Story and Photography by Joyce Taylor

The fog settled low over the Mustard Ranch, where rumors of a century-old fried chicken recipe drifted through the silent night—until a scream shattered the calm. Guests hurried to the study only to find Mr. Bojangles dead on the floor. Mrs. White (Brandise Raikes) clung nervously to Miss Scarlet (Ashley Morgan), while Colonel Mustard (Randy Caldwell) wandered in, pale and suspicious. Professor Plum (Steve Arrington) loudly assigned blame; Yvette (Kristin Cervantez) gasped and Wadsworth (Travis Miles) retrieved the ruined remains of the secret recipe from the victim’s mouth—it was destroyed for good. Every guest had a possible motive.

This suspenseful plot was brought to life during an evening of entertainment hosted by Missy Lay’s Wild Goose Chase Events at Oaklands Mansion in October. The 7th Annual Murder, Mystery & Mayhem event raised funds for the Kiwanis Club of Murfreesboro.To learn more, email Missy Lay at [email protected].