Liz Adams Mysteries – Ruff Drafts

A Camping Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery
by Stacy Wilde

About A Camping Conundrum

A Camping Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – Poinsett Park, SC
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wild Hawk Press (April 28, 2025)
Number of Pages : 137 Pages
Hardcover ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8990783133
Paperback ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8990783126
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F6MCFQFT
Audio ASIN B0F7GMFQ58

A heart-pounding cozy mystery filled with twists, turns, and canine charm. Perfect for fans of page-turning whodunits and outdoor adventures!

Private Investigator Liz Adams isn’t thrilled when her husband, Brad, suggests a camping getaway to South Carolina’s picturesque Poinsett Park. The mention of camping brings back a haunting memory of a childhood Girl Scout trip that went terribly wrong. But for Brad, the park is a refuge—a chance to relive happy moments from his past.

The long weekend escape takes a dark turn when Brad discovers a woman’s lifeless body in the park’s peaceful lake. The victim, the landlady of a strip center in the neighboring town of Sumter, was notorious for making enemies among her tenants. With no shortage of motives but no clear suspects, Liz and her truth-sniffing Labrador, Duke, embark on a quest to identify the culprit.

As Liz races to uncover the truth and put the killer in jail, the couple experiences one camping disaster after another. Will justice be served? Or will an unexpected twist of karma change everything?

GUEST POST

Here’s an excerpt from the story, based on a real experience I had when I was ten years old:

During a Girl Scout trip to Audubon Park in New Orleans, we stayed in a cabin, and on the first night, men with pantyhose over their heads pressed their faces against the cabin’s windows. The camping trip was cut short, and I remember sitting in the car, trembling, while we waited for our counselors to finish speaking with the police.

My favorite Girl Scout counselor navigated the highway that led to the campground outside of Atlanta where we’d pitch our tents. Inside the van, the mood was festive, and I couldn’t wait to add the coveted camping badge to my collection of awards. The noise level escalated as the rowdy group of ten-year-olds chatted about our latest crushes and favorite TV shows. Our chaperones told us to keep the racket down several times.

After we arrived, we unloaded the camping gear, and the counselors demonstrated how to set up our tents. My friend and I wrestled with the poles for half an hour before we claimed victory. By dinner time, I was starving. Our troop collected logs, built a fire, and roasted a feast of hot dogs, baked beans, and corn on the cob. As a magical golden full moon rose, we sang songs and toasted marshmallows over the flames. I licked the melted chocolate that oozed out the side of a s’more, and my tastebuds tingled.

When it was time to clean up, clouds drifted overhead, and the sky darkened. Two men with pantyhose over their heads appeared out of nowhere. I trembled at the sight of their mushed faces. While they waved knives at the counselors, the men demanded money and food. The adults motioned for us to sit on nearby logs while they emptied their wallets into a paper sack. Several girls screamed, and the men shouted at us to shut up. My heart pounded in my chest. I clamped my hands over my ears and squeezed my eyes shut. When my friend nudged me and whispered, “They’re gone,” I lowered my shaking palms.

The adults called the cops and then ushered us into the van, where we huddled together until the police arrived. The sound of sobs filled the space, and I couldn’t stop shaking. We never completed the trip, so I never earned that badge—and I never went camping again.

About Stacy Wilder

Stacy Wilder writes mysteries, children’s stories, short stories, and poetry. Her mission is to deliver a delightful story to readers of all ages while benefiting a larger community. She donates a portion of the proceeds from the sales of her books to causes that help the homeless, both people and pets.

Beyond writing, Stacy is deeply devoted to her faith, family, and her beloved Labradors. She is also enthusiastic about the causes she supports, the beauty of art, the serenity of the beach, the adventure of travel, and the joy of reading.

She and her husband live in Houston, TX, with a totally spoiled Labrador named Eve.

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