Book 3–Chapters 13 & 14 Excerpts

Welcome back, Readers!

Here are two more excerpts from Walnut Street: Phantom Rider as we anticipated the book’s release on November 9, 2021.

I hope you enjoy these.

 

From Chapter 13, “Meow!” 

Everyone is ready to head to the campgrounds for the night’s sleepover. But Lionel forgot something and has permission from Mrs. Mayfield to hurry to the bunkhouse to retrieve it.

 

Lionel made it to the bunkhouse in record time. “Phew! It’s hot in here,” he said out loud once he was inside. The room was, indeed, warm and stuffy from the midafternoon desert heat that had settled in the sleeping quarters. Instead of flipping on the air conditioner for such a quick visit, he ran over and opened the back door. He stood on the threshold for a few seconds to let the cooler air rush over himself while gazing dreamily out into the gathering dusk.

Remembering his mission and its time limit, he turned and ran to the closet. There was his small suitcase on the floor. . . .

“Come on!” he shouted at the flaps. “Hey. Somebody must have locked my suitcase. Grr!” He had to figure out something fast to preserve his secret. One of the adults or kids might show up if he took too much longer.

Right at that second, however, a new problem loomed that would make his suitcase issue minor in comparison. A distinct panting sound caused Lion to look up immediately. “What the—?” he started to say as he quickly turned to see its source.

 

From Chapter 14, “By the Light of the Campfire” 

After lots of fun and a scrumptious meal in front of the campfire, Uncle Rocky, Catherine, Lionel, and Gracie head to their tents to go to bed. The older kids stay up for some “teen time.”

 

The five teens sat in silence savoring the nighttime, each other’s company, and the dwindling glow of the campfire. The waxing gibbous moon had risen high over the desert. Quiet blanketed the land with only an occasional mournful call from a distant coyote or a wide-awake red-tailed hawk’s screech. Sleepiness was beginning to overtake them one by one.

Unexpectedly, Lanny jumped to his feet. “Ben, what’s that?” He pointed high up into the mountains that formed the northwestern edge of the Mayfields’ ranch property. Indeed, a dim glow seemed to be emanating from somewhere behind one of the outcroppings.

“Beats me,” Ben said. “There’s nothing up there except rocks and trees.”

“Maybe someone’s camping out up there,” Lexi said, now on her feet.

“Or maybe someone’s lost, and that’s an enormous flashlight,” Rani offered.

“Whoever it is, they’re trespassing on Mayfield property,” Moki replied.

Ben nodded. “I’ve got an idea. What if two of us ride Jet and see how close we can get to

the source?”

Book 3–Chapters 11 & 12 Excerpts

Hi, Readers,

These chapter excerpts continue our march toward the November 9th release of Walnut Street: Phantom Rider. I hope you’re enjoying them!

 

From Chapter 11, “A Rough Start”

The next morning, after a rough start but a delicious breakfast, the saddle club kids left for the horse arena. The six detectives were about to begin another day’s investigating when the house phone rang. Cody’s veterinarian, Dr. Jameson, was on the line.

 

The six detectives turned to leave as well, but the landline phone in the living room rang. Ben picked it up. It was Dr. Jameson. They spoke all too briefly. Lanny immediately sensed the veterinarian had not found out anything that would help them identify the horse and rider.

Ben confirmed the bad news. “She said Lightning doesn’t appear to have been registered, and the local farrier hasn’t worked on a white Arabian stallion for many years.”

“Well, at least we now know we’ll have to keep investigating about that,” Lexi said with a shrug. She pushed past the others and out the front door while positioning her large straw western hat on her head.

 

From Chapter 12, “Gold Mine Search”

 The six detectives are on the northern rim of the mountains overlooking Gold Mine Acres Ranch. They had split off into two teams—the girls in one, and the boys in another—to search for Papa’s gold mine.

 

After the boys had traveled a ways, Ben said, “Hey, guys, come check this out.” He had slid off Jet and slowly walked a short distance toward some brush. Lanny jumped off Sam, hoping Ben had found the entrance to Papa’s gold mine or at least some gold-bearing ore. No such luck.

“I think it’s a rattlesnake den in an old rabbit warren,” Ben said. “Yup, here are some rattlesnake droppings at the entrance. Rattlesnakes like to keep their dens clean, so they push the waste out.”

Moki stayed on his mount. “Oh, great. First a snake den with possible fangs of death. Then snake poop. Count me out. Ben, maybe you can find a new friend—like Lanny!—who can get behind your weird reptilian interests.” He shuddered knowing snakes were nearby. The three boys exchanged grins.

Lanny was, indeed, interested and spent a moment looking. “Cool, Ben, but time’s flying. We need to get back to searching for the mine.”

Ben agreed and remounted Jet. Moki was happy to put some distance between himself and the den of doom.

Meanwhile, the girls’ team had focused on the rocks and trees defining the hillside. . . .

Book 3–Chapters 9 & 10 Excerpts

Hi, Kids and All,

As promised, the Book 3 excerpts continue as we anticipate the November 9 release of Walnut Street: Phantom Rider.

I hope you saw the book’s cover reveal last week. In case not, I’ve included it below.

 

From Chapter 9, “An Aunt and an Uncle”

 

During dinner, everyone discusses getting some kitchen help quickly for injured Aunt Maisie.

 

“I better be up and about by morning, or there won’t be any breakfast,” Aunt Maisie said shaking her head. She stared at the plate of food she’d hardly touched.

Mrs. Mayfield replied, “Oh no you don’t. Walk on that foot too soon, and no dancing for you come party time Saturday night. We’ll just all get up earlier and pitch in.” Her worried look and tone of voice were not lost on Lanny.

“I have an idea,” the boy said. “Let’s call Uncle Rocky. I bet he’d come out and help in a flash.” Rocky Donovan, or “Uncle Rocky,” as everyone called the gravelly-voiced man, was the Wyatt-Marlton family’s friend, cook, and houseman. He and Dr. Wyatt were long-time friends, having met at one of Dr. Wyatt’s archaeological excavation sites. Uncle Rocky had been employed by the twins’ parents a few years before the two kids were born.

Aunt Maisie’s fork stopped in midair. “A man? In my kitchen? No, thank you.”

“But Uncle Rocky is the best chow jockey this side of the Rockies,” Moki replied.

“And he’s a sweet, charming teddy bear who always insists on a spotless kitchen after cooking,” Lexi added. “You’re gonna love him.” She left out the part about him liking an occasional cigar.

 

From Chapter 10, “The Phantom Rides Again”

 

The six older kids were given permission to stay up a bit later, so they could do some cooking. After cleaning up the kitchen, they were ready to head to bed.

 

A few minutes before ten o’clock, the [six detectives] headed for the back porch door, having decided to go to the bunkhouse by way of the backyard. No sooner had Ben switched off the kitchen lights when the kids heard what sounded like a horse approaching from a distance. Approaching thunderously.

“That’s the sound I heard before,” Ben whispered, careful not to mention the Phantom Rider in front of Gracie. But it didn’t matter now.

“Gracie, stop!” he shouted, reaching to keep her from opening the screen door. It was too late.

Book 3–Chapters 7 & 8 Excerpts

Hi, Kids and All Readers,

I’m back with more excerpts as we anticipate the November 9 release of Walnut Street: Phantom Rider.

If you’re seeing this today, September 9, on my news page, it’s also Cover Reveal Day! I’ve added it below. I think the Phantom looks scary! I hope you do, too.

 

From Chapter 7, “Horse Sense and the Law”

 

The six detectives continue questioning Cody residents and are now at the sheriff’s office talking to Sheriff Buckley and Deputy Buchanan.

 

“It’s too bad more kids aren’t taking advantage of the great opportunity your parents are providing at the ranch,” the sheriff said with a head shake.

Ben shrugged and replied as politely as he could, “Maybe if we find out who’s been stealing things from the ranch, it’ll get more families back on board.”

The sheriff frowned. “Any more thefts out there since my last visit?”

“Yes,” Ben replied, then sighed. “Jax, our hired hand, told my dad this morning that more bridles and some spurs were taken last night. Dad’s going to call you about it later today to report it. Oh, and here’s another note the thief left. It was tacked to the barn door.” Ben handed the note to the sheriff, who observed that it was made from letters cut out and glued to a piece of dirty, crumpled paper like the last one. It read, “Get out now, or next, you will be injured!”

 

 

From Chapter 8, “Important Ranch Discussions”

 

The four Botanic Hill Detectives are back at the ranch and decide to question the two hired hands about the white Arabian stallion Lightning.

 

The kids were on their feet, heading for the stables, with Rani already out in front as usual. They found the two hired hands busy finishing the grooming and stabling of Bella, Zippy, and Mrs. Mayfield’s horse for the night. . . .

The kids stood there for a minute watching the men, hoping the two might remember something about the Arabian horse. But nothing more was said, so they turned to leave. . . . But as the four started to head toward the bunkhouse to clean up, they heard a scream followed by a moan. It came from the back of the ranch house.

Book 3–Chapters 5 & 6 Excerpts

Hello, Kids, and All Readers,

           Anticipating the November 9 release of Walnut Street: Phantom Rider, I am continuing to share excerpts from two chapters every Thursday via my weekly News Blog at

(sherrilljoseph.com/news).

As a preview of coming attractions this fall, here are some scenes from Chapters 5 and 6:

 

From Chapter 5, “Papa Mayfield’s Treasure Box”

 

A discussion of the ranch’s different kinds of horses occupied the lunch feast of barbecued-beef sandwiches, potato salad, green beans with bacon

bits, a huge homemade apple pie—compliments of neighboring ranchers and friends Mr. and Mrs. Hollister— vanilla ice cream, and all the milk the

kids could drink.

Catherine dug into her thick slice of pie, then touched Mrs. Mayfield’s arm and whispered, “I think I’m already getting to like it here.” The two exchanged big smiles.

After eating the last bite of pie on his plate, Lanny set his fork down and asked, “Mr. Mayfield, do you have any information here at the ranch about Papa Mayfield?”

“You must have read my mind, Lanny,” he replied. “Ben and I are planning to show you detectives Papa’s big treasure box as soon as you’re finished eating.”

 

 

From Chapter 6, “Horseback Ride to Cody” 

 

[The six detectives] immediately spotted a beefy, middle-aged man in a cowboy hat sitting at a desk behind the big front counter. His nameplate

identified him as “Parker Wells, Assayer.”

“Well, hello, Ben and Gracie,” Mr. Wells said over the top of his newspaper as he rocked in his squeaky wooden chair. “What brings you kids in here

today? And who are your friends?”

“Hi, Mr. Wells,” Ben said with a wave.

He and Gracie introduced the detectives by their names but left out their detective titles. During their ride, Lanny had asked them not to draw attention to their case. “We have some questions

for you.” Ben looked at Lanny, who took his cue.

The boy got right to the point. “Mr. Wells, we’re wondering if you have a record of the claim for Papa Mayfield’s mine from the 1870s.”

 

So, get a clue, all Readers. Keep returning to my website each Thursday into November at sherrilljoseph.com/news for the next set of excerpts. I hope you’re enjoying them.

And please don’t forget to check my website events page on September 9 for the Cover Reveal for Walnut Street: Phantom Rider at sherrilljoseph.com/events. I think you’ll like it!

Book 3–Chapters 3 & 4 Excerpts

Hello, Kids and All Readers,

Anticipating the November 9 release of Walnut Street: Phantom Rider, I am continuing to share excerpts from two chapters every Thursday via my weekly News Blog (sherrilljoseph.com/news).

As a preview of coming attractions this fall, here are some scenes from Chapters 3 and 4:

 

From Chapter 3, “The Phantom Rider”

 

The Botanic Hill detectives were glad to finally know the details Moki had been keeping secret about the strange occurrences at the Mayfields’ mountain ranch. Ben’s additional revelation about a “Phantom Rider” certainly added more intrigue to their new mystery case.

“You said ‘him’ when referring to the Phantom Rider,” Lanny replied as the group huddled in Ben’s room. “How do you know it’s a guy?”

“Because of the way he sat in the saddle. And because he’s very tall and muscular.”

“Details, dude, details,” Moki added. “Give us the what, when, where, why, and how.”

“Please start with where and when you saw him,” Lexi said with her arms behind her back, resisting the urge to grab Ben’s forearm. She had a bad habit of squeezing skin when she was anxious or trying to pry information out of someone. It especially drove Lanny crazy.

“Well, the first time was about a month ago when my family and I were at the ranch house for the most recent saddle club session. I was woken late one night by the sound of a horse approaching. My room is on the second floor facing north, overlooking the side yard with a view of the barn and bunkhouse. I looked out the open window to investigate. The moon was full, so I could see him clear as day right below me.” Ben’s whole body shivered.

Rani said, “Ben, I know you’re nervous, but I need to ask. What exactly did you see? And why do you call him ‘the Phantom Rider’?” She felt her own heart beating faster as Ben spoke.

“I saw a man on a skittish white Arabian stallion between the barn and the ranch house. The guy sat tall in the saddle, the reins held high, leading the horse to rear up. Like something out of a corny old Western movie. As I said, the moon was full and bright, but the man was almost invisible. That’s why I call him a phantom.”

“Invisible?” Rani blurted. “Can you explain what you mean?”

 

From Chapter 4, “Off to Gold Mine Acres Ranch”

 

The large group, including the two Saddle Club kids Lionel and Catherine, and the detectives arrive with the Mayfields at Gold Mine Acres Ranch. After getting settled into the bunk house, they are escorted to the main house to meet the cook Aunt Maisie and have lunch.

 

Finally, the group walked toward the state-designated historic ranch house. It was an enormous two-story, brown wooden building with a covered porch. There was a bronze plaque near the front door commemorating the house being built by Papa Mayfield in 1875. Each generation of the proud family had carefully maintained the property and preserved its historical integrity.

A tall, older woman with short-cropped, curly gray hair and a chef’s apron around her narrow waist held open the front door. “Come in, come in,” she said brightly. She was introduced to the kids as Aunt Maisie. The woman smiled and shook hands with Lionel, Catherine, and the squad members, not forgetting to exchange hugs with Gracie and Ben. “Welcome to Gold Mine Acres Ranch. I bet you’re all hungry as bears after that long drive.” . . .

Aunt Maisie had excused herself and gone into the kitchen to get the platters and bowls of food. But instead of the meal emerging, the kitchen erupted with Aunt Maisie’s ear-splitting scream.

 

 

So, get a clue, Readers. Check for more excerpts on my blog every Thursday, or stay tuned for my end-of-month newsletters where I compile them for you. I hope you’re getting excited about the November 9 release. I am! And please don’t forget to check my website events page on September 9 for the Cover Reveal for Walnut Street: Phantom Rider at sherrilljoseph.com/events. I think you’ll like it!