Ghostly Gambits

History is never black and white—except in chess.

When the ghosts of two town founders resurrect a historic rivalry, they agree to face off on a life-size chessboard. The showdown pits Henry Addison, a visionary industrialist, against Hettie Stillson, a staunch Temperance advocate. And for this ghostly game, they’ll play with spectral armies of ghosts, paranormal players standing in for all the pieces.

Their coveted trophy: a bottle of wine so rare, it glows with the spirits of vineyards long since past, guarded by a priest whose love for a fine vintage is surpassed only by his reverence for the sacred rules of play.

Marley Montgomery is the proprietor of the Enchanted Antique Shop. Her friend Sadie is a history professor. And when Violet, one of the shop’s resident spirits, invites them to witness the metaphysical match, it’s an offer they can’t refuse—especially since Violet, a spirited 1920s flapper, will play the part of the white queen.

Amidst a symphony of otherworldly melodies, Marley and Sadie discover that in Enchanted Springs, the game of chess is a dance of destiny, where every move echoes through eternity, and the shadows of history come alive to play their part.

Important Note: Ghostly Gambits is a short story. It’s a quick read, with just 20 pages in the print edition. You’ll probably be able to enjoy the entire story on your coffee break.

This standalone short story is part of the Enchanted Antique Shop series of magical cozy mysteries.