Case File 4: Scarlett Newcastle

by Thomas Lockhaven, Grace Lockhaven (editor)

Crime podcasters, teen detectives Ava, Carol, and Derik are about to take their most perplexing murder mystery yet, a 100-year-old cold case.
The intrepid detectives dive into another thrilling cold case for their podcast, this time investigating the century-old murder of Scarlett Newcastle, a psychic killed with her own crystal ball. The only suspect, con artist Samuel Caldwell, disappeared without a trace before he could be arrested. But as Ava, Carol, and Derik dig into the case, it’s clear there’s more to this story than meets the eye.
Their investigation leads them to the eerie halls of the Livingston Players Community Theater, the former site of Scarlett's home. What starts as a search for clues quickly turns deadly when Ava is attacked, and strange warnings are sent to stop them in their tracks. Why would someone go to such lengths to protect a case that’s been cold for 100 years? And what secrets are buried deep within this forgotten mystery?As the clock ticks, the trio races to uncover the truth behind Scarlett's death—but the closer they get, the more dangerous their mission becomes. Is the past about to reveal something that no one is ready to face?
Fans of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys will be hooked by the heart-pounding twists and suspense of Case File 4: Scarlett Newcastle.
Join Ava, Carol, and Derik in this edge-of-your-seat adventure—buy Case File 4: Scarlett Newcastle now and unravel the mystery before it unravels them!

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2024

About the author

So grateful to have won the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award! Thank you!

You can blame my 7th grade English teacher, Mr. Ownby. I began writing mysteries in middle school, with gripping titles like, The Secret in The Swamp and The Ghost of Hollow Lake—Mr. Ownby, would kindly read them, and then encourage me to keep writing and reading the classics. His words, some day I'll be reading your mysteries with the rest of the world inspired me.

Forty years later, I was able to fulfill my dreams and become a full time writer. When I began writing, I decided that my books would be a safe-haven from the real world. My children's series all have strong messages of perseverance, thinking outside the box, friendship and loyalty. I have a daughter, and as I work through my manuscripts, I always try to imagine what I can say to inspire and entertain at the same time.

For my cozy readers, I spent much of my life traveling to small coastal towns in North Carolina and then later in my life to the coastal towns in New England. I've always loved the idiosyncrasies of the locals, and I've always wanted to bring them to life in a book series. My Coffee House Sleuths stories are just that. And just like my children's books, I endeavor to write stories that are clean, with very little violence and no profanity. I do my best to help people disappear from the craziness of life, even if just for a little while.

I currently live in Boston, but my dream is to move to a small coastal town, stare out over the ocean, and to let the words flow. I have an incredible wife who constantly inspires and encourages me- and an amazing daughter who is my most harsh, but loving critic. As I said earlier, my passion is to write and to continually improve and perfect my craft. For those of you who read my books, I humbly thank you. For those of you who have never read my books, I welcome you with open arms.

Reviews

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime- Murder
Victim- Scarlett Newcastle, Psychic
COD- Blunt force trauma to the head (not explicit)
Accused- Samuel Caldwell, Con Artist
Detectives- Carol, Ava, and Derik. They are students who run a True Crime/Cold Case podcast.
Notes- the murder of Scarlett Newcastle is a 100 year-old mystery!
I love this series! I want it to have been retroactively released when I was a preteen a… few… years ago. The detectives are engaging and personable, with distinct personalities. These kids love to tease each other, but it never crosses the line into bullying. The book has a good amount of humor and a clever mystery that leads the detectives to solve a present-day mystery.
Parents, be reassured. This book is appropriate for kids ages 11-13. There is no detailed violence (a brick does go through a window and hits someone), no questionable language, no substance abuse, and no sexual content. I would even allow my ten year-old to read it.
The only problem I have with these books is that there’s not a new one available every week. They’re fun and entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thomas Lockhaven]

Hello intrepid readers!
The Kids Murder Mystery Club book four has been through several rounds of editing and has hit the beta readers. I couldn’t be more excited, the reviews have been wonderful!
My daughter loves the mysteries…Every chapter left her wanting to read just one more. Hardly a chapter goes by that we don’t have to stop so she can stop laughing before we continue.
My child wanted to read multiple chapters each night before bed and was always sad when we had to take a break.
Any book that gets my child engaged and excited to read automatically gets a rave review from me!
I plan on releasing Case File 4: Scarlett Newcastle on November 1st.
Thank you to all of my wonderful readers, I’m so thankful for each and every one of you!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. While intended for younger readers it’s really enjoyable for readers of all ages in my view. Ava, Carol and Derek are intrepid teens who solve cases for their podcast. This go round they decided to tackle a very, very cold case. One hundred years cold to be precise. While they think this will mostly be academic and research based there turns out to be some very real danger in this century. Have no fear our young sleuths are on the case and while they may give their parents fits over the stunts they pull in the name of justice for the reader it’s nothing but pure entertainment! Fun, funny and endlessly entertaining an absolutely can’t miss read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[N. Glass · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment of the Kids Murder Mystery Club is an exciting cold case mystery with some suspense, a little action, and lots of believable and well-written teenage banter. Case File 4: Scarlett Newcastle takes our investigative podcasters into a century-old unsolved murder that gets more and more confounding as they probe into its secrets. Is that cold case somehow related to a new murder at the local theater in the building where Miss Newcastle's apartment used to be?

I think preteens and teens will enjoy this book. The dialogue is not "campy" or forced. It has humor, themes of friendship and teamwork, overcoming struggles, an interesting mystery, and good old-fashioned sleuthing.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A one hundred year old cold case definitely challenged Ava, Carol, and Derik. I enjoyed experiencing how their minds work when they are on a case. They each definitely have their strengths. Derik is great at research, Carol is fantastic at puzzling the clues together, and Ava excels at candy and pudding procurement. Obvious, barely believable, unabashed procurement. It is wonderful that their parents support their passion for sleuthing! I loved this book!

Note to Mr. Lockhaven: Hypnolite is real. It is manufactured by Bigfoot Pharmaceuticals.

[Jo Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The teen trio have hit the market with another intriguing mystery. This one involves a cold case concerning a seance seer who also was a master of disguise. Who could fault the trio from wanting to investigate such an enticing case? However, at every turn, the teens are thwarted, attacked, and overwhelmed. The case is another winner! For those who enjoy twists and turns and dead ends, this book is for you. For those who like to read about close quirky friends, this is indeed for you. Invest in the work! You will be delighted!

[Julie Juhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Case File 4: Scarlett Newcastle by Thomas Lockhaven is the first book I have read in this series. It reminded me of the Encyclopedia Brown series which was a favorite of mine. The kids in this series solve crimes for their podcast. I really enjoyed book 4 in the series and think this is a great book for kids of all ages.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you're a fan if Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys style mysteries, and you want to share your fondness for sleuthing, this is the series to enjoy and share.

clever young investigators with an unique way of looking at things, enquiring minds, a willingness to see things through, and a flair for sharing the facts if the cases they explore.

fun fact finding and reveals with flair.