Small-Town Mystery Thriller Ghostwriting

I need a short mystery/thriller that captures the secrets, tension, and claustrophobia of a quiet small town. The story should open with a hook, build steadily toward a twist I don’t see coming, and leave readers satisfied yet unsettled. I will own full rights to the finished piece, so originality is essential and all sources of inspiration must be properly transformed.

Please weave the small-town atmosphere into every scene—gossip that travels faster than the police scanner, familiar streets that suddenly feel unsafe at night, and side characters whose histories might hide the key to the central mystery. Sharp dialogue, tight pacing, and vivid sensory detail are priorities; violence or language is fine as long as it serves the suspense rather than overwhelms it.

For scope, I’m thinking novella-length, but I’m flexible. When you respond, let me know the word count you’re comfortable delivering, the timeline you need, and an example (or short excerpt) of past mystery or thriller work.

Deliverables
• Complete manuscript in .docx or Google Docs
• A brief chapter-by-chapter outline for approval before drafting
• Up to one revision round to polish plot logic, pacing, or tone

If that sounds like your kind of tale to tell, share your concept pitch and we can dive in.