The Secrets of Widow Hill: Northwoods Cozy Mystery, #1

By bill mcbride and W.R. Madison

Are you ready to unearth the secrets of Widow Hill?

Join Reverend Samuel Bennet and his faithful Irish Setter, Amos, as they embark on a captivating journey filled with faith, friendship, and a thrilling mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.

After leaving behind the bustling city life and the challenges of his former ministry, Reverend Sam finds solace in the peaceful town of Havenwood, nestled amidst

the breathtaking beauty of the Northwoods. He seeks a fresh start, hoping to find healing and tranquility in the quiet charm of this idyllic community.

But Havenwood harbors secrets

• whispers of a longforgotten gold rush, a bitter feud between two families, and a hidden treasure lost to time.
• When a mysterious package containing an old diary arrives on the church steps, Sam's curiosity is ignited, and his passion for unraveling mysteries is reawakened.
• Guided by the diary's cryptic entries and the enigmatic clues scattered throughout Havenwood's history, Sam and Amos embark on a quest for truth.
• They encounter a cast of unforgettable characters, each with their own secrets and connections to the town's buried past:
• Sally Sanderson, the friendly owner of the Daily Grind coffee shop, with her ear to the ground and a knack for knowing everyone's business.
• Edna Finch, the wise and knowledgeable owner of the Book Worm bookstore, whose insights into Havenwood's history prove invaluable.
• Harriette Beecher, the stern yet helpful head librarian, guarding a secret room filled with historical documents and forgotten truths.
• Sheriff Hank Smith, a gruff and skeptical lawman, more interested in doughnuts than digging up the past.

As Sam delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a tangled web of deceit, betrayal, and longheld grudges. The lines between past and present blur, and danger lurks around every corner. Will Sam and Amos be able to solve the puzzle before it's too late? Or will the secrets of Widow Hill remain buried forever?

"The Secrets of Widow Hill"

is a captivating cozy mystery that will transport you to the heart of the Northwoods. With its intriguing plot, endearing characters, and a touch of faith, this story is perfect for readers who enjoy a good puzzle and a heartwarming tale.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and prepare to be swept away by the secrets of Widow Hill.

• Language: English
• Publisher: W.R. Madison Publishing
• Release date: Apr 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224941926

Book preview

Copyright ©2024 by W.R. Madison

All rights reserved.

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Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, and events are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

(NOTE: The place Madison, Wisconsin used in this story is a real location place, but the events that take place in Madison are fictitious) Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

(NOTE: Starbucks is the name of a real coffee shop in Madison, but the location for the Starbucks coffee shop mentioned in this book is fictitious.

The name of the barista, while a real name, in this location, the name is fictitious. The events that take place in this fiction Starbucks coffee shop location in this book are fiction and do not defame the coffee shop in any manner as well.)

The spelling used is USA American English.  The use of the name W.R. Madison be identified as the author of this work, is in no way associated with anyone living or dead with the same name. If a real person by this name is found, the use of this pen name in no manner is meant to defame or discredit any real person with the same name.

All images and graphics used in this book were created by the author using prompts given to the ai image generator called Leonardo.

Ai did assist in the creation of this short story. Ai assistance was given in the development of the storyline and the fictitious events related to Widow Hill.

As indicated above, the goldrush history of the Northwoods of Wisconsin is pure fiction and is created with the assistance of ai in order to give historical drama to the fiction plot.

Chapter 1 When the Well Runs Dry

Three years had passed since Reverend Samuel Bennet's beloved wife Sarah succumbed to a lingering illness. Grief, a constant ache in his chest, intertwined with a growing sense of weariness.

As senior pastor of the bustling Regent Community Church, a multi-denominational independent congregation on Madison's west side, Reverend Samuel Bennet had poured his heart and soul into his ministry for over ten years. He had led his faithful congregation through difficulties, their support rallying each time they faced a challenge.

The congregation grew steadily under Pastor Sam's excellent leadership. His personality attracted people who sought a deeper understanding of the spiritual mysteries of life.

His disarming smile grew trust quickly. With his excellent preaching style which was always conversational with his audience. Pastor Sam never acted like he was better than them.

But now, even in the growing and bustling college town, membership, attendance, and activity