Mysteries of the Ozarks, Vol. 1 (Mysteries of the Ozarks, V. 1) (Paperback)

by Ellen Gray Massey (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Review
For thrills and chills, you'll love Mysteries of the Ozarks, a collection of 19 stories by Ozarks' best. -- Best News, May, 2004

Product Description
Whether reading "Avenging Angel" by Jory Sherman (Spur Award winner from Western Writers of America), "DeSoto's Legacy," a rich story combining historical facts with Dusty Richards" (author of over forty novels) rich imagination, or C. J. Winters', "Missing Pete McGuire," readers will find intrigue juxtaposed against the gentle, small-town charm and character of the Ozarks.

Stories vary in length and style. In J. Masterson's "Truth or Dare," high school friends relive their football glory days, and Hank learns that old hurts can turn to murder. Larry Wood, in "Double Cross My Heart and Hope to Live," sets his tale during the guerrilla war that was waging in southern Missouri in 1864. In the story, Jim didn't know who was the traitor to his band, his brother-in-law, his best friend, or even his father-in-law who hated both sides. He never suspected the one it turned out to be.

Frank Watson's "Where the Yellow Flowers Grow," shows readers how young love, old love, and a love of gardening are intertwined with an unusual climax. In "The Shape of a Heart," by Donna Volkenannt, the police have good reason for deciding that the Widow killed her three hired hands. She as much as said so. In another story, Vicki Cox writes a chilling tale set in the early 1800s. Elizabeth's husband showed her how to operate his pepperbox pistol, not knowing that she would have to use it. And, be forewarned, some strange and ghostly tales, based on Ozark legends and lore, are red hot and deadly. An example is "The Monster at Peter Bottom Cave," by Shirleen Sando.

Though some stories are harrowing, many richly combine suspense, comedy, clued puzzles, with a few tidbits of wacky humor. In "Solitude" (Stephen D. Rogers) someone at the writers' retreat believed that the manuscript of a potential best-selling novel was worth killing for. In "Song of the Devil" (Kay Hively), Professor Collier gave the folks of Beulah more than the ability to sing in harmony.

In "Morning Coffee" (Betty Craker Henderson) combines murder and a warm cup of coffee, "Where's Mindy?" (Velda Brotherton) explores a cold, wet, and windy night when a ghostly Mindy knocked on Anna's door and then disappeared, for good. In "The College Dorm Secret" (Carolyn Gray Thornton), Alice has to let her secret out, but she doesn't care. She loves Tom too much. In Jane Hale's "Luck Stiff," Lucky and Teeka show the Bachelors Four how grave the funeral business really is with a you-can-take-it-with-you insurance policy. Can they really take the money with them, even in death? Find out in this fascinating tale.

Integrated pest management seems to be an alibi for murder in "Bobbing for Death," Edward Downie's delightful story. And anyone familiar with Ellen Gray Massey's masterful work will see the artist's brush strokes on the writer's canvas in "Life-Giving Oxygen," a story that makes readers wonder if evil can enter nightmares that kill.

Bored with the "killing" at the reenactment of the Civil War battle at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, the main character wanders over the grounds. Her friend, Henry, says that her curiosity will get her into trouble. But not this time, or does it? Find out in "The Man Who Cried 'David.'" (Radine Trees Nehring). And, in Ruth Ellen Massey's "Artificial Insemination with Shipped Semen in an Unusual Specie," readers will journey back to dragons and much more.

Mysteries of the Ozarks is a special, but ongoing project of Ozark Writers Inc. and under the hand of Editor Ellen Gray Massey, popular Ozark writers submitted stories, and nineteen were selected for the anthology. Each story, unique in form, style, and approach offers solutions as delightfully elaborate as anything out of the puzzle-loving popular mystery magazines.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 259 pages
• Publisher: Skyward Publishing (June 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1881554368
• ISBN-13: 978-1881554363
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,227,335 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the Best, July 10, 2004

By	Millie (Branson) - See all my reviews

Mysteries of the Ozarks is a must read for those seeking stories of the region and those looking to read quality literature. These tales will send chills down your spine, make you laugh, and most of all will keep you turning pages. It is the best of the best when it comes to ghost story and scary tales.

5.0 out of 5 stars Mysteries of the Ozarks, September 28, 2004

By	James Patrick Crane (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I grew up in the Ozarks, in the Southwest corner of Missouri 60 plus years ago. While reading this thoughtfully crafted book, I could almost hear my Grandfather, Father and uncles telling and re-creating (they re-created each story everytime they told it) the stories of the hills they knew and loved.

The nineteen stories are well written, and made me recall times long ago and near and dear to my heart. The next time I scramble for a cup of coffee, I will flash back to Gilda and Hannah as portrayed in Moring Coffee (by Betty Craker Henderson - a high school classmate of mine incidentally) - and think back to Toni's Cafe in Monett, Missouri in the 1950's.

Thanks for the memories - and a good read!

Patrick

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait for volume 2!, August 28, 2004

By	Deborah S. Blades (Lebanon, MO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love the idea of regionalized writings by local authors. Once you pick this up, you won't put it down. I especially like the short biography of each author at the end of their story. It adds a nice personal touch and gives you an idea of who they are and where they came from. There is so much talent in the Ozarks, and this book introduces the reader to several of the best writers of the region. The only complaint I have is that I have to wait for volume two!