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

Fiona’s comments from the Bookish Challenges group.

Mad Woman


Tasks:
1: Read a book with a very nosy character (your interpretation).
2: Read a book in which someone says “Move on” to the MC (short passage and page number).
3: Read a book with dragons in it.

15. Gender Roles and Equality - Das kunstseidene Mädchen / The Artificial Silk Girl by Irmgard Keun
German gender roles have undergone significant transformation in recent decades, with efforts toward greater gender equality in both the workplace and society. While traditional gender roles may still persist in some areas, particularly in older generations, there is a strong emphasis on gender equality in legislation and social norms.
a. Read a book with "girl" or "silk" in the title.
b. Read a book featuring a strong female protagonist.
c. Read a book featuring non-binary or LGBTQ+ characters.

Investigation - William Everett

Daniel: (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.

The Private Investigator



As the night falls, a new arrival shakes the already tense atmosphere. A private investigator, hired by Victoria, has been observing quietly in the background. His name is Daniel Hunt, and his presence is both curious and unsettling.

Victoria reveals that Daniel was hired to look into some "disturbing occurrences" that have been happening on the estate—missing items, strange noises, and rumors of family secrets coming to light. Daniel’s sharp eyes scan the room, taking note of each family member’s reaction.

Task 1: Read a book with a private investigator or detective.
Task 2: Read a book where a family hires someone for a job.
Task 3: Read a book where a detective must uncover hidden family secrets.

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.

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Take your time! I hope you enjoy it :)

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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

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.

Book/Author: Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
Date Read: February 10
Task: 21. Sisters - Word
Read a book with "Sisters" / "Sister" in title
How it fits: Using my wild card to replace sisters with girls

Can be either :)