Villa Adele Murder: Sue Lee Mystery

By SORLIE DM

In the picturesque setting of Villa Adele, a tranquil haven nestled amidst the enchanting shadows of Monte Carlo, a chilling crime unfolded in 1901. The murder that took place within its walls left the esteemed Commissioner of Police confounded, unable to unravel the web of secrets that shrouded the truth.

Half a century later, in 1951, a glimmer of hope emerged as Sue Lee, a tenacious investigator from Island Art Inquiries, decided to reopen the long-forgotten case. Armed with a determination to seek justice and uncover the hidden truths that lay dormant for decades, she embarked on a journey that would lead her deep into the heart of Monte Carlo's secrets.

As Sue Lee delved into the past, she unearthed a startling revelation—an elusive fortune concealed within the very fabric of Monte Carlo's history. A century of lost treasure, coveted by those willing to go to any lengths to possess it. With each step closer to the truth, Sue found herself entangled in a web of deceit, where danger lurked around every corner.

D.M. Sorlie, a master of suspense and intrigue, weaves a riveting tale that spans both time and space. In this gripping murder mystery, unexpected twists and turns abound, leaving readers breathless and guessing until the very last page.

Join us as we journey through the opulent streets of Monte Carlo, where the serenity of Villa Adele is shattered, and the secrets of a hidden fortune beckon. Prepare to be captivated by a story that defies the boundaries of time, as Sue Lee races against the clock to uncover the truth and bring justice to those who have long been denied it. D.M. Sorlie's masterful storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning each page, desperate to solve the enigma of Villa Adele.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Enchanted Island Publishing LLC
• Release date: Feb 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9791223004494

Book preview

PROLOGUE

1951, MONTE CARLO

David McGregor, the Pinkerton National Detective from Chicago, hurried to the rear stairs to avoid disturbing the party-goers by running up the Grand Staircase. He passed the kitchen, noticing the pretty maid standing by the window with her back to him. At the top of the stairs, he found the library door was unlocked. David knew there was a circular staircase going down to the floor below. He turned, dashing back down the stairs, running to the library where inspector Victor stood talking to the officers.

Sir, the upstairs door is unlocked.

Without hesitation, Victor took the key from the guard, quickly unlocked the lower library door; they could see the open office door.

While Victor and his men investigated, David checked the crowded reception area. The maid was the only person near the grand staircase, again serving a guest. He started back when a sudden thought occurred to him. There are two of them? He turned, running back to the kitchen, grabbing the other maid’s arm about to open the back door—yelling out the window at an officer in the garden, Stop that man!

Inspector Victor Raoul came running into the kitchen, followed by his two officers.

Sir, there are two maids, twins, and the beekeeper; your man is holding is their compliance! We must stop the other twin from getting away—She’s by the grand staircase!

David opened the outside kitchen door where an officer had an arm hold on the beekeeper, who suddenly jerked free, pushing when a gun went off. The imposter slumped to the ground with blood soaking the front of his beekeeper suit. The sister, Victor, held started screaming!

Chapter One

BLACKMAIL

1901, MONTE CARLO

General Stanton paced around the patio at Villa Adele as he smoked his pipe, trying to remember the guest playing cards. He calms to be Habib Baba, but he is not—Habib Baba was in the casino last night, and I’m sure I’ve seen this blighter before, but where? I spotted him right off. Was it India or somewhere in the Asian sector? Where was it now, ah yes, the North Africa campaign, Sudan? That’s it; He was under observation, considered to be a German spy. The General paused in his thoughts to listen to the laughter coming from inside as he passed the card room. Sounds like they are wrapping up their game.

His pipe went out—he fussed to relight it while gathering his thoughts. I spent my career chasing around those horrible countries for the British Empire, ending with nothing but a meager army pension; it would suffice if I stopped gambling; last night was a loss I could not afford. Of course. There is that possibility he may know I’m not a general. Blimey, I was lucky to become a Lance Corporal. If he knows, I will just walk away. If not, I know from the past blackmail can be very lucrative. He blew smoke out into the cool night air while thinking about snaring his prey.

I need to word it right. Start by telling him the real Habib Baba was at the casino, similar to what I said to the General’s wife who was impersonating someone else, caught her cheating, I did. He heard the scraping of chairs, knowing the card players were leaving the gaming table.

Ah, here he comes. We need a bit of privacy; it is best to be on the darker side of the patio by the pool should do, Monsieur, a word, please.

The last thing Lance Corporal, a.k.a. "General Stanton, saw as he pushed away from his attacker was the hilt of the knife in his chest, shining in the moonlight!

Chapter Two

INVITATION TO SOLVE A MURDER

1901, MONTE CARLO

La Commissioner de Police of Monaco, Paul D’amour, reread the invitation left on his desk after finishing the other correspondence.

You are invited by La dame, Marie Adele, to the Grand Opening of Villa Adele Hotel.

secretary interrupted him by reminding him he had a meeting in five minutes. While walking past, he handed her the invitation. Please confirm this for me.

He had known Marie since she was a little girl visiting her grandparents during the summer. Apparently, immensely wealthy, according to word on the street who worked on the Villa’s massive refurbishing. Paul was told it would cater to high-end gamblers from around the world.

I bet she is using her Grandparent’s list of friends who frequent our Monte Carlo gaming tables. If so, she is sly; it will be wonderful to see her again. When he entered Victor Raoul’s office, his number one commander, Paul, set his thoughts aside.

What do you have for me, Victor?

Sir, the location of the murder is all wrong. It was staged.

Please explain, Paul said, setting his cane aside as he attempted to lower his large frame onto the small-office chair. I hate these chairs.

Oui, I tried to requisition a larger one, but no one listened. Victor politely waited until the Commissioner was settled in—Let me show you my reasoning, he said, unfolding a map of Monaco. We found the body here and assumed he was murdered there. It’s his shoes, you see—this is a sandy area. The only indication of sand is on his heels.

Like he was carried and then dragged to that spot, but from where, Victor?

He is a new guest registered at Villa Adele, sir.

And you think that is where he was murdered?

Oui, Madam Adele was in her last stages of construction, and the pool deck was being painted. Again, I refer to his shoes. Do you see the lighter color on the sole Commissioner?

I see. Do you have a list of everyone living or staying at the Villa?

Victor produced a sheet of paper from his desk and passed it over. Observing as the Commissioner read through the names. Paul’s complaint about the chairs throughout the station was ongoing since he was such a big man, tall with broad shoulders, unruly black hair, and very distinctive bushy eyebrows. They looked like one when he frowned like he did now.

I recognize the staff and, of course, the family, but I don’t know the five guests, nor have I seen their names associated with our gaming. Wait, Habib Baba, the name is familiar. Perhaps he is on our gambling list? He paused and looked again at the report. Mr. Lucky?

Oui, an American from, Victor quickly checked his notes, New Jersey, no first name on the hotel registry.

I’m sure the Villa is chaotic days before the fête. Do pop over tomorrow morning and discreetly ask a few questions. It is to our advantage not to let anyone know they moved the body. Again, Paul looked at the names. And Victor, make it a point to learn more about Monsieur Lucky.

Chapter Three

MISSING GUEST

1901, MONTE CARLO

John Bonnaire took a moment to straighten up his daughter Sasha’s room before going downstairs to start his day as director of Hotel Villa Adele. He looked around their spacious living quarters to see if anything else was out of place. Sasha was very fussy about her appearance and tidy with her things. She wanted to prove she could care for her father ever since mommy went to heaven to live. That sad event was two years behind them.

Sasha was now five years old with tangled blond curls. She wanted to cut them off, but after being told they were like her mother’s, she proudly tied colored ribbons to them every morning.

The staff here loved her and took turns providing the colorful strip of material, especially the assistant cook Alice, who enjoyed making the little decorations to attach to her hair ribbons.

Sasha now had other responsibilities that started in the morning to take Madam Adele’s dog Moon for a walk.

Soon, Sasha will start school close to the Villa. I’m sure she will find a way to perform her duties. She is so much like her mother, John sighed before descending the stairs.

Inspector Victor Raoul was at the bottom of the staircase, waiting in the lobby. John knew he worked directly under Paul D’amour, who was invited by Madam Adele to the fête,