They Do It With Smoke

The Intrigue at Thistlebrook Manor

The picturesque village of Thistlebrook, known for its tranquillity and timeless charm, becomes the setting of yet another puzzling mystery. At the centre of it all is the grand manor house, a place where old tales and histories intertwine.

Biddy Apple’s Unexpected Invitation

Biddy Apple, the village’s most astute detective, receives an unexpected summons to the manor, courtesy of an old acquaintance. Little does she know that this invitation will plunge her into a maze of secrets and enigma. Each creaking floorboard, each whispered conversation, and each fleeting shadow might just hold the key to unravelling the story.

A Manor Filled with Secrets

Behind the manor’s stately doors lie tales waiting to be told. As Biddy peels back the layers of intrigue, she discovers that Thistlebrook holds more mysteries than she could have ever imagined. The deeper she delves, the murkier the waters become, challenging her famed deductive prowess. With every twist and turn, the stakes get higher, drawing readers into a gripping narrative that only Dirk Volcano can craft.

Join the Investigation

With its perfect blend of suspense, wit, and classic cozy mystery elements, They Do It With Smoke is a tribute to the genre’s enduring allure. Every chapter promises a new clue, a fresh suspect, or an unexpected revelation.

Dive deep into the heart of Thistlebrook and accompany Biddy on her quest to uncover the truth. Ready to immerse yourself in a tale filled with suspense and surprises? 

Embark on this thrilling journey and read They Do It With Smoke for free on Kindle Unlimited.

Thistlebrook Manor, with its turrets and ivy-covered walls, had always been an imposing sight on the horizon. Its ancient stones, weathered by time, held countless secrets, tales of passion, betrayal, and age-old mysteries that whispered through its hallowed halls. For most in Thistlebrook, the manor was a relic, a proud testament to a bygone era.

So when Biddy Apple found a thick cream envelope on her doorstep bearing the emblem of the manor, her curiosity was instantly piqued. With nimble fingers, she slit the envelope open, revealing an ornate card inscribed in elegant calligraphy:

“Dearest Biddy,

It’s been years since our paths last crossed. You might find it strange to receive this sudden invitation, but Thistlebrook Manor has tales to tell, and I believe you are the one to hear them. Please join me for dinner tomorrow evening. Your presence is of utmost importance.

Warm regards,

Louisa Tremaine”

Louisa Tremaine, a name Biddy hadn’t thought of in years. The two had been inseparable during their school days, sharing secrets and dreams. But time, as it always does, had drifted them apart.

As dusk settled and the lamplight cast a warm glow in her cozy sitting room, Biddy pondered on the unexpected summons. What could have prompted Louisa to reach out after all these years? The mere mention of tales at the manor suggested that there was more to this invitation than a mere reunion.

The following evening, as Biddy approached the vast gates of Thistlebrook Manor, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease. The sprawling estate, usually a vision of grandeur, seemed to brood under a cloud of foreboding.

She was greeted at the entrance by a butler, who, with a stiff nod, led her through the echoing corridors to the dining room. The room, bathed in the soft light of a chandelier, was a tableau of elegance. But its beauty was overshadowed by the palpable tension in the air.

Seated at the head of the table was Louisa, a vision of poise. Yet, her eyes, once full of mischief, now held a shadow of concern. “Biddy,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper, “Thank you for coming. There are things you need to know.”

Dinner passed in a blur of polite conversation, yet the unspoken hung heavily in the room. As the last course was cleared away and the two old friends were left alone, Louisa finally broke her silence.

“They do it with smoke,” she murmured cryptically.

Before Biddy could press for clarification, a sudden commotion erupted in the corridor outside. A scream, a crash, and then… silence.

Both women rushed out, only to find a scene of chaos. Amidst a cloud of dense, swirling smoke stood a shadowy figure, quickly disappearing into the night.

As the echoes of the intruder’s footsteps faded away, Biddy, with her famed deductive skills, knew one thing for sure: The tales of Thistlebrook Manor were just beginning to unfold.