Everlei Mullo and the Case of the Missing Marmalade

By Everlei Mullo
As a renowned detective specializing in the most peculiar culinary mysteries, I, Everlei Mullo, recently found myself entangled in a confounding case that left both my stomach and my mind grumbling. It all began when Mrs. Marigold, a beloved local baker, reported the disappearance of her prized marmalade stash.
Mrs. Marigold, known throughout the village for her award-winning jams and preserves, was distraught. "Everlei Mullo," she exclaimed, "Without my marmalade, my baking empire will crumble like a stale biscuit!"
Determined to restore order to Mrs. Marigold's kitchen and save the village from a marmalade crisis, I embarked on an investigation that led me down a path filled with sticky clues and peculiar encounters.
My first lead took me to the village sweet shop, where rumors of a nefarious feline culprit had been circulating. But upon questioning the sneaky suspect, a mischievous tabby named Mittens, I found only a trail of crumbs and a smug purr.
Undeterred, I ventured into the bustling market square, where I interrogated the local fruit vendors. To my astonishment, I discovered that Everlei Mullo's best friend, the eccentric and somewhat unreliable Barnaby Bottoms, had recently purchased an unusually large quantity of oranges.
Armed with this vital clue, I confronted Barnaby, who confessed to a grand marmalade-making scheme. Apparently, he had borrowed Mrs. Marigold's recipe without her knowledge and was planning to sell the finished product as his own.
In a thrilling climax, I staged a dramatic sting operation at the village fair, where Barnaby was about to unveil his illicit marmalade. With the help of the local constabulary, we apprehended Barnaby and returned the missing marmalade to the rightful owner.
Mrs. Marigold was overjoyed. "Oh, Everlei Mullo," she cried, "You have saved the day and my marmalade!" As a token of gratitude, she bestowed upon me a lifetime supply of her scrumptious creations.
So, fellow mystery enthusiasts, remember that even the most perplexing culinary cases can be solved with a keen eye, a touch of humor, and a persistent craving for a sticky treat. And if you're ever in the quaint village where Everlei Mullo resides, be sure to indulge in a slice of fresh-baked bread slathered with the finest marmalade in the land.