avatarCarolyn F. Chryst, Ph.D.

Summary

Gwen's deceptive attempt to have Charlene fired unravels when her past crimes are exposed, leading to her arrest and the discovery of her first husband's remains.

Abstract

In a concise murder mystery narrative, Gwen, a sweet tea drinker with a penchant for lying, tries to sabotage Charlene's job. Charlene, however, confronts Gwen's web of lies with unwavering truths. The plot thickens when hikers discover the skeletal remains of Gwen's first husband in the West Texas Mountains, complete with a note indicating Gwen's involvement in his demise. As Gwen is taken into custody, the sound of her falsehoods echoes in the clicks of her heels, symbolizing her downfall.

Opinions

  • The story portrays Charlene as a righteous character with a strong sense of justice, as she is described as an "archer armed with truth."
  • Gwen is characterized as a manipulative individual who resorts to deceit to achieve her goals, which ultimately leads to her arrest.
  • The narrative implies that Gwen's past actions, including the abandonment and possible murder of her first husband, were motivated by self-interest and a disregard for human life.
  • The discovery of the note in the shirt pocket adds a layer of irony, suggesting that Gwen's first husband was aware of her intentions, and his words serve as a posthumous triumph over her attempts to escape justice.
  • The use of the metaphor "clicking in time with her heels" as Gwen is led away in handcuffs poetically underscores the inevitability of her comeuppance.

Murder mystery in 75 words

Bloodied Trail

Wherever She Trod

Photo by Shelby Cohron on Unsplash

Sweet tea drawler, Gwen, speakin’ lies and half-truths tried to get Charlene fired.

Covering up what? mused Charlene.

Charlene, archer armed with truth, hit target dead-center revealing countless lies.

Gwen, hauled away, hand-cuffed could hear her lies clicking in time with her heels.

Not Charlene’s arrows, but unearthed bones in West Texas Mountains, Gwen’s first husband, found by hikers.

Note in shredded shirt pocket,

“Gwen left me for dead, guess she won”

Murder Mystery
Novel
Challenge
Writing Prompts
75 Word Poem
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