-white walls bathed in the light of a huge, gleaming chandelier.

Mayor Elliot, said a smooth voice.

The girls snapped to attention. A tall, smartly-dressed woman approached with a tablet tucked under her arm.

Ms. Newquist, the mayor replied with a smile. I thought we should arrive a bit early, but I suspect you have everything under control.

The caterers are setting up for the reception, replied the administrator, and several of our speakers are already in residence. She turned to say hello to Liz and Amber. You will be staying in one of our most elegant guest rooms, she told them.

Amber and Liz glanced at each other in surprise.

Nice, said Amber.

I should have packed my overnight bag, teased Caroline Elliot.

Mo-om! Liz rolled her eyes.

Ms. Newquist smiled at the exchange and then addressed the mayor. I’m glad we’re both sold on the idea of a partnership between Ash Manor and the city.

All we have to do now is convince everybody else, Liz’s mother replied.

Ms. Newquist nodded and turned to the girls. Follow me.

They were halfway up the main staircase when Amber grabbed Liz by the arm. Don’t look now, but I think I saw Miss Belcher. Sure enough their English teacher was walking briskly along the upper corridor towards the opposite wing of the house.

What’s she doing here? Amber hissed. She wasn’t supposed to arrive until tomorrow.

Liz shook her head and raised her finger to her lips. Ms. Newquist had paused at the landing. This way. She headed down an oak-panelled corridor leading towards yet another wing of the house.

It’s so quiet, whispered Amber eying the richness of the furniture and artwork lining the walls.

It’s the thick carpet, muttered Liz.

And the absence of twins, replied Amber who had three brothers and often envied Liz’s status as an only child.

Hurry up, urged Liz as Ms. Newquist disappeared from view. The girls sped up to find the woman waiting for them in front of a massive door. I hope you remembered to leave your phones at home, she said. Sorry about that, but Mr. Hamilton doesn’t want pictures of Ash Manor plastered all over the internet.

At the girls’ nod, she opened the door to reveal a light-filled bedroom. "This is where you will sleep," she announced.

Amber and Liz exchanged glances and then stepped inside. The room was huge, with its own fireplace, plush chairs and leaded glass windows.

You’re letting us stay here? Amber asked dropping her bag. Liz quietly pushed their belongings to one side.

The executive director smiled as she walked past them to straighten one of the cushions on the window seat. It’s been twenty-five years since this room was last used, she said over her shoulder. So please, do be careful.

We will, replied the girls in unison.

Ms. Newquist nodded. Reception in one hour, she reminded them.

Will Mr. Hamilton be there? asked Liz.

I’m afraid he’s unavailable, replied Ms. Newquist. And then she was gone.

~~~

Dibs on the bed by the window, Amber declared as she bounded over to test the mattress.

Fine, agreed Liz. She stood in place, her gaze sweeping the room. Like the rest of Ash Manor, it was trimmed in rich oak, but the walls themselves were papered in a cream and rose floral pattern. Unlike the Great Hall, this felt airy and light and feminine.

And with its own bathroom, Liz noted. Time to stake out her territory, she decided as she opened the door. She flicked on the lights and blinked. She’d never seen anything like it. White marble, black-and-white tiles, an old-fashioned bathtub and an enormous shower with a dozen nozzles. Amber! Get in here!

What? Amber stepped inside. Awesome! she pointed to the taps. Are they gold?

They sure look like it, said Liz, testing the hot water in one of the two marble sinks.

Amber came to stand beside her. They stared wide-eyed at each other’s reflections in the bathroom mirror.

I’m beginning to think this is too good to be true.

~~~

Dozens of people were milling around the Great Hall when Amber and Liz arrived.

I feel surprisingly mature, breathed Amber watching the waiters wind their way through the room carrying silver trays laden with food and drink.

Don’t worry, said Liz. It’ll pass.

Ha ha! said Amber as one of the servers approached and handed them each a napkin. Liz chose a tiny sandwich and a couple of hors d’oeuvres.

Amber went for the sausage rolls. See anyone interesting? she asked Liz between bites.

Liz shook her head. Just my mother, she said as Caroline Elliot caught her daughter’s eye and smiled. A fair-haired man stood by the mayor’s elbow.

Who’s the guy?

Liz swallowed. It must be Kyle Butler. Tomorrow night’s keynote speaker.

Never heard of him. Amber dabbed at the corners of her mouth. Craig and Jonathan must be here somewhere. She scanned the crowd while Liz disposed of their napkins.

Any luck? asked Liz joining her friend.

Amber pointed.

The boys were off to one side of the main staircase, unobtrusively prodding its burled oak panelling.

Looking for something sparkly, teased Amber as they sidled up to Craig and Jonathan. Jonathan hastily straightened up and tugged at his sweater.

Maybe, grinned Craig, and then again, maybe not. His blue eyes filled with mischief. You guys clean up pretty good.

You laugh, said Amber. Just wait til you see our room...

Liz turned to Jonathan. Have you met any writers yet?

Jonathan shook his head. But we are watching out for Mark Wang.

He writes detective stories, explained Craig, ...and his hero uses a laptop to solve the crime...

What seminars are you two taking? asked Jonathan before Craig could get carried away.

"Anything