Hippie Haven Homicide (Psychedelic Spy Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Publisher: Cozy Cat Press (May 21, 2020)
Paperback: 229 pages

Synopsis

Get ready to flip your wig over another groovy 1967 retro-cozy with actress and amateur spy Noelle McNabb. Spy agency SIAMESE (Special Intelligence Apparatus for Midwest Enemy Espionage and Surveillance) turns Noelle’s pet, Ceebee, into an “acoustic kitty” to listen in on an agent known only as Old Scratch. Meanwhile, a counterculture religious sect led by the Wise One infiltrates the staid town of Yuletide, Indiana. When one of the sect members makes a premature departure to the Spirit in the Sky, Noelle investigates, but finds herself in deep water—literally. With her undercover disguiser, Noelle really knows how to sock it to ‘em. However, she still can’t solve the secrets of a certain family member. Don’t miss this fab story of saints, sinners and spies!

Guest Post

Today we welcome Blossom from the Psychedelic Spy series. If you are a fan of the Austin Power’s movies and shows like Get Smart, you might want to check out this series. I think it will be right up your alley.

Blossom

My given name is Janet Campbell, but now I am known as Blossom, because I have recently grown and thrived, like a newly watered plant. I’ve discovered that to find a connection, I had to leave my old family for a new one.

My childhood in Homestead, Illinois, was blissful, until my mother died. Mom and I were quite close, and her passing left a huge gap in my heart. My father was devastated. Having to raise me alone didn’t agree with him. He remarried soon after mom was gone.

My stepmom was nothing like my real mom. Stepmom yelled at me and found fault in everything I did. My stepbrother tormented me constantly. When I complained to dad, it’s like he didn’t care. The fire went out of him when mom left us. As long as he had someone to run the household, he didn’t pay attention to me. He’d come home from work; eat dinner quickly, and retreat to his den to watch TV.
I thought I was doomed to a life of misery—until I met SPARK.

A friend invited me to SPARK rally that was happening in the local park. I had nothing else to do, and it gave me a good excuse to get away from stepmom for a while. SPARK is Spiritually Pure And Radiant Kin. They are devotees of the Wise One, a masterful guru who speaks of loving oneself and being in harmony with others. When I arrived, I was skeptical, but once I heard the Wise One speak I was overwhelmed with joy. The other devotees seemed so happy. I wanted that contentment for myself.

When the SPARK bus left town the next morning, I was on board. My boyfriend wasn’t happy. When I phoned him to tell him I was leaving, he threatened me. I didn’t care. I knew the Wise One would protect me.

SPARK takes care of us. First Sage handles our needs. He arranges for housing and food as we travel to make new recruits. He provides the blue robes and sandals that we wear. Wise One spends most of his time in mediation and writing. Wise One blesses us with his appearance only occasionally, but when he speaks the waiting seems like seconds.

Our days are quite busy. We spend much time in learning, singing and dancing. We play games and have fun. The Wise One calls us his “children,” so he tells us to behave like innocent, sweet children. In the towns we visit we “witness,” that is, we share SPARK literature with the residents and request donations to support our cause. We want others to share in our happiness. Many people shun or insult us. We still wish them well. Wise One tells us to never think ill of anyone; they act that way because their minds are clouded by the material world.

The other devotees are so friendly. Many of them were bummed and lost, as I was, but are now at peace.

I have had only one unpleasant experience with my new family. I did something that I was not supposed to do. Someone was very upset with me over this. I was scared and sad. But later that evening as I was chanting with my brothers and sisters, I felt better. I will simply work harder to do better next time.

We are now in a small town in Indiana called Yuletide. It’s such a funny place. The streets and stores have Christmassy-names. The town mayor, who spoke to us when we arrived, showed up in a Santa Claus suit. He plays Kris Kringle at the local Christmas theme park. The police chief doesn’t like us though. He called us dirty hippies. His mind is clouded by much hate.

One of the residents, Noelle McNabb, is very kind. She wants to be my friend. I like her a lot, but First Sage told me not to talk to her.
Since the hotels would not rent rooms to us, the devotees are staying at the Holiday Acres campgrounds. One day I found a note on my cabin bunk. It said someone wanted to meet me at the fire pit by the lake. While the other devotees were busy, I slipped away to the fire pit to meet this person. I wonder who—

(Blossom’s post breaks off here. A short time later, Noelle found the body beside the fire pit. Noelle suspects foul play, and is investigating the death).

About the Author

Sally Carpenter is native Hoosier living in Moorpark, Calif.

She has a master’s degree in theater from Indiana State University. While in school, her plays “Star Collector” and “Common Ground” were finalists in the American College Theater Festival One-Act Playwrighting Competition. “Common Ground” also earned a college creative writing award. “Star Collector” was produced in New York City and served as the inspiration for her first mystery series.

Sally also has a Master of Divinity and a black belt in tae kwon do.

She’s worked as an actress, college writing instructor, jail chaplain, and tour guide/page for Paramount Pictures.

The books in her Sandy Fairfax Teen Idol series are: The Baffled Beatlemaniac Caper (2012 Eureka! Award finalist for best first mystery novel), The Sinister Sitcom Caper, The Cunning Cruise Ship Caper, and The Quirky Quiz Show Caper, all with Cozy Cat Press.

Flower Power Fatality is the first book in the Psychedelic Spy series.

She has short stories in three anthologies: Last Exit to Murder, Plan B: Omnibus, and Cozy Cat Shorts. She penned chapter three of the CCP group mystery Chasing the Codex.

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