Murder for the Spell of It: The Segmimn's School of Sorcery Paranormal Cozy Mysteries, #2

By Emory Keller

Welcome to the Crescent Valley for the Lunar Festival. It's a mystical town that only appears during a lunar eclipse, and The Lunar Festival is my favorite. I can't wait to gorge myself on funnel cake, see my cousin, and meet Oscar's little sister.

We're settling in for a little R&R when my cousin is named the prime suspect in a murder. My favorite student finds clues that point to an underground society running a dangerous game from the shadows.

 

I have to stop it, even if it means making myself the target to draw them out.

But I can't do it by myself, and I've never been good at asking for help. Just when things seem under control, the killer comes out of nowhere and strikes harder than anyone expects.

Oscar has to play things by the book, but his loyalty to me will bring him into the game whether he's in his jurisdiction or not. Claudia learns that even though she doesn't like the game, she's darn good at it.

 

It's just that fate keeps dealing us in, and we aren't willing to let the killer play with other people's lives.

The catch: We may have to bet our own lives.
 

Buckle up, Witches. It's time for this ride to begin.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emory Keller
• Release date: May 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9781962807104

Book preview

Murder for the Spell of It

A Segmimn's School of Sorcery Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Emory Keller

Heel Hook Publishing

Copyright © 2023 by Heel Hook Publishing

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the publisher's prior written permission, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [include publisher/author contact info].

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Co-authors: Kara Zone, Rebecca Silva-Faville

Book Cover and Illustrations by Chris Hunter

1st edition 2023

Contents

1.Welcome to Crescent Valley

2.Lunar Cider & Funnel Cakes

3.Just Magically Curious

4.Not Another Body

5.Some More Conversations with Cops

6.Three Hours Down

7.Well Hello, Nyxie

8.An Evil Ring . . . ?

9.Meeting at Lunar Park

10.Twin Brains are Super Gross

11.Another Three Hours . . .

12.Astrid’s Afraid of Heights

13.Don’t Go Breaking into the Active Crime Scene

14.Fun & Carnival Games

15.Breaking Into an Active Crime Scene

16.Hello Again, Nyxie

17.Pepper Faye Cannot Freeze the Students

18.Helen Fluff’s Up the Skirts

19.Nudity, Pictures, & Magical Keys

20.That Couch Eats People

21.Are You the Murder?

22.What are We Waiting for? The Next Eclipse?

23.You Have to Move to Put Your Hands Up

24.Some More Bad News . . .

25.No More Fun & Carnival Games

26.Time To Leave, but Don’t Forget the Funnel Cakes

27.That’s A Negative Wolf Rider

28.The Yellow Socks Have Diamonds

29.The Time Has Come to Play Possum!

30.Fireworks and Funnel Cake

1

Welcome to Crescent Valley

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A lright, class! When you exit the bus, you’ll come out and line up in a single file, Astrid called to the students. The doors swung open with a whoosh and a groan of metal. She bopped down the stairs and into the sunshine and the students poured out into the parking lot like ants.

A smile burst from her face as Astrid took in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Lunar Festival in Crescent Valley.

Crescent Valley is a cursed town only visible for twenty four hours every lunar eclipse. Every six months, the city celebrates with the Lunar Festival. The Springtime fest was Astrid's favorite. Everything around Astrid was bright and colorful again, the grass under her feet soft and cushy.

Her hand shielded her eyes as the sun beamed over the fourth through eighth-grade field trip.

Thank goodness we don’t have to chaperone today, Claudia Alter, Astrid’s old friend turned nemesis, turned friend again, stepped next to her. Astrid gave Claudia a smile.

It will be a nice and much-needed rest, Astrid agreed, inhaling. Mmm, I love the smell of freshly fried dough at nine o’clock in the morning.

Laughter percolated from Claudia’s lips. The sound was airy, just like her supernatural skills—the element of air. Astrid’s was earth and often helped her stay grounded. Their friendship was a wonderful balance.

Students! Please, look up here! Kevin Montrose, the principal, stood in front of the school bus. Students ranging from grades four through eight took their time settling down. Pepper Faye, the resident library and all-around badass den mother, stood up. When no one noticed her, she released a long, ear-piercing whistle.

Every person in a five-mile radius covered their ears.

Thank you, Professor Whyne. Kevin cleared his throat and hid a smile from the students. Astrid noted the spark in his eye and smothered a chuckle that threatened to break the stature professors at the school were supposed to carry.

As Kevin began to spout out the rules of the student's field trip, Astrid and Claudia wound their way toward the outskirts of the group. Astrid took in the scenery around them. Crescent Valley was a cozy town in a nook carved straight from a faerie tale. The curse on the city only heightened the town's mythology.

Many years ago, longer than anyone currently alive (so it’d been told), a curse was placed on Crescent Valley. No one knew or remembered why the curse was placed, nor did anyone know how to release it. And somehow, the town and the people who lived in it still managed to thrive.

Astrid and Claudia walked down the cobblestone streets and stopped at the edge of the square. She could still hear Kevin talking, but she was far enough away now that she felt comfortable talking to Claudia about their day.

Can we go get funnel cake? Astrid turned to Claudia with excitement.

Of course. Claudia patted her friend on the shoulder. While she was looking around, she gave a long sigh. I’m so glad so many parents got involved today. I think it’s a testament to how much they support the school.

Astrid nodded. Yeah, getting Segmimn’s closed down with their support will be hard. The board of education, well at least three members, were vying hard to move the school to a different area—even though Shadows Bluff, the town where Claudia and Astrid lived and worked, had been home to the school a hundred and thirty years.

They couldn’t hold the vote because their leader board member, Anto Pul was killed, and they needed to hold a special election before making a decision. So, as far as Astrid was concerned, that was a problem for the future. Today, she just wanted to have fun.

A scream ripped through the air. Astrid and Claudia whipped to the sound and saw a runaway barrel racing through the town. If that hits anyone, they’re going to get killed, Astrid yelled, taking off toward the rolling keg. Go get the people out of the way, Astrid pointed to a small group of singers who seemed so lost in their song that they were oblivious to the danger.

Claudia dashed to the people and got to them within seconds. She threw her arms up, and a gust of wind spooled out of her hands in one white burst of color. Her magic scooped up the people, their song stunted by the jerked motion. They cried out in fear, but their voices calmed when they saw Claudia pushing them out of the way.

The group spiraled into safety as Claudia set them on the ground out of harm's way. She ran over to them to check on everyone.

Astrid shot to the other end of the road; she pulled up energy from the earth and swirled in front of the barrel, charging toward her. Astrid stomped the ground with her foot, and the sorcery she sent cracked and split the stone underneath the road.

Throwing up her arms, green and blue magic spun from her hands. It pulled up a piece of the ground and formed an arch to prevent the keg from rolling further. The structure caught the barrel, and the earth and dirt slowed its momentum. The wooden barrel twisted backward, and Astrid pulled up another piece of ground, arching it in the opposite direction.

The keg swung like a pendulum back and forth until it came to a complete stop in the center of Astrid’s ramp.

Shakily, Astrid rubbed her brow, blew a long breath, and jumped as a crowd erupted in cheer around her and Claudia. Holy stones. Astrid walked over to the ramp and smiled at those passing by. A blush bloomed over her cheeks from the attention they were giving her.

Hi! Claudia rushed to Astrid. You okay?

Astrid nodded, and a ball of nervous laughter bubbled from her lips. Are you? Astrid pointed to the performers. Are they?

They’re spooked. Claudia nodded and ran a hand through her hair. She shook out her arms and rubbed her hands together. Not exactly the relaxing time I had in mind, but it gave me an unneeded adrenaline boost.

Claudia looked at the earth-made ramps. Nice job. She smiled.

Thanks, Astrid said, her blush still a beacon over her cheeks. Nice job to you, too. Astrid walked over to the ramp, touched it, and it all crumbled back into the ground where it came from. She looked at the barrel, Oh! This is Lunar Cider! She pointed to the logo on the side.

Lunar Cider is made from pears; each eclipse, the people of Crescent Valley saturate the liquid with the darkened light of the eclipse. It is magic, but not a potion. The only effect the moon’s beams have on it is visual. The drink is sweet, tart, and cinnamony. And, it glows with the hue of moon rays.

Very cool. Very niche. Very, very tasty.

A man ran over to them. Oh my goodness! Thank you! His breath heaved, and his hands shook, visibly distressed by the situation. I don’t know what I would have done if that hurt someone.

The man threw his arms around Astrid and gave her a bear hug. He hugged her with so much force that she toppled over when he let go. Oops, sorry again. Thank you! The barrel slipped from my dolly when loading it into the truck. He pointed his finger toward a pickup loaded with Lunar Cider barrels.

The delivery man ran a hand through his hair, pushing the hat from his head. Relief wiped over his face.

He moved toward Claudia with open arms. Thanks to you too, Miss. Claudia raised her eyebrows at the man’s outstretched arms. He pulled them back quickly, gave her a nod of thanks, and he wrung his hat together.

You’re welcome. Claudia smiled at him politely. Do you need help getting this back to your truck?

Oh, no. I can move it, Ma’am. Astrid inwardly cringed at the word ‘Ma’am. It was just so school marmy, which was only a compounded idea since both Astrid and Claudia were professors.

The man stood the barrel up and began rolling it away.

With a shake of her head, the crowd around them dispersed. Well, should we see if the class is almost ready to break up? Astrid suggested as Claudia gave a big, toothy smile. They walked back to the group of students who were still so uninterested in Kevin’s lecture that they had tuned everything out around them and missed the Lunar Cider barrel incident.

You will also have a group of four, and one adult will be present with each of you, Kevin’s speech continued, he walked back and forth in front of the students. He tripped over a hole in the ground. Although he quickly recovered, the students giggled and began chatting again. Students! I’m not done yet.

Kevin straightened his hair and kept talking. The good people of Crescent Valley invited us to their festival. We will be on our best behavior. Astrid tuned in to hear him. No students are to use magic while you are in this town. They are well aware of magic, but there is no reason to use it at all.

Nyxie Bell raised her hand. What if someone is in trouble? Classic Nyxie, she had to question everything.

If someone is in trouble, Nyxie, you find a grown-up immediately. I shouldn’t have to remind you— Kevin gave Nyxie the stink-eye. —All of you, that you’re remedial mages. If you panic and try saving the person by yourself, something could go terribly wrong. We will all be together, so that shouldn’t be a problem, right?

Nyxie was a precarious student who helped the school last year by finding that a ward had been disrupted on an extremely volatile magical vault. She was smart enough to tell Astrid immediately, but that didn’t stop some damage.

Astrid’s best friend, confidant, and roommate died of overexposure to unstable dark magic. Sadly, not before it corrupted her enough to turn her into a murderer. The situation was still a bit raw.

While the pain was still mildly fresh, Astrid found a new support system.

Claudia Altar, a friend from a long time ago, returned to her life. Kevin Montrose, Pepper Faye, Norma Chester, the school's receptionist, and Tiger Spiro—the one board member of Segmimn’s who didn’t blow chunks—helped solve the murder and save Claudia’s life and the school.

Astrid also befriended two local detectives, Dallon Kane and Oscar Estrella. Although Astrid helped them as an informant in their case, she didn’t know if solving mysteries was up her alley.

Astrid tilted her head. Music from the square spun over the air. The light, melodic thumping of Ubrip Organs, Jashino Bass, wictephones, drums, and accordions.

As Kevin finished his field trip address, Astrid turned her attention back to the town. Cottages with modern amenities and features still gave the vibe that guests were visiting a storybook. The town’s square was lined with tree trunk streetlamps and a unique variety of stores and snug restaurants that invited outsiders in and made anyone feel welcome.

The residents of Crescent Valley found a way to thrive. Besides being cut off from everything, they discovered ways to keep up with the times, medical interventions, technology, and the whole shebang.

Plus, they had a few traditions the outside world did not.

Claudia’s crystal blue eyes turned from Astrid's. Thankfully, the crowd is starting to disperse. She looked over Astrid’s head and waved. Hey, isn’t that Detective Estrella?

2

Lunar Cider & Funnel Cakes

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Astrid glanced over her shoulder and smiled as heat rose over her cheeks. Yeah it is.

Oscar Estrella was about a head taller than the rest of the crowd. Although she’d seen him around town since Anto Pul’s investigation, he was never dressed casually. Today, he looked different in jeans and a light blue t-shirt.

Oscar walked over to Claudia and Astrid with a small group of women who looked to be in their early twenties. One looked exactly like Oscar, with tanned skin and dark eyes. She even had a dimple in her cheek when she smiled. The only difference was that she was about five-six, and her chestnut hair curled around her shoulders.

Hi! She bounced over to Astrid. You guys stopping the barrel and saving those people was so cool! My brother says he knows you both, so it’s not weird if I come over.

That’s not what I said. Oscar gave his sister a scowl.

I’m Yesenia. You can call me Yese for short, though. My friends and I are visiting my brother, and he told us about you guys. You’re like superheroes! Yese danced from foot to foot. I’d love to talk to you both sometime and interview you for my podcast. Did you really help solve a mur . . .

Alright, Yese. Let’s let Astrid and Claudia get back to their day.

Oh, we don’t mind. Astrid smiled at the group of young women. Do you guys have plans while you're at the festival?

We do, but my sourpuss brother doesn’t want to do them with us. Yese’s eyes perked up. Would you mind keeping an eye on him while we go do our fun things?

Oscar’s jaw tightened as he looked at his sister. I’m not a child, Yese. I can walk around by myself.

Yes, but now that I know you’re protected by superhero ladies, I won’t worry as much. We’ll see you later! Bye!

Yese and her friends walked away with just as much energy as they bopped in on. They were swallowed into the crowd within a few moments.

Out of the corner of her eye, Astrid saw Nyxie Bell practicing her magic in front of her friends. Hey, I’ve got to catch Nyxie in the act. Astrid pointed