In the summer of 1987, five friends believed their small town held no secrets.
They were wrong.
Pinecrest was the kind of place where everyone knew everyone, where bikes stayed abandoned on front lawns until dark, arcade lights glowed past midnight, and long summer evenings felt endless. For thirteen-year-old Noah Mercer and his friends, it was supposed to be the greatest summer of their lives.
Until the disappearances began.
At first, it was small things — strange noises drifting from the woods, missing pets, flickering lights near the abandoned water tower on the edge of town. Then one of their classmates vanishes without explanation, and the adults begin acting strangely, avoiding questions and enforcing curfews no one understands.
Determined to uncover the truth, the friends stumble upon evidence of a hidden experiment buried beneath
Vernon Watters writes with a deep affection for small towns, eccentric characters, and the traditions that bind communities together. His storytelling blends humor, heart, and a touch of mischief, capturing how ordinary people turn everyday struggles into unforgettable adventures. When he isn’t writing, Vernon can often be found exploring local fairs, tinkering with odd gadgets, or collecting stories from neighbors that spark his next tale.View all by VERNON WATTERS
