Dive into Murder at The Hive, where a beekeeper's death unravels a web of deceit and danger in Fargo’s gritty underbelly.
Murder at The Hive follows detective Jack Larson as he investigates the puzzling death of a beekeeper killed at a ranch outside Fargo, North Dakota.
At first, the scene indicates a tragic accident, but as the investigator digs deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of lies and conspiracies. Jack learns that the man's death was not an unfortunate event, but a meticulously planned murder.
With each new clue bringing him closer to the truth, the danger escalates at the same pace, forcing Jack to fight not only to solve the mystery but also to save his own life.
Filled with tension and major twists, Murder at The Hive is the first installment in the Jack Larson Mysteries series.
MURDER AT THE HIVEPROLOGUEThe sun had just started to rise over the prairies of North Dakota, casting a warm golden glow across the grasslands. The Hive, a peaceful ranch on Fargo’s outskirts dedicated to beekeeping, was the centerpiece of this picturesque landscape. At the beginning of each week, the beekeeper and owner of the rural property embarked on his routine trip to the city for his weekly errands and supplies. Little did he suspect that this seemingly typical Monday would not only be the last day of his life, but also the start of a mystery that would disrupt the tranquility of the region to its core.After locking his door, the beekeeper tucked the worn key into his overalls pocket, feeling its familiar weight as a comforting reminder of the ranch’s safety. Following a well-known path, the man walked towards his trusty Ford pickup truck, parked at a considerable distance under the protective shade of a towering oak tree.Despite the serene surroundings, he was aware of the busy urban life that awaited him. Fargo, a thriving hub of commerce and culture, could be seen in the distance, contrasting with the restful countryside.As he made his way along the dirt path, the beekeeper caught a peculiar sound, soft at first, but growing more intense with each step. He stopped, his eyes scanning the area with a sense of unease, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. It was probably just the hum of the bees, waking up for another day of work. Finding no reason to be concerned, he decided to continue towards his vehicle.Halfway to the truck, a sharper sound reached his ears, resembling the buzz of hundreds – maybe thousands – of bees. When he turned to trace the noise, reality hit him: a massive swarm was heading his way with a ferocity and resolve he had never encountered before.Panic took hold of the man, engulfed by the relentless swarm. It didn’t take long for him to feel the first stings of the flying insects piercing his skin, particularly around his face. The excruciating pain underscored the peril he faced, and as the frenzied attacks escalated, it became clear that he had to make it back home as quickly as possible.Confused and desperate, the man stumbled and fell, but quickly scrambled to his feet, sprinting toward the safety of his home. Reaching the porch steps, he fumbled to retrieve the key from his overalls pocket. He could feel the metal, but the aggressive bees made it impossible to grasp. He shouted for help, but the relentless buzzing drowned out his cries.One more time, he tried to grab the key, but his trembling hands failed. The toxins from the stings were already in his bloodstream, clouding his concentration and reflexes.The beekeeper was barely conscious when he felt the key slip from his fingers, landing with a metallic clang on the porch floor. He tried once more to cry for help, but his voice had faded to a whisper.As he collapsed to the ground, succumbing to the unconsciousness brought on by numerous stings, the surrounding calm slowly began to resurface, yet everything had changed. The once tranquil rural landscape had quickly turned into a scene of chaos and disorder, a clear divergence to the serenity that had prevailed just moments before.
