October 30, 2025 • 21 mins
Spend a cozy autumn weekend by the water in this gentle, atmospheric story set at Oak Island Resort. Mystery Weekend on the Island follows four friends as they join a live-action murder mystery weekend, complete with clue-filled skits, charming characters, laughter, and late-night conversations by the fire.
As the actors bring “Murder on the Orient Express” to life, the guests become detectives—scribbling notes, trading theories, and chasing red herrings through a weekend of good food, warm company, and playful suspense.
Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, gentle storytelling, and slow-living audio escapes, this episode invites you to settle in with a cup of tea, listen to the waves, and enjoy a lighthearted weekend of mystery and connection.
✨ Part of The Slow Life Podcast — original stories for rest, reflection, and the art of slowing down.
This calming story is designed to help you relax, unwind, or drift into restful sleep. Ideal for fall listening, bedtime or morning routines, or whenever you need a quiet moment of comfort.
If you enjoy cozy, relaxing stories, remember to follow the podcast so you don't miss any stories that are posted every Thursday.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Connect with The Slow Life
Stories written and read by Jennifer Veinot
🌐 Website: TheSlowLife.ca
📸 Instagram: @theslowlifecozystories
📌 Pinterest: theslowlifecozystories
💌 Support the show by donating HERE
All content copyrighted Jennifer Veinot (Zwicker) 2024, 2025
#TheSlowLifePodcast #CozyStorytelling #AutumnVibes #FallFestival #SlowLiving #BedtimeStory #RelaxingPodcast #FallAmbience #CozyListening #SleepStory
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:02):
Welcome to The Slow Life. I'm Jennifer Vino and I create,
narrate, and design the soundscape of this village of
cozy stories to relax and unwind.
Each week I share an original story.
Read 2 times so you can relax even more during the second
(00:25):
reading. I'm happy to announce my
website, theslowlife.ca. It provides a space where we can
connect and I can bring you all things cozy.
Let's settle in with some easy breathing at your own pace.
(00:48):
With each inhale, let fresh air fill the space around your
heart. With each exhale, feel the calm
air spread through your body andflow out through your arms and
legs, gently in through your heart.
(01:10):
Gently out through your body, inthrough your heart, out through
your body. And now let's begin.
This story is called Mystery Weekend on the Island, and it's
(01:36):
about buffets of good food, whispered theories and friendly
competition. The weekend begins with the four
of us, car packed, coffees in hand, pulling into the driveway
of the Oak Island Resort. The chalet is waiting for us,
(02:02):
perched on the waters edge with a view that promises rest and
good company in equal measure. We settle into our rooms,
unloading bags and sweaters, placing snacks on the table for
later. The water glimmers pale blue
(02:22):
under the afternoon sun. The trees surrounding us and
across the water are in full autumn colour.
We take a stroll around the property before heading up to
the main lodge. It holds many more guest rooms
(02:43):
and will host all of the meals and events throughout the
weekend. Inside the hotel, the air hums
with cheerful sounds. People check in, greet old
friends and already start to meet new ones.
Many comments are made about howmuch they love the theme of this
(03:07):
murder mystery. There are 14 teams this year,
each with eight players. Everyone's here for the same
thing. A weekend of mystery and mayhem,
all in good fun. The theme?
Murder on the Orient Express This first evening begins with
(03:31):
supper. Buffet tables line the room.
Salads, roasted vegetables, baked fish, fresh rolls and many
options. Each team has its own round
table with eight seats. The four of us find ours near
the middle of the room, marked with a B on a simple sign.
(03:56):
Four others are already here, smiling as we introduce
ourselves there from a town an hour away.
They tell us and pert of a line dancing troupe that attends
every year. They're easy to talk to and we
feel an instant friendship growing.
(04:19):
Perfect for the teamwork we'll need for this weekend of games
and mystery solving. Dessert is laid out and nobody
turns it down. The first skit begins right
after plates are cleared. The actors sweep into the room
(04:40):
in full character accents or crisp expressions.
Theatrical There's the detective, the elegant widow,
the suspicious conductor, the socialite with too many secrets.
The mystery starts to unfold to the sounds of ooze and laughter.
(05:05):
No gore, but a bit of darkness and playful suspense.
Clever writing and the kind of acting that makes the guests
feel like part of the action. It ends with a gasp and a flurry
of notes being scribbled in notepads.
(05:25):
We don't have to guess yet, but everyone has multiple theories.
After the skit, the actors mingle with each table still in
full character. They make the rounds, offering
sly smiles and guarded answers as we take turns asking
(05:47):
questions. Some answers have been prepared,
but they use a lot of improvisation and they never
break stride. The widow clutches her pearls as
she insists she knows nothing about the missing ticket.
The conductor fidgets nervously whenever anyone mentions the
(06:11):
luggage car. The detective, meanwhile, offers
just enough hints to make us second guess everything we
thought we knew. Our table leans in, whispering
theories between questions. Every word feels like it could
(06:32):
be a clue or a red herring leading us in the wrong
direction. One of the actors gives a
knowing glance before walking away, and we all write furiously
in our notebooks, trying to decide if it meant something or
nothing at all. The whole room is filled with
(06:57):
over a dozen little mysteries unfolding at once.
Back at the Shalet, we gather bythe fire pit along with the rest
of our team and a few others we met at the next table.
Flames crackle against the soft night air.
(07:17):
We wrap ourselves in blankets and talk about everything except
the mystery about home, about funny travel stories, about the
wonderful food. The line dancers show us a few
steps, their boots tapping lightly on the deck, the music
(07:39):
playing through someone's phone.Some of us follow along,
laughing when we mix up the moves.
It feels good to move, to be a bit silly after dark.
Morning comes quietly. I wake to the smell of coffee
(08:00):
brewing in the Shalet kitchen. Outside the sky glows pale gold,
the water is smooth as glass anda flock of Canada geese floats
by. We gather ourselves and walk up
to the lodge for breakfast and afterwards for more clue filled
(08:22):
skits by the actors. The first of the day is complete
with sound effects and props. The cast glides between tables,
holding up mock evidence, whispering clues and exchanging
suspicious glances. The room is drawn into it.
(08:45):
Between the laughter and gasps, we start to notice patterns,
relationships, hints, odd gestures.
The second Saturday skit happensin the evening, just before
dessert. It's more dramatic and put on by
(09:05):
people who are clearly enjoying themselves, winking at each
other, making the audience giggle when something goes
slightly off script. We can see the camaraderie
within the group. They mingle with us again to see
if we can dig up any more clues.A dance follows, which gives the
(09:30):
cast a chance to break characterand loosen up around the guests.
When I crawl into bed, the blankets are soft against my
skin. I feel content and heavily tired
with the day's activities and fall right to sleep.
(09:52):
Sunday morning arrives in the calmest way.
We pack most of our things, leaving our bags by the door,
then head to the dining room forthe final breakfast buffet.
Pancakes, fruit, bacon and giantcroissants.
(10:13):
Everyone looks a touch sleepy but happy.
Reluctant to have it end, but OKwith going home.
The final skit begins mid morning.
It's the big reveal, the culmination of all the clues and
secrets scattered across the weekend.
(10:36):
The detective strides on to the train car, announcing the last
twist. Laughter ripples through the
crowd when he turns dramaticallyto the guilty party.
It's not who we expected at all.Our table erupts with shock and
(10:57):
good-natured groans. We were so sure it was someone
else. There's a round of applause and
a standing ovation for the actors.
We say our goodbyes and make a promise to join forces again
with our team mates and new friends.
(11:18):
The energy in the room feels like the end of summer camp,
joyful, a bit tired and looking forward to next year.
Mystery weekend on the island The weekend begins with the four
(11:42):
of us, car packed, coffees in hand, pulling into the driveway
of the Oak Island Resort. The chalet is waiting for us,
perched on the waters edge with a view that promises rest and
good company in equal measure. We settle into our rooms,
(12:06):
unloading bags and sweaters, placing snacks on the table for
later. The water glimmers pale blue
under the afternoon sun. The trees surrounding us and
across the water are in full autumn colour.
(12:26):
We take a stroll around the property before heading up to
the main lodge. It holds many more guest rooms
and will host all of the meals and events throughout the
weekend. Inside the hotel, the air hums
with cheerful sounds. People check in, greet old
(12:50):
friends and already start to meet new ones.
Many comments are made about howmuch they love the theme of this
murder mystery. There are 14 teams this year,
each with eight players. Everyone's here for the same
thing. A weekend of mystery and mayhem,
(13:14):
all in good fun. The theme?
Murder on the Orient Express This first evening begins with
supper. Buffet tables line the room.
Salads, roasted vegetables, baked fish, fresh rolls and many
(13:34):
options. Each team has its own round
table with eight seats. The four of us find ours near
the middle of the room, marked with a B on a simple sign.
Four others are already here, smiling as we introduce
(13:54):
ourselves there from a town an hour away.
They tell us and Pert of a line dancing troop that attends every
year. They're easy to talk to and we
feel an instant friendship growing.
Perfect for the teamwork we'll need for this weekend of games
(14:17):
and mystery solving. Dessert is laid out and nobody
turns it down. The first skit begins right
after plates are cleared. The actors sweep into the room
in full character accents or crisp expressions.
(14:38):
Theatrical There's the detective, the elegant widow,
the suspicious conductor, the socialite with too many secrets.
The mystery starts to unfold to the sounds of ooze and laughter.
No gore, but a bit of darkness and playful suspense.
(15:02):
Clever writing and the kind of acting that makes the guests
feel like part of the action. It ends with a gasp and a flurry
of notes being scribbled in notepads.
We don't have to guess yet, but everyone has multiple theories.
(15:24):
After the skit, the actors mingle with each table still in
full character. They make the rounds, offering
sly smiles and guarded answers as we take turns asking
questions. Some answers have been prepared,
(15:45):
but they use a lot of improvisation and they never
break stride. The widow clutches her pearls as
she insists she knows nothing about the missing ticket.
The conductor fidgets nervously whenever anyone mentions the
luggage car. The detective, meanwhile, offers
(16:09):
just enough hints to make us second guess everything we
thought we knew. Our table leans in, whispering
theories between questions. Every word feels like it could
be a clue or a red herring leading us in the wrong
direction. One of the actors gives a
(16:34):
knowing glance before walking away, and we all write furiously
in our notebooks, trying to decide if it meant something or
nothing at all. The whole room is filled with
over a dozen little mysteries unfolding at once.
(16:55):
Back at the Shalet, we gather bythe fire pit along with the rest
of our team and a few others we met at the next table.
Flames crackle against the soft night air.
We wrap ourselves in blankets and talk about everything except
(17:15):
the mystery about home, about funny travel stories, about the
wonderful food. The line dancers show us a few
steps, their boots tapping lightly on the deck, the music
playing through someone's phone.Some of us follow along,
(17:38):
laughing when we mix up the moves.
It feels good to move, to be a bit silly after dark.
Morning comes quietly. I wake to the smell of coffee
brewing in the Shalet kitchen. Outside the sky glows pale gold,
(18:00):
the water is smooth as glass anda flock of Canada geese floats
by. We gather ourselves and walk up
to the lodge for breakfast and afterwards for more clue filled
skits by the actors. The first of the day is complete
(18:20):
with sound effects and props. The cast glides between tables,
holding up mock evidence, whispering clues and exchanging
suspicious glances. The room is drawn into it.
Between the laughter and gasps, we start to notice patterns,
(18:43):
relationships, hints, odd gestures.
The second Saturday skit happensin the evening, just before
dessert. It's more dramatic and put on by
people who are clearly enjoying themselves, winking at each
other, making the audience giggle when something goes
(19:07):
slightly off script. We can see the camaraderie
within the group. They mingle with us again to see
if we can dig up any more clues.A dance follows, which gives the
cast a chance to break characterand loosen up around the guests.
(19:29):
When I crawl into bed, the blankets are soft against my
skin. I feel content and heavily tired
with the day's activities and fall right to sleep.
Sunday morning arrives in the calmest way.
We pack most of our things, leaving our bags by the door,
(19:55):
then head to the dining room forthe final breakfast buffet.
Pancakes, fruit, bacon and giantcroissants.
Everyone looks a touch sleepy but happy.
Reluctant to have it end, but OKwith going home.
(20:16):
The final skit begins mid morning.
It's the big reveal, the culmination of all the clues and
secrets scattered across the weekend.
The detective strides on to the train car, announcing the last
twist. Laughter ripples through the
(20:37):
crowd when he turns dramaticallyto the guilty party.
It's not who we expected at all.Our table erupts with shock and
good-natured groans. We were so sure it was someone
else. There's a round of applause and
(20:58):
a standing ovation for the actors.
We say our goodbyes and make a promise to join forces again
with our team mates and new friends.
The energy in the room feels like the end of summer camp,
Joyful, a bit tired and looking forward to next year.
(21:23):
I wish you sweet dreams.
Welcome to The Slow Life. I'm Jennifer Vino and I create,
narrate, and design the soundscape of this village of
cozy stories to relax and unwind.
Each week I share an original story.
Read 2 times so you can relax even more during the second
(00:25):
reading. I'm happy to announce my
website, theslowlife.ca. It provides a space where we can
connect and I can bring you all things cozy.
Let's settle in with some easy breathing at your own pace.
(00:48):
With each inhale, let fresh air fill the space around your
heart. With each exhale, feel the calm
air spread through your body andflow out through your arms and
legs, gently in through your heart.
(01:10):
Gently out through your body, inthrough your heart, out through
your body. And now let's begin.
This story is called Mystery Weekend on the Island, and it's
(01:36):
about buffets of good food, whispered theories and friendly
competition. The weekend begins with the four
of us, car packed, coffees in hand, pulling into the driveway
of the Oak Island Resort. The chalet is waiting for us,
(02:02):
perched on the waters edge with a view that promises rest and
good company in equal measure. We settle into our rooms,
unloading bags and sweaters, placing snacks on the table for
later. The water glimmers pale blue
(02:22):
under the afternoon sun. The trees surrounding us and
across the water are in full autumn colour.
We take a stroll around the property before heading up to
the main lodge. It holds many more guest rooms
(02:43):
and will host all of the meals and events throughout the
weekend. Inside the hotel, the air hums
with cheerful sounds. People check in, greet old
friends and already start to meet new ones.
Many comments are made about howmuch they love the theme of this
(03:07):
murder mystery. There are 14 teams this year,
each with eight players. Everyone's here for the same
thing. A weekend of mystery and mayhem,
all in good fun. The theme?
Murder on the Orient Express This first evening begins with
(03:31):
supper. Buffet tables line the room.
Salads, roasted vegetables, baked fish, fresh rolls and many
options. Each team has its own round
table with eight seats. The four of us find ours near
the middle of the room, marked with a B on a simple sign.
(03:56):
Four others are already here, smiling as we introduce
ourselves there from a town an hour away.
They tell us and pert of a line dancing troupe that attends
every year. They're easy to talk to and we
feel an instant friendship growing.
(04:19):
Perfect for the teamwork we'll need for this weekend of games
and mystery solving. Dessert is laid out and nobody
turns it down. The first skit begins right
after plates are cleared. The actors sweep into the room
(04:40):
in full character accents or crisp expressions.
Theatrical There's the detective, the elegant widow,
the suspicious conductor, the socialite with too many secrets.
The mystery starts to unfold to the sounds of ooze and laughter.
(05:05):
No gore, but a bit of darkness and playful suspense.
Clever writing and the kind of acting that makes the guests
feel like part of the action. It ends with a gasp and a flurry
of notes being scribbled in notepads.
(05:25):
We don't have to guess yet, but everyone has multiple theories.
After the skit, the actors mingle with each table still in
full character. They make the rounds, offering
sly smiles and guarded answers as we take turns asking
(05:47):
questions. Some answers have been prepared,
but they use a lot of improvisation and they never
break stride. The widow clutches her pearls as
she insists she knows nothing about the missing ticket.
The conductor fidgets nervously whenever anyone mentions the
(06:11):
luggage car. The detective, meanwhile, offers
just enough hints to make us second guess everything we
thought we knew. Our table leans in, whispering
theories between questions. Every word feels like it could
(06:32):
be a clue or a red herring leading us in the wrong
direction. One of the actors gives a
knowing glance before walking away, and we all write furiously
in our notebooks, trying to decide if it meant something or
nothing at all. The whole room is filled with
(06:57):
over a dozen little mysteries unfolding at once.
Back at the Shalet, we gather bythe fire pit along with the rest
of our team and a few others we met at the next table.
Flames crackle against the soft night air.
(07:17):
We wrap ourselves in blankets and talk about everything except
the mystery about home, about funny travel stories, about the
wonderful food. The line dancers show us a few
steps, their boots tapping lightly on the deck, the music
(07:39):
playing through someone's phone.Some of us follow along,
laughing when we mix up the moves.
It feels good to move, to be a bit silly after dark.
Morning comes quietly. I wake to the smell of coffee
(08:00):
brewing in the Shalet kitchen. Outside the sky glows pale gold,
the water is smooth as glass anda flock of Canada geese floats
by. We gather ourselves and walk up
to the lodge for breakfast and afterwards for more clue filled
(08:22):
skits by the actors. The first of the day is complete
with sound effects and props. The cast glides between tables,
holding up mock evidence, whispering clues and exchanging
suspicious glances. The room is drawn into it.
(08:45):
Between the laughter and gasps, we start to notice patterns,
relationships, hints, odd gestures.
The second Saturday skit happensin the evening, just before
dessert. It's more dramatic and put on by
(09:05):
people who are clearly enjoying themselves, winking at each
other, making the audience giggle when something goes
slightly off script. We can see the camaraderie
within the group. They mingle with us again to see
if we can dig up any more clues.A dance follows, which gives the
(09:30):
cast a chance to break characterand loosen up around the guests.
When I crawl into bed, the blankets are soft against my
skin. I feel content and heavily tired
with the day's activities and fall right to sleep.
(09:52):
Sunday morning arrives in the calmest way.
We pack most of our things, leaving our bags by the door,
then head to the dining room forthe final breakfast buffet.
Pancakes, fruit, bacon and giantcroissants.
(10:13):
Everyone looks a touch sleepy but happy.
Reluctant to have it end, but OKwith going home.
The final skit begins mid morning.
It's the big reveal, the culmination of all the clues and
secrets scattered across the weekend.
(10:36):
The detective strides on to the train car, announcing the last
twist. Laughter ripples through the
crowd when he turns dramaticallyto the guilty party.
It's not who we expected at all.Our table erupts with shock and
(10:57):
good-natured groans. We were so sure it was someone
else. There's a round of applause and
a standing ovation for the actors.
We say our goodbyes and make a promise to join forces again
with our team mates and new friends.
(11:18):
The energy in the room feels like the end of summer camp,
joyful, a bit tired and looking forward to next year.
Mystery weekend on the island The weekend begins with the four
(11:42):
of us, car packed, coffees in hand, pulling into the driveway
of the Oak Island Resort. The chalet is waiting for us,
perched on the waters edge with a view that promises rest and
good company in equal measure. We settle into our rooms,
(12:06):
unloading bags and sweaters, placing snacks on the table for
later. The water glimmers pale blue
under the afternoon sun. The trees surrounding us and
across the water are in full autumn colour.
(12:26):
We take a stroll around the property before heading up to
the main lodge. It holds many more guest rooms
and will host all of the meals and events throughout the
weekend. Inside the hotel, the air hums
with cheerful sounds. People check in, greet old
(12:50):
friends and already start to meet new ones.
Many comments are made about howmuch they love the theme of this
murder mystery. There are 14 teams this year,
each with eight players. Everyone's here for the same
thing. A weekend of mystery and mayhem,
(13:14):
all in good fun. The theme?
Murder on the Orient Express This first evening begins with
supper. Buffet tables line the room.
Salads, roasted vegetables, baked fish, fresh rolls and many
(13:34):
options. Each team has its own round
table with eight seats. The four of us find ours near
the middle of the room, marked with a B on a simple sign.
Four others are already here, smiling as we introduce
(13:54):
ourselves there from a town an hour away.
They tell us and Pert of a line dancing troop that attends every
year. They're easy to talk to and we
feel an instant friendship growing.
Perfect for the teamwork we'll need for this weekend of games
(14:17):
and mystery solving. Dessert is laid out and nobody
turns it down. The first skit begins right
after plates are cleared. The actors sweep into the room
in full character accents or crisp expressions.
(14:38):
Theatrical There's the detective, the elegant widow,
the suspicious conductor, the socialite with too many secrets.
The mystery starts to unfold to the sounds of ooze and laughter.
No gore, but a bit of darkness and playful suspense.
(15:02):
Clever writing and the kind of acting that makes the guests
feel like part of the action. It ends with a gasp and a flurry
of notes being scribbled in notepads.
We don't have to guess yet, but everyone has multiple theories.
(15:24):
After the skit, the actors mingle with each table still in
full character. They make the rounds, offering
sly smiles and guarded answers as we take turns asking
questions. Some answers have been prepared,
(15:45):
but they use a lot of improvisation and they never
break stride. The widow clutches her pearls as
she insists she knows nothing about the missing ticket.
The conductor fidgets nervously whenever anyone mentions the
luggage car. The detective, meanwhile, offers
(16:09):
just enough hints to make us second guess everything we
thought we knew. Our table leans in, whispering
theories between questions. Every word feels like it could
be a clue or a red herring leading us in the wrong
direction. One of the actors gives a
(16:34):
knowing glance before walking away, and we all write furiously
in our notebooks, trying to decide if it meant something or
nothing at all. The whole room is filled with
over a dozen little mysteries unfolding at once.
(16:55):
Back at the Shalet, we gather bythe fire pit along with the rest
of our team and a few others we met at the next table.
Flames crackle against the soft night air.
We wrap ourselves in blankets and talk about everything except
(17:15):
the mystery about home, about funny travel stories, about the
wonderful food. The line dancers show us a few
steps, their boots tapping lightly on the deck, the music
playing through someone's phone.Some of us follow along,
(17:38):
laughing when we mix up the moves.
It feels good to move, to be a bit silly after dark.
Morning comes quietly. I wake to the smell of coffee
brewing in the Shalet kitchen. Outside the sky glows pale gold,
(18:00):
the water is smooth as glass anda flock of Canada geese floats
by. We gather ourselves and walk up
to the lodge for breakfast and afterwards for more clue filled
skits by the actors. The first of the day is complete
(18:20):
with sound effects and props. The cast glides between tables,
holding up mock evidence, whispering clues and exchanging
suspicious glances. The room is drawn into it.
Between the laughter and gasps, we start to notice patterns,
(18:43):
relationships, hints, odd gestures.
The second Saturday skit happensin the evening, just before
dessert. It's more dramatic and put on by
people who are clearly enjoying themselves, winking at each
other, making the audience giggle when something goes
(19:07):
slightly off script. We can see the camaraderie
within the group. They mingle with us again to see
if we can dig up any more clues.A dance follows, which gives the
cast a chance to break characterand loosen up around the guests.
(19:29):
When I crawl into bed, the blankets are soft against my
skin. I feel content and heavily tired
with the day's activities and fall right to sleep.
Sunday morning arrives in the calmest way.
We pack most of our things, leaving our bags by the door,
(19:55):
then head to the dining room forthe final breakfast buffet.
Pancakes, fruit, bacon and giantcroissants.
Everyone looks a touch sleepy but happy.
Reluctant to have it end, but OKwith going home.
(20:16):
The final skit begins mid morning.
It's the big reveal, the culmination of all the clues and
secrets scattered across the weekend.
The detective strides on to the train car, announcing the last
twist. Laughter ripples through the
(20:37):
crowd when he turns dramaticallyto the guilty party.
It's not who we expected at all.Our table erupts with shock and
good-natured groans. We were so sure it was someone
else. There's a round of applause and
(20:58):
a standing ovation for the actors.
We say our goodbyes and make a promise to join forces again
with our team mates and new friends.
The energy in the room feels like the end of summer camp,
Joyful, a bit tired and looking forward to next year.
(21:23):
I wish you sweet dreams.
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