Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here and I’m back again to tell you all about an amazing new collaboration with a great friend and fellow DETECTIVE, Melissa Tejada! Melissa is a fantastic writer with tons of aspirations in the creative writing aspect and plenty more of her choice. Please feel free to check out her Instagram tag below, literameli. Melissa has chosen to write a brief murder mystery short story full of thriller, suspense, and with plenty of clues for you to solve and sleuth through! So, it is my great pleasure that without any further ado, read on DETECTIVES!

Oh, My Mother

By MELISSA TEJADA 

I stood there in my dress an hour before I had to be there. Prom is such a stressful time, especially when you must out dress everyone present. Of course, I am going to be prom queen. Why wouldn’t I be? I do wish my parents were around for this though. Now they are off on another trip around the world. They are in Australia, I think. I cannot keep track anymore. 

I hear the doorbell ring and I rush down the turning red stairs for what feels like eternity and almost slam myself into my ten feet front doorway. I get butterflies in my stomach thinking about the man standing on the other side of this door. Still turning in my head whether this man I have been talking to is going to murder me tonight. 

“First night meeting, and I never bothered to fit check him before allowing him to escort me to prom.” I whisper to myself, frustrated at my miscalculation. We have been talking for weeks but is this how I want to start the relationship. Is this how I want to get back at my dad? By dating older men, I met online? Not that he cares. 

I push all this down and open with a wide smile. I might be crumbling inside, but the moment I show weakness the world will realize it has a crack to break into.

“Why hello there my knight in shining armor.” He appears with a BMW limo, and I am taken aback. At this rate, I can disown my father completely. “

So, she’s legal and beautiful,” he says with a grin on his face. His looming stare makes me uncomfortable. My birthday was two months ago, and ever since then I have been speaking to Maxim. He is an entrepreneur, rich beyond compare, not richer than my father but enough to cut ties. 

“Let’s get this over with.” I grab him by his tie and lure him into the car. 

We were driving for about fifteen minutes, and something feels off. My gut is wrenching, and my intuition tells me Maxim is planning something. He is checking his phone every two minutes, I counted, and his body language seems tense. I look out the window to see we have detoured. 

I try to keep my calm, “so, did I meet your expectations? Or were you waiting until we were in an enclosed off space to learn how to set things in motion?” I say, trying to disarm him. He places his hand on my knee and slowly rises his hands up to my thigh.

 “We certainly don’t have to wait until later” he says with his lips next to my ear, breathing down into my neck. “Is that where we’re going now?” I croaked out, trying to keep the mood I have set for information. If there was one thing my father taught me, is to use all tools at my disposal, sexuality being one of them. That, however, does not seem to work here. He breaks our touch, and we stop at an abandoned factory. 

“Where are we?” Maxim sees my anxiety rising and at once produces an excuse, “simply a quick business meeting with a client. I promise it won’t be long.” My heart sinks into my chest and I am convinced I am getting sold off into prostitution or that I will end up being one of those kids on tv found on the side of the road in black bags and pieces. 

Two hours have passed now and I’m still waiting in the car. I’ve thought of different escape routes and can’t wrap my head around getting away from the driver. I’m in heels, there’s no way I’m outrunning this. I’ve had enough of this and muster up the courage to step inside the factory. There is no way that I’m missing this prom when I’ve been prepping and negotiating, setting up and building my reputation for months to make prom queen. It’s my right. I walk in on a bunch of men on metal, foldable chairs, sitting in a circle, guns in hand. As soon as I open the door, all the men jump out of their chairs with their guns pointed at my face. 

“What the hell are you doing in here, you were supposed to wait in the car!” Maxim shouts at me, face red, trembling. Why is he trembling? 

“The hell I am going to wait, this is the most important night of my life and I’m an hour late because you have scheduling issues, we need to go now!” I will not back down. I’ve let enough people walk all over me. 

“Alicia, what the hell is the meaning of this?” A tall, 6’5 man steps out from behind Maxim, and I instantly recognize his face. This time, I turn pale, and I feel like my knees are going to give out. “Dad?”  

Stay tuned for the next part of this most intriguing short story, DETECTIVES. I hope it has hooked your interest as it has me. Feel free to let me know if you are interested in seeing more collaborations with other awesome DETECTIVES, like Melissa!

Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!

Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here and I’m here to give you another fun history lesson but this one is also super short and truly jaw dropping. This week, we are going to talk about three famous genocides or in simple terms, mass murders in history! But…. murder mystery edition of course! So sit back, relax, and grab your magnifying glass while I take you back in time, DETECTIVES!

1. August Yogurt Shop Murders in 1991

In 1991, Austin Texas, four teenage girls were murdered by an unknown individual(s) inside an I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt! A fire had first occurred and once police noticed, they found a gruesome scene. The victims were thirteen year old Amy Ayers, seventeen year old Eliza Thomas, seventeen year old Jennifer Harbison and her fifteen year old sister, Sarah and were all found nude and slain execution style in the back of their heads. To this day, the murders have not been solved.

2. Burger Chef Murders of 1978

Burger Chef was a fast food restaurant chain that closed down in the late 90s. Now, I know, DETECTIVES, for many of us, I never heard of it either and seems a shame for a mass murder to occur? I mean, can you imagine a murder happening at McDonalds? Anyhow, in Indiana 1978, four Burger Chef employees were found dead when another employee came in around midnight and found the money safe open and the restaurant empty. Initially, the site was considered a robbery gone bad or that the employees had stolen money from the chain themselves. When the victims were found, they were all wearing their Burger Chef uniforms in the woods of Johnson County. Unfortunately, the case has not moved forward in discovering just who the killer(s) were.

3. Ardenwald Axe Murders of 1911

In 1911, Portland, Oregon, just like the Villisca Axe Murders of 1912, a family of four were found bludgeoned to death with an axe. The female victims were sexually assaulted and it was considered perhaps to be sexually motivated. The murderer(s) is yet to be discovered.

4. Lane Bryant Shooting of 2008

Five women were shot and killed with only one surviving victim, a part time employee. The shooter was described as an African American man with cornrows in his hair with a receding hairline; however, he or she has yet to be revealed.

Such tragedies that have yet to be solved but who knows, DETECTIVES, perhaps if you sleuth, you may be the one to solve the crimes listed above or even much more. You have such amazing potential DETECTIVES and let’s check out much more secrets together!

Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!

Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here and I’m back again to give you another history lesson but no worries, this one is short and fascinating too. This time, I’m going to tell you all about 2 unsolved murders and 2 famous murders. Feel free to let me know in the COMMENTS if you would like to have any future history lessons, DETECTIVE WRITER style!

1. The Villisca Axe Murders of 1912

One dark June night, six children and two adults were mysteriously bludgeoned to death with an axe by an unknown person(s). To this day, no one knows who the perpetrator actually was despite suspecting a local reverend may have been the culprit, nor the motives behind the murders, especially since the youngest victim was only five years old. The family of six with two house guests were found brutally slain with severe head wounds and the only witness to the horrific crime still stands today. However, if you wish to see the house for yourself, tours are offered daily and you may even have a chance to sleep overnight. 

https://www.villiscaiowa.com/

2. Chicago Tylenol murders

In 1982, over seven people were poisoned to death with cyanide found in their Tylenol meds. Copycat murders soon followed. To this day, no one even has a clue who managed to lace cyanide in medicine; however, it showed the nation a lesson to take precaution on where you receive or purchase any type of over the counter meds and drugs.

3. The Murder of Tupac Shakur  (1971 – 1996)

Oh, goodness, what could be said to emphasize the raw talent and power of this great rapper, Tupac? New Yorker born and raised, sold over 75 million records, and considered to be one of the best selling music artists of all time even after his death couldn’t do him justice. Unforunately, his successful rapping career came to an end when he was killed in a drive by shooting when he and Suge Knight were stopped at a red light. No one knows who did it nor why even though there have been quite a number of suspects but none strong enough to get a conviction. 

4. The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey (1990 – 1996)

As if life couldn’t get any more unfair, this beautiful six year old girl was found dead by her dad in their house basement with a broken skull, stranglation, and much worse. She was initially declared missing but once she was found, her death was ruled a homicide. Her parents were accused of being her killer(s); nonetheless, her case remains open and unsolved.

I hope this short lesson has kept you all intrigued, DETECTIVES, who knows? Perhaps if we all come together in search for clues, maybe we can get one step closer to solving any of these cases! Let me know if you want any more lessons, DETECTIVES!

Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!

Hey there, DETECTIVES! It’s me, DETECTIVE WRITER here. This week, we are going to talk about a brand new topic: the most petrifying and unreal serial killers both known and unknown. That’s right, we’re going do a short history lesson but don’t you worry, it’s fun and sweet well for me at least! But all jokes aside, let’s get started…

1. Ted Bundy (1946 – 1989)

Now, I know we have all heard of him thanks to childhood crush and High School Musical star, Zac Efron and a few articles of him popping up and about, but Mr. Ted Bundy was one charming man who led dozens of innocent women and young ladies to their horrific deaths during the 1970s. Investigators have speculated that Bundy’s killing spree may have started much earlier than the 70s as several bodies were found murdered in similar manners as Bundy’s victims. For some particular reason, Bundy kept some of his victim’s severed heads as mementos as though he wasn’t terrifyingly strange enough. 

2. Jack the Ripper (Unknown)

I know we have all heard of this strange individual once or twice before but the fact that no one has no idea just who he or she is, makes them even more strange. Jack the Ripper was an unidentified serial killer who is believed to have committed over five gruesome murders between the late 1880s through the early 1890s. There have been a few assumptions over who the killer could have been or if there was more than one but unfortunately, there is no actual way of knowing.

3. The Zodiac Killer (Unknown)

An unknown serial killer who targeted couples, only two men have survived. He or she is believed to have committed a murder spree through 1960s through 1970s but tragically, similar to Jack the Ripper, no one has no way of knowing who the perpetrator actually is because he or she made sure of that.

4. Pedro Lopez (1948 – ?)

No, DETECTIVES, not the baseball player- the serial killer. This individual is from Columbia and has reported to have committed over 300 murders of young women and sexually assaulted over 100 young girls. I would truly love to say this individual is behind bars but sadly, he was released in 1998 due to “Good behavior” and in 2002, he was reported to have murdered someone else but no one knows where he is to this day.

5. Jeffrey Dahmer (1960 – 1994)

This individual had murdered more than 17 young men and boys, perhaps over some kind of fetish and even kept photos of some of his victims mutilated bodies. In order to hide the corpses, he kept a vat of acid. He was killed in 1994 by one of his fellow intimates, Christopher Scarver.

I know, these people are scary but don’t worry, DETECTIVES, the longer we continue to solve crimes, the more we can help make the world a much better world through positivity and faith. Just one day at a time.

Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!

Hey there, DETECTIVES!

Let’s try a new perspective!

DETECTIVE WRITER here

Might make you disappear

Wanna give you a thriller

But don’t run in terror

A woman walks late at night

Hoping she don’t catch a fright

She doesn’t notice

A gun loaded

She slumps over

A stranger holds composure

Bleeding rapidly

Makes no sense with tragedy

Killer runs away

No plans to stay

The moon is witness

When it got down to business

Murder was the mystery

With a pinch of bewitchery

Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!

Hey there, DETECTIVES! I hope you are having a great night. DETECTIVE WRITER, here to show you some of the best mocktails and cocktails provided by Tasty, an app and website designed to help non chefs like MOI, get some food and drinks made by us. Now, you don’t have to get your drink on if you choose not to, you can always have fun sober or with a little bit of spice. I guarantee you DETECTIVES, that once you try either of one of these you’ll definitely want to go out sleuthing. Of course, if you wish to substitute or change anything, feel free since it’s your beverage! Recipes will be provided in the links below. 

1. Candy Corn Cocktail

2. The Vampire Cocktail

3. Ice Zombie

4. Queen Of Hearts Cocktail

5. Spicy Smokey Potion

6. The Black Forest

7. Strawberry Coconut Cooler Mocktail

8. Roseberry Mule Mocktail

I hope you enjoy these fancy schmancy beverages, DETECTIVES, because you deserve to treat yourself, whether for a nice date night at home, game night, or just a night to unwind after work. Happy Friyay, all day any day, DETECTIVES!

Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!

Hey there, DETECTIVES!

DETECTIVE WRITER here and coming to tell you that we have yet to talk about something that all of us if not most of listen to all the time, music! Whether it’s a soft tune, rock hard songs, or even baby songs or international music, we all listen to what we like! But I bet you haven’t heard much of songs that are based on real life crimes, murder mysteries, and much more that have the power to truly send a chill up your spine or goosebumps all over your body. Please feel free to check out the provided links below. However, I must warn you, some of these videos may be a bit graphic so just a heads up. I won’t spoil anything but trust me, these songs explain enough! Happy listening, DETECTIVES!

1. “Darkness” by Eminem

2. “Son of Sam” by Dead Boys

3. “Hurricane” by Bob Dylan

4. “Suffer Little Children” by The Smiths

5. “Stan” by Eminem

Trust me, DETECTIVES! If you seek a spooky time, these songs will definitely put you in a mood!

Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!

Hey there, DETECTIVES! 

DETECTIVE WRITER here to tell you to consider getting this cool “Hunt a Killer” game. I recently purchased it from Amazon and I have to say, it’s amazing. 

Now, I won’t spoil anything but you and your group become the DETECTIVES! You solve the crime whether it be in another setting, time period, etc. It’s a murder mystery game and you help Private Investigator, Michelle Gray solve who did it, how, and why. I must tell you, DETECTIVES, I can’t think of a better way to have a great time!

Also, for more information, please feel free to check out the game’s website provided here!

Through the website, you have the option to use a payment plan or monthly membership or from Amazon, either a one-time payment for a game or the whole set for almost $200. Check out the FAQ here!

Trust me, I know the cost can be a bit much but only choose what you feel is right for you and I guarantee you will have a terrific time!

Hey there, DETECTIVES!! It’s me, DETECTIVE WRITER again! Coming to your screens whether big or small, to talk about another favorite of mine, Lifetime! This channel slash website has thousands of mystery films based on true crime, psychological thrillers, murder mysteries, and tons of intense suspense! Anyways, here are a few of my favorite recommendations!

1. Lizzie Borden Took an Ax (2014)

Based on the real-life trial of a young woman named Lizzie who was accused of killing her father and stepmother with an ax, Christina Ricci- the little girl who played Wednesday in The Addams Family takes the role of Lizzie to another level.

2. Sitter Cam (2014)

A woman must fight to protect her family after her new nanny bonds tremendously with both her child and husband.

3. The Wrong Bed: Naked Pursuit (2017)

Two strangers, a man and a woman wake up in bed together naked and handcuffed with one another with no memory of what happened. In order to find out the truth, they set off for a dangerous and deadly journey.

4. Sorority Surrogate (2014)

A surrogate mother in college faces grave danger with the unborn child’s grandmother the moment the baby’s parents die in an accident.

Feel free to check out any of these films, DETECTIVES! I promise you won’t regret it- you will get the night of your life! Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!

Hey there, DETECTIVES! We’re back with some more Hallmark but none of the mushy love stuff. But some good old-fashioned Hallmark murder mystery movies that turn you into an officer of the mystery! Spine-tingling and pure creativity will flow through your veins. Check out my recommendations below!

1. Crossword Mysteries: Proposing Murder (2019)

Mean Girls Gretchen Wieners heads uptown to New York City and undergoes a complete transformation as a crossword lover who partners with NYPD Lieutenant O’Connor to find murderers with a bit of help from puzzles.

2. Murder She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery (2015)

Alison Sweeney stars as Hannah Swensen who is a fantastic baker and like many before her, has to solve a murder with a handsome colleague, Mike Kingston played by Cameron Mathison.

3. Wedding Planner Mystery (2014)

A wedding planner is suspected of murder and kidnapping and she sets off to clear her name.

Obviously, I am a major Hallmark Movies and Mysteries! I definitely recommend you watch these films for yourselves, DETECTIVES! Like I said before, leave a comment if you do or even let me know of any films you think I should write about or any favorite mysteries of yours from Hallmark! Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!