Wow, that was a great read! I really enjoyed the way you built suspense and mystery throughout the story. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

I especially liked the way you described the setting. The details you included really helped me to visualize the story. I could almost feel the crisp autumn air and smell the delicious pies baking in the oven.

The characters were also well-developed. I could understand Lester's frustration at being forced to work for his neighbor without any pay. I also felt his sense of unease when he discovered the trap door in the yard.

The ending was a bit of a twist, but I think it worked well. It left me feeling a little unsettled, which is exactly what I want from a good mystery story.