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from the Bookish Challenges group.
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Your last song of this era: Call It What You Want
Tasks:
1: Read a book in which the MC receives an unsettling phone call.
2: Read a book with a castle on the cover or in the story.
3: Read a book with the word “daydream” in the text (short passage and page number).
16. Bonus - MusicGerman Schlager, a type of folk music, you either love it or hate it – there's rarely an in-between. It's all about those catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics that either make you want to dance or cringe. And then there's Helene Fischer, the queen of Schlager, with her powerhouse vocals and flashy performances that have everyone talking, whether they're fans or not. Find her most iconic song under the name "Atemlos" on Youtube.
a. Read a book with a character named Helene, Helen or Helena.
b. Read a book with the word “breath” in the text or a breathtaking cover (your interpretation).
c. Read a book with a musician MC.
Investigation - Lydia BlackwoodDaniel: “Miss Blackwood, you weren’t invited to the manor that night. Why were you here?”
Lydia: (Flatly) “I came to speak with James. We had unresolved matters.”
Daniel: “Unresolved, like your broken engagement?”
Lydia: (Shrugs) “Call it closure. It wasn’t much of a conversation—he was distracted.”
Daniel: “Distracted by what?”
Lydia: “Business, I think. He mentioned an argument with Maxwell earlier that day.”
Daniel: “Interesting, since you’ve been seen with Maxwell recently. Care to explain?”
Lydia: (Eyes narrowing) “We’re friends, nothing more. That’s irrelevant to James’s death.”
Daniel: “Is it? Maxwell was here that night too.”
Lydia: (Firmly) “I didn’t kill James, Mr. Hunt. I came to talk, and then I left. Check if you don’t believe me.”
Daniel: (Pausing) “For someone seeking closure, you didn’t stay long.”
Lydia: (Softly) “There was nothing left to say. James didn’t deserve this. No one does.”
Daniel: “No, they don’t. But someone thought otherwise.”
Lydia: (Standing) “It wasn’t me. Find whoever did.”
Daniel: (Nods, watching her leave) “I intend to.”
Read a book that meets the general guidelines.
Investigation - Sarah DonovanDaniel: (Looking at her steadily) “Sarah, I understand you and James argued the night before his death. Can you tell me what it was about?”
Sarah: (Huffs, shifting uncomfortably) “It was nothing, really. Just… a difference of opinion. We’re—were—siblings. Arguments happen.”
Daniel: “A difference of opinion that had you both raising your voices? The staff heard shouting from down the hall.”
Sarah: (Rolling her eyes) “Fine. He was being his usual controlling self. He thought he could dictate my life choices, tell me who I should avoid, as if he knew everything.”
Daniel: (Leaning in) “Who did he warn you about, Sarah? Maxwell Carter, perhaps?”
Sarah: (Pauses, her eyes flickering) “Maybe. Maxwell and James had their own issues. I mean, they argued that night too. Did you know that? I wasn’t the only one who found him insufferable.”
Daniel: “I’ll get to Maxwell. For now, let’s stay with you and James. Did he mention why he was so concerned about your choices?”
Sarah: (Nervously) “He just… he thought I was naïve, that I didn’t see what people were really like. James always had this need to control everything—my life included. He never let me live anything down, you know?”
Daniel: “But it was more than that this time, wasn’t it? Something specific triggered him.”
Sarah: (Tightens her arms around herself, lowering her gaze) “Yes, all right? It was about a decision I made with Maxwell. James kept saying Maxwell couldn’t be trusted, that he was out to take advantage of me or something. But maybe he was wrong. Maybe James wasn’t always right, and Maxwell actually understood me better.”
Daniel: (Raises an eyebrow) “So you defended Maxwell. But tell me, Sarah, did James say anything about his business dealings with Maxwell?”
Sarah: (Flinching slightly, her voice quieter) “He… he said Maxwell was becoming a liability. That he couldn’t trust him anymore. I told him he was being paranoid, that he needed to loosen his grip a little.”
Daniel: “Interesting. And how did James take that?”
Sarah: (Shrugs, forcing a bitter smile) “How do you think? He was furious, of course. James didn’t like being told he was wrong. But I didn’t kill him, Mr. Hunt. If you’re looking for someone with more than hurt feelings, maybe you should dig into James’s business relationships.”
Daniel: (Watching her closely) “Don’t worry, Sarah. I’ll speak to Maxwell soon enough.”
Sarah: (Glancing away, her voice barely a whisper) “Good. Maybe he’ll have answers I don’t.”
Read a book that meets the general guidelines.
William Everett
William Everett has served the Donovan family for over thirty years, the picture of loyalty and discretion. As the family butler, William knows every secret the family has tried to hide, and his quiet presence often goes unnoticed. Yet, it is clear that William has seen and heard more than he lets on. His loyalty to the family is unquestionable, but as financial troubles mount and tensions rise, even the most loyal servant might be forced to choose between his livelihood and his conscience.
Task 1: Read a book where a servant holds the key to solving a mystery.
Task 2: Read a book where a long-time servant or employee knows more than they reveal.
Task 3: Read a book with any character being a servant.
The Murder
The morning after a heated argument between James and Sarah, the house is thrown into chaos—James is found dead in the study. The door was locked from the inside, and it appears to be a locked-room mystery. Daniel Hunt takes charge of the investigation as the family reels from the shock. Each family member becomes a suspect.
Task 1: Read a book with a locked-room mystery.
Task 2: Read a book where a sudden death changes everything.
Task 3: Read a book where family members are suspects in a crime.
Book Boulevard
- Read a book published in 2023.
- Read a book written by an author from a different country.
- Read a book from a genre you don't typically read.
Remember you are still 2 spaces away from the end :)
Literary Launch - End
Read a book that meets the general guidelines to complete this challenge.
Investigation - William EverettDaniel: (Glancing up) “Thank you for agreeing to speak with me, Mr. Everett. I understand you’ve been with the Donovan family for quite some time.”
William: (Nods) “Nearly thirty years, Mr. Hunt. I’ve served this household since before James and Sarah were born.”
Daniel: “Thirty years is a long time. You must know the family better than anyone.”
William: (Smoothly) “My role is to ensure the household runs smoothly and the family’s privacy is respected. I observe, yes, but only insofar as it pertains to my duties.”
Daniel: “And yet, I imagine you’ve seen your share of conflicts within these walls.”
William: (Pauses, choosing his words carefully) “Every family has its disagreements, Mr. Hunt. The Donovans are no exception, though they are... more passionate than most.”
Daniel: “Passionate enough for things to turn violent?”
William: (His expression doesn’t change) “I wouldn’t presume to speculate. My focus is always on diffusing tension, not escalating it.”
Daniel: (Stepping closer) “Were there tensions the night James died?”
William: (Hesitates, then nods) “There was a heated exchange during dinner. Mr. James was in rare form, I’m afraid. He seemed... frustrated.”
Daniel: “Frustrated with whom?”
William: (Glances at the floor briefly, then back at Daniel) “There were words exchanged between Mr. James and Miss Sarah, though I didn’t catch the specifics. Later, I saw Mr. Maxwell Carter speaking with him in the study. That, too, seemed tense.”
Daniel: (Leaning forward slightly) “Did you overhear any of their conversation?”
William: “No, sir. I don’t eavesdrop. But when Mr. Carter left, he appeared... agitated.”
Daniel: “Agitated how?”
William: (Pauses, carefully phrasing his response) “He was pacing in the hallway, muttering to himself. I offered to escort him to his car, but he waved me off.”
Daniel: “And what about you? Where were you after that?”
William: “I spent most of the evening ensuring the other guests were comfortable. Mrs. Graves requested tea in the sunroom, and I delivered a tray to Miss Sarah in her room. I retired shortly before midnight.”
Daniel: “Did you see or hear anything unusual after that?”
William: (Shakes his head) “No, sir. The house was quiet when I retired. It wasn’t until the morning that I was informed of Mr. James’s... passing.”
Daniel: “You’ve worked here long enough to understand the dynamics of this household. Do you believe anyone in this family could have done this?”
William: (His expression tightens ever so slightly) “It is not my place to pass judgment, Mr. Hunt. But I will say this: strong emotions can drive people to act in ways they might later regret.”
Daniel: (Watching him closely) “You sound as though you’ve seen something like this before.”
William: (A faint smile) “I’ve been in service for three decades, sir. One learns to anticipate the storms before they arrive.”
Daniel: “And yet you didn’t anticipate this one?”
William: (His smile fades, and he looks Daniel squarely in the eye) “No one could have anticipated this, Mr. Hunt. Mr. James had his flaws, but I never imagined this would be his fate.”
Daniel: “Thank you, Mr. Everett. If anything else comes to mind, you know where to find me.”
William: (Bows slightly) “Of course, sir. I only wish I could be of more help.”
Daniel: (Nods, closing his notepad) “You’ve been more helpful than you realize.”
William: (Straightens, his expression unreadable) “If I may, Mr. Hunt... I hope you find the answers you’re looking for. Mr. James may have made enemies, but he was still a Donovan. That alone makes him worth remembering.”
Daniel: (Turning to leave, his tone thoughtful) “Every detail helps, Mr. Everett. Sometimes the smallest ones tell the biggest stories.”
Read a book that meets the general guidelines.
Lydia Blackwood
Lydia Blackwood steps into the grand hall with the grace of someone accustomed to being in control. Once engaged to James Donovan, Lydia was cast aside when James decided to break off their engagement for reasons she has never fully understood. Her return is not entirely unexpected, but her calm demeanor hides a simmering resentment. While she claims she’s here to pay her respects, there’s an underlying tension between her and the Donovan family, and it’s clear she harbors old wounds.
Task 1: Read a book where a past romance ends in betrayal.
Task 2: Read a book where an ex-fiancée returns seeking closure—or revenge.
Task 3: Read a book where unrequited love plays a key role in the story.
William EverettWilliam Everett has served the Donovan family for over thirty years, the picture of loyalty and discretion. As the family butler, William knows every secret the family has tried to hide, and his quiet presence often goes unnoticed. Yet, it is clear that William has seen and heard more than he lets on. His loyalty to the family is unquestionable, but as financial troubles mount and tensions rise, even the most loyal servant might be forced to choose between his livelihood and his conscience.
Task 1: Read a book where a servant holds the key to solving a mystery.
Task 2: Read a book where a long-time servant or employee knows more than they reveal.
Task 3: Read a book with any character being a servant.
Sounds good to me :)
Book/Author: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice FeeneyDate read: December 15
Task: 12
How it fits: MPG Psychological Thriller
✅
Eleanor Graves
Eleanor Graves has been Victoria Donovan’s close friend for decades, a constant presence at the Donovan estate. To outsiders, Eleanor seems the perfect friend—loyal, supportive, and always by Victoria’s side. But beneath her quiet demeanor lies a hidden past. Eleanor was once in love with Richard Donovan, Victoria’s late husband, though she has never spoken of it. Her loyalty to Victoria may be driven by more than friendship, and her lingering feelings for Richard cast a shadow over her intentions.
Task 1: Read a book where hidden feelings complicate friendships.
Task 2: Read a book where a character’s past love influences their present actions.
Task 3: Read a book where loyalty is tested in unexpected ways.
This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things
Tasks:
1: Read a book with a title with 5+ words.
2: Read a book with a morally gray character.
3: Read a book with the word “darling” in the text (short passage and page number).
Fantasy Fee
- Read a book from the fantasy genre.
- Read a book with magical elements.
- Read a book featuring mythical creatures.
Note: You are 2 spaces away from the finish line! You need to land on that spot exactly, meaning if you roll a 3 or higher, you will receive tasks from a space you haven't landed on before. If you roll 2 or lower, you will continue down the board.
