For weeks the manor sat with its lamps low. Empty, you'd have said. Forgotten, even.

Not this week. The lamps are on. The oak doors have come loose from the frame. A head appears between the two stone lions at the door. A familiar face, perhaps?

"Welcome. We've been waiting."

You claimed your key back when you joined this list. This is where it turns in the lock.

And you won't be walking into an empty house. Korina Moss has joined us as our first Faculty and Author in Residence. If you read cozy mysteries, you know her. The Cheese Shop Mystery series. An Agatha Award to go with it. She's helping shape the rooms before you ever set foot in them, and I still can't quite believe she said yes. She'll be at the high table when you arrive. I may be biased, but that's a good table to have a seat near.

Here's how it works. A $95 deposit holds your seat. Fully refundable. If you stay, it comes off your balance, and it locks the founding rate — the one that won't come around again.

Save your seat now and you get first look at the Foyer. A room to scan the house. Try a few of the moves. Meet the others walking in beside you.

There's more behind the door than that. But some things you should find on your own.

Doors are open. Floors are waxed. Drapes are dusted.

Use your key below. We'll leave a lamp on.

— Patrick / Founder, Stone Lyon Society

New here? Stone Lyon Society is a writing school for cozy and traditional mystery, opening this fall. These dispatches come from inside the build.