Oaky With a Hint of Murder
Aury and Scott travel to the Finger Lakes in New York’s wine country to get to the bottom of the mysterious happenings at the Songscape Winery. Disturbed furniture and curious noises are one thing, but when a customer winds up dead, it’s time to dig into the details and see what ferments.
Is there any truth to the Native American legends that cluster near Seneca Lake? Is the warrior’s disapproval of wineries growing legs?
Aury will need to pour over the clues to unearth the mystery before the winery’s reputation is crushed. With the annual wine festival just around the corner, Aury harvests more than she bargained for when the killer tries to bottle her up for good.
Purchase Oaky With a Hint of Murder
Purchase links coming soon! To be released March 12, 2024. Pre-releases available now on the author’s website only!
Book Excerpt
1767 Kaintwakon
“Take what I offer you. Five stones is a good trade.” Kaintwakon pushed the stones toward his playmate.
“I can get my own stones. Why do I need yours?” Atohi pushed the stones back.
The nine-year-old crossed his arms. “These are special stones with the power of the Creator. You White men don’t have anything so powerful. These take away fevers and bring rains during the growing season.”
The smaller boy stared at him, openmouthed. “We don’t have stones that do that.”
“White men don’t know that.”
“But you can’t say it if it isn’t true.”
“The French promise all manner of things that aren’t true.” Kaintwakon shoved the stones, and one rolled off their makeshift table.
Atohi flung his arm across the flat rock, sending the rest of the stones flying. “Why do I always have to play the part of the French? I want to be the one who brings honor to our Nation by discovering new goods. Let’s switch places.”
“Your father is not the one selected by the clan mother to interact with wily White men. You must be smart to know when they are telling the truth and when they are speaking falsely.”
Jumping to his feet, Atohi took up a fighting stance. “Are you saying I’m not smart?”
“What is this now?” Hasanoanda’s looming presence cast a shadow over the young boys.
Kaintwakon got to his feet. “We were just playing, Father.”
“It didn’t look like play, and it sounded like angry voices.”
The boys were reluctant to speak.
“Kaintwakon?”
“I’m trying to teach Atohi how to trade. It’s good practice for us to learn how to deal with White men.”
“But it was a bad trade, and Kaintwakon is making false claims.” Atohi glared at the older boy in defiance.
“Is this true, Kaintwakon?” his father asked.
The young boy was wise enough to be chastened. Only insane people spouted lies; it was a sign of a disease, and those people were to be pitied. The word of an Onandowaga warrior was not something to trifle with.
He hung his head. “It was a foolish game.”
Hasanoanda regarded the two boys carefully. He pulled a leather thong from the pouch hanging around his waist. “Give me your right arms.”
Although frightened of what was to come, the boys did not dare disobey. They held out their right arms. Kaintwakon’s father fashioned two loops and tied one end of the thong to his son’s wrist and the other end to Atohi’s, leaving them not more than six inches between. “You will stay like this until you learn how to work together. Visit both your mothers to see what chores need to be done.”
The boys glanced at each other and then at the binding. It was going to be awkward to even walk in this position, let alone get work done.
“Yes, Father.” Kaintwakon tugged at his friend, and they shuffled off.
About the Author
Dawn Brotherton is an award-winning author of nineteen books and featured speaker at writing and publishing seminars. When it comes to exceptional writing, she draws on her experience as a colonel retired from the US Air Force as well as a softball coach and Girl Scout leader. Her variety of interests has led to a range of genres including mystery, romance, young adult fantasy, middle grade sports, picture book, and nonfiction.
When she isn’t using her words, Dawn is in her craft room in Williamsburg, VA, quilting, painting, or taking online classes. Her affection for travel and all-things-crafty keeps her imagination in high gear for the next Eastover Treasure Mystery.
