Fiona’s Comments (group member since Apr 01, 2023)

Fiona’s comments from the Bookish Challenges group.

📸Lana Murphy


If you’ve had a drink on this cruise, Lana Murphy probably made it. She’s quick with a joke, quicker with a pour, and always ready to listen.
Guests love her—but they forget that bartenders hear everything.
And Lana? She remembers it all.
Just don’t ask what she did before she worked on the ship… she never answers.

📚Tasks:
1. Read a book where a side character knows more than they let on
2. Read a book set (at least partially) in a bar, restaurant, or hotel
3. Read a book where alcohol or partying plays a role in the plot

📸Juliette St. Clair


Juliette St. Clair is always camera-ready. With 1.2 million followers and a suitcase full of designer outfits, she’s here to turn the cruise into content. From unboxing her “Welcome Aboard” basket to flirting with the bartenders on live, she makes sure her audience doesn’t miss a thing.
But when the cameras are off, Juliette’s smile slips just a little. There’s something behind those sunglasses she doesn’t want anyone to see...

📚Tasks:
1. Read a book featuring a social media influencer or public figure
2. Read a book with a pink cover or glamorous vibe
3. Read a book with duality—someone who hides their true self

📸 Investigation: Captain Elias Monroe


Captain Monroe runs a tight ship—until now.
He hasn’t spoken to the press or the guests, except to assure them everything is “under control.”
But in private, he’s been reviewing footage, crew reports… and quietly asking his own questions.
He’s more involved than he lets on.
And maybe more connected to the victim than anyone expected.

🗣️ Interrogation Snippet:
“I don’t care what the passengers think—this is my ship,” Elias says, voice cold. “And I take it personally when someone ends up dead in my pool.”

He glances at the security log. “Javier had a run-in with crew on Day Two. Something about access to a restricted hallway. I reprimanded him, but he just laughed it off.”

Then: “Between you and me… he threatened to file a complaint. Said he knew things about our hiring process. I figured it was hot air. Now? I’m not so sure.”

📚Tasks:
1. Read a book featuring a ship, cruise, or isolated setting
2. Read a book where someone is hiding something behind professionalism
3. Read a book where a character breaks the rules

✅

✅

Investigations Begin – Victoria Donovan

Daniel: (Carefully) “Mrs. Donovan, I’ll be direct. Emotions can run high in families, especially in matters of inheritance and legacy. Was there… any reason you might have felt resentment toward James?”

Victoria: (Her eyes flashing, voice sharp) “Resentment? Toward my own son? Mr. Hunt, I’ve already lost my husband; now my son is gone, and you’re suggesting I had a hand in it?”

Daniel: “I understand this is difficult. But you still have Sarah, your daughter. Family conflicts, even among the closest, sometimes run deeper than they appear.”

Victoria: (Takes a slow breath, her voice softening) “James and Sarah were everything to me. Yes, we had disagreements—every family does—but they’re my children. You must understand, I would have done anything to protect them.”

Daniel: “Yet protection can look different to different people. Perhaps you saw something in James’ life or choices that worried you. Something you couldn’t control?”

Victoria: (Gazes toward the study down the hall, her voice low) “The only thing out of my control was Lydia. You were there, Mr. Hunt; you saw how she marched in here like she still belonged. She was the disruption. I could see the fire in her eyes.”

Daniel: “She did seem distraught, yes. But bitter emotions don’t always lead to violence, Mrs. Donovan.”

Victoria: (Quietly, her tone unwavering) “Lydia’s life fell apart without James. She came here with an agenda, and when he turned her away… I could see it in her face, Mr. Hunt. She was desperate. Dangerous.”

Daniel: (Watching her closely) “I’ll look into her motives, rest assured. But remember, I have to consider everyone’s, even those closest to him.”

Victoria: (Nods slightly, a faint sadness in her eyes) “Then you have no reason not to see the truth. Lydia’s grudge was bound to turn deadly.”

Read a book that meets the general guidelines.

Book/Author: To Love a Scandalous Duke by Liana De la Rosa
Date read: July 16
Task: New to you author
How it fits: new to me author

For Indoor Pool & Spa:
Book/Author: Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
Date read: July 16
Task: Read a book with water on the cover 💦
How it fits: water on cover

DAY 4
📸The Murder


Day Four.
The sky was clear. The sea was calm. The party was in full swing.
And then someone screamed.
A body has been found floating in the ship’s infinity pool—and this cruise just turned into a crime scene.

🕵️‍♀️Tasks:
1. Read a book where someone dies
2. Read a book that includes a mystery, thriller, or crime
3. Read a book with a shocking twist

📸 Investigation: Lana Murphy


Lana was working the night of the murder—just like every other night.
She says it was a normal shift: drinks, flirting, drama.
But there’s something about the way she talks… like she’s filtering every word.
She’s not afraid of much—but this time, she looks nervous.
Like she knows too much.

🗣️ Interrogation Snippet:
“Javier was on his usual nonsense,” Lana says, stacking glasses. “Flashing that fake charm. Asking questions he had no business asking.”

She leans closer. “He was digging. About Priya. About Elias. Even about Theo. Said something about ‘figuring it out.’ I told him to shut up and enjoy his overpriced whiskey.”

Her jaw tightens. “But he didn’t shut up. He went to the upper deck after midnight. That’s the last time I saw him.”

📚Tasks:
1. Read a book with a character who knows everyone’s business
2. Read a book with late-night scenes or secrets revealed after dark
3. Read a book where a character might be lying by omission

Catch the Killer!
Now is your time to reveal the culprit.
If you have a good feeling about who did it, please send me a DM with the name. Please do not post your answer in this thread.
If you'd like an extra clue, please let me know which of the following you'd like to buy. Please make sure you have enough points in your point account to buy the clue. I will send the clue via DM.

EXTRA CLUES
- shredded letter: 10 points
- security camera footage: 15 points
- crew log: 20 points
- the list found in Theo's cabin: 30 points

🛁 Step 5: Choose Your Bathroom
Every home needs a bathroom! What kind of vibe do you want for yours?

🏛 Luxury Spa Bathroom

10 points
1. Read a book with a relaxing or calming vibe 🌿
2. Read a book featuring self-care or personal growth ✨
3. Read a book with a cover that has water, bubbles, or candles 💦

🖤 Dark & Moody Bathroom

7 points

🌸 Pastel & Aesthetic Bathroom

5 points

🌊 Ocean-Themed Bathroom

3 points

🏡 Simple & Functional Bathroom

0 points

✅

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Catch the Killer!
Now is your time to reveal the culprit.
If you have a good feeling about who did it, please send me a DM with the name. Please do not post your answer in this thread.
If you'd like an extra clue, please let me know which of the following you'd like to buy. Please make sure you have enough points in your point account to buy the clue. I will send the clue via DM.

Extra Clues
- Diary Entry (encoded): 10 points
- Logic Grid Puzzle: 15 points
- Sudoku: 20 points
- Security Camera Footage: 30 points

The Great War


Tasks:
1: Read a book with MPG War.
2: Read a memoir.
3: Read a book with "great" in the title.

Book/Author: The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully
Date read: July 14
Task: New to you author
How it fits: new to me author