FRANK E. HILD
- Author -
For Readers Who Savor a Smooth Whisky, a Quiet Fire, and Timeless Detective Stories
Overview of The Hatchet Murders
A body in the wrong place. A quiet Michigan community. A deputy sheriff determined to uncover the truth. In The Hatchet Murders, Nick Hatchet steps into two chilling cases where secrets, violence, and deception threaten to shatter the calm of small-town life. This short story collection blends atmosphere, suspense, and old-fashioned detective appeal.
Step Into The Story
The Hatchet Murders
Death Without An Escort-
Chapter 01
It was three o’clock in the morning in Bradford County, Michigan. The night was nasty, with a biting cold wind and sheets of heavy rain.
A bright flash of lightning followed by the sound of cracking thunder revealed a dark sedan parked on a private dirt driveway next to a white wooden fence and a wooden gate. The driver inside the sedan pushed a button to lower the window to get a better view of the other side of the gate.
The area held a collection of old farm equipment, wood pallets, and an old abandoned car sitting in tall grass behind a large barn. The driver pushed the button again to raise the window, then exited the sedan and quietly shut its door. The cold and heavy rain was now soaking the driver’s hat and coat, causing a shivering body spasm.
Satisfied that the barn blocked the view of the two-story farmhouse on the other side, the driver turned and walked to the back of the sedan while pushing a button on a key fob to unlock the trunk. Now standing at the fully opened trunk, the driver reached in and pulled out a man’s body then letting it fall onto the muddy ground.
Bright flashes of lightning threatened to strike the driver while struggling to drag the body through the open wooden gate, then just another twenty yards to the old abandoned car.
After finally reaching the old car, the driver pulled a small metal flat bar from a front coat pocket, jammed it under the truck’s edge, then lifted it with an upward jerk to force the trunk open. It was difficult to lift the dead weight of the body into the large trunk, but gradually, the driver stuffed it inside then shut the trunk slowly and latched it without making a sound.
Testimonials
"The Hatchet novella is a captivating story filled with rich description and suspense. As I read, each scene played out in my mind like a wonderful mystery movie."
J Johnson
"I enjoyed how naturally the story unfolded, with characters that were engaging and intriguing throughout. I’ll definitely be looking forward to more stories featuring Nick Hatchet.."
C Weaver
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Frank E. Hild is an 81-year-old author whose love of mystery, suspense, and great storytelling has shaped a lifetime passion for writing.
Born in 1945 and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Frank knew from an early age that he was drawn to the written word.
Inspired by literary greats such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ian Fleming, and Agatha Christie, he developed a deep admiration for the iconic characters they brought to life, from Sherlock Holmes to James Bond to Hercule Poirot. Their influence can be felt in Frank’s appreciation for clever plots, memorable characters, and the timeless appeal of a well-told mystery.
When he is not writing, Frank is likely enjoying a British mystery movie or television series by the fire, glass of whisky nearby, or seated at his desk, immersed in the craft of storytelling.