[Gutenberg 40725] • The Orchard Secret / Arden Blake Mystery Series #1

It is with great excitement and trepidation that Arden Blake, Sim Westover, and Terry Landry arrive at Cedar Ridge College to begin their freshman year. Soon after their arrival, the girls are warned of a hidden danger in the nearby orchard. Arden's natural curiosity leads the girls into the orchard, where they see a strange man and hear unusual sounds that frighten them away.

In addition to the mystery of the orchard, the girls must face hazing by the sophomores, and Arden worries constantly about Sim and the college pool. Sim agreed to come to Cedar Ridge only because of the splendid pool. Upon their arrival, the girls learned that the pool is in disrepair and is now used to store fruits and vegetables. The pool needs costly repairs which the school cannot afford. How can Arden make it up to Sim?

While in town, Arden spots a poster of a missing man named Harry Pangborn. The poster offers a $1000 reward for information regarding his whereabouts, and Arden grasps at the thought of finding him. $1000 is enough money to repair the college pool—what if Arden can find Harry Pangborn and pay for the pool repair? Arden throws caution to the wind and even gets into trouble with the dean as she searches for Pangborn.