“Storm in a Teacup”

It started with the missing teaspoon.

Mrs. Ellery, keeper of the village teahouse for forty-three years, stood over Table Five with narrowed eyes and trembling hands.

“I know I placed six spoons,” she said.

Mr. Finch, a retired schoolteacher and frequent customer, looked up from his scone, crumbs on his collar. “Perhaps it’s under the napkin?”

But it wasn’t.

Within ...