A Dollhouse Mystery for Kids

The Haunted Dollhouse

Suspects:
Jason
Abigail
Bingo
Judy
Grandma

It was late afternoon when I crossed the living room to the front door, turning to my fifteen-year-old son. "I'm going to get your grandmother, Jason."

"Abigail's got a cat in her room, Mom"

"What!"

"I saw her sneaking it in just a minute ago."

Marching down the hall at the opposite end of the house, I confronted my thirteen-year-old. "Abigail," I said, staring at the fluffy calico lying beside her on the bed, "You know we can't keep it."

"Please, Mom, I don't have any friends."

Knowing how difficult it was for her, having to leave all of her friends and move across town, I gave in with a smile. "What are you going to name it?"

Jason pushed me aside. "I don't want that flea-bag in here, Mom!"

"Bingo," Abigail said, ignoring her brother's slighting remarks. "I'm gonna name him Bingo."

"Good grief, Mom. He's just gonna stink up the house!"

"Abigail jumped off the bed, shouting, "He's not gonna stink up nothing!"

"Alright, you two," I said, turning to go. I have to go get your grandmother. I don't want you fighting with each other. I'll stop and get cat food."

It was about an hour later when we got home. "Here we go, Mother. Come on in and let's get you settled."

"Hello, Grandma," Jason said, giving her a hug.

"Hello, son. I have a gift for Abigail in the trunk. Would you go get it for me?"

"You bet."

"Grandma!" Abigail shouted, running down the hallway.

"Hey, sweetie I brought you a present!"

Jason nudged the front door open, carrying a small dollhouse. Abigail reached for it. "Oh, Grandma, it's beautiful!"

"Your great-grandfather made that, Abigail," I said, carrying Mother's suitcase to her room."

Abigail came running after me. "Mom, did you get the cat food?"

"Oh, honey I forgot."

"What's Bingo gonna eat?"

"Just open a can of tuna for him. I'll get him some cat food tomorrow."

Jason called out, "That flea-bag is in the living room!"

"Gee-whiz!" Abigail groused, stomping back to the living room to get the cat. "I'm gonna take him to the kitchen and feed him."