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

Fiona’s comments from the Bookish Challenges group.

Congrats, you caught the killer on the first try! 25 points will be added to your point account!

Book/Author: Crystal Iris by Blair M. Shadows
Date Read: February 10
Task: 1. Affair - Connection
Read a book that you can connect to affair in any manner
How it fits: FMC's fiancé suspects her to have an affair with the MMC

Folklore



Note: I will not include songs that are on the track list twice (with the addition of “Pop Version” etc.)

Track list:
The 1
Cardigan
The Last Great American Dynasty
Exile
My Tears Ricochet
Mirrorball
Seven
August
This Is Me Trying
Illicit Affairs
Invisible String
Mad Woman
Epiphany
Betty
Peace
Hoax
The Lakes

That's 2 points for the task and another point for finishing the era!

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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.

20. Bonus - States of Germany
Germany's states are like a bunch of cool cliques in high school – each with its own style and attitude. From Bavaria's laid-back beer culture to Berlin's hipster scene, there's a state for every vibe. It's like a patchwork quilt of diversity and charm!
a. Read a book with the number 16 intact in the page number.
b. Read a book with a lot of diverse characters.
c. Read a book with all letters of STATES in the title (two Ts, two S).

14. Interactions with Other Cultures - Tschick / Why We Took the Car by Wolfgang Herrndorf
Historically, Germany has been a hub for cross-cultural influences, evident in its diverse cuisine, architecture, and language. Today, Germany's role in the European Union and its commitment to multiculturalism underscore its engagement with global affairs, fostering diplomatic ties, trade partnerships, and cultural collaborations with nations around the world.
a. Read a book with a character from a different cultural background than the MC.
b. Read a book translated from another language, highlighting perspectives from a different culture.
c. Read a book that features a road trip.

Investigation - Eleanor Graves

Daniel: (Settling into the chair opposite her) “Thank you for meeting with me, Mrs. Graves. I understand you’ve been close to the Donovan family for many years.”

Eleanor: (Softly) “Yes, that’s true. Victoria is one of my dearest friends, and I’ve watched James and Sarah grow up in this house.”

Daniel: “So, you must have known James’s father quite well.”

Eleanor: (Her fingers tighten slightly around the cup) “I did. Richard was… a remarkable man. Strong, intelligent, devoted to his family.”

Daniel: (Watching her carefully) “Some say your connection with him went beyond friendship.”

Eleanor: (Looks up sharply, her expression hardening) “Richard and I were close, but he loved Victoria deeply. Whatever anyone may have whispered over the years, my loyalty has always been to this family.”

Daniel: “And to James?”

Eleanor: (Her voice softens) “James was… complicated. So much like his father, yet so different. He had Richard’s ambition but none of his patience. He often acted before thinking things through.”

Daniel: “Did that ambition ever concern you?”

Eleanor: (Pauses, then takes a slow sip of her tea) “It concerned everyone who cared about him. James was bold, but boldness can make enemies, Mr. Hunt. It can blind you to the consequences of your actions.”

Daniel: (Leaning forward slightly) “Do you think James made enemies here, in this house?”

Eleanor: (Her gaze sharpens) “The Donovan name is powerful. With power comes jealousy. Suspicion. Even hatred. I imagine there are few people in this world who haven’t felt the weight of James’s decisions, one way or another.”

Daniel: “And what about you, Mrs. Graves? Did you ever feel that weight?”

Eleanor: (Her lips curl into a faint smile) “Me? No, I always knew my place. I wasn’t a threat to James, nor did I wish to be. My role in this family has always been one of support, not interference.”

Daniel: “Even when James dismissed you from certain conversations? I was told he didn’t always appreciate your advice.”

Eleanor: (Tilting her head slightly) “James was young and headstrong. He didn’t see the value in experience, but that never offended me. If I had any influence, it was through Victoria.”

Daniel: “Yet you stayed here the night of his death. Why?”

Eleanor: (Setting her teacup down, her voice calm but measured) “Victoria needed me. After our dinner conversation, she seemed... troubled. I stayed for her sake, not James’s.”

Daniel: “Did you see James that evening?”

Eleanor: (Hesitates, her gaze drifting to the window) “Briefly, in passing. He seemed preoccupied, though that wasn’t unusual for him. I didn’t pry—James didn’t welcome questions.”


Read a book that meets the general guidelines.

Investigation - Eleanor Graves

Daniel: (Settling into the chair opposite her) “Thank you for meeting with me, Mrs. Graves. I understand you’ve been close to the Donovan family for many years.”

Eleanor: (Softly) “Yes, that’s true. Victoria is one of my dearest friends, and I’ve watched James and Sarah grow up in this house.”

Daniel: “So, you must have known James’s father quite well.”

Eleanor: (Her fingers tighten slightly around the cup) “I did. Richard was… a remarkable man. Strong, intelligent, devoted to his family.”

Daniel: (Watching her carefully) “Some say your connection with him went beyond friendship.”

Eleanor: (Looks up sharply, her expression hardening) “Richard and I were close, but he loved Victoria deeply. Whatever anyone may have whispered over the years, my loyalty has always been to this family.”

Daniel: “And to James?”

Eleanor: (Her voice softens) “James was… complicated. So much like his father, yet so different. He had Richard’s ambition but none of his patience. He often acted before thinking things through.”

Daniel: “Did that ambition ever concern you?”

Eleanor: (Pauses, then takes a slow sip of her tea) “It concerned everyone who cared about him. James was bold, but boldness can make enemies, Mr. Hunt. It can blind you to the consequences of your actions.”

Daniel: (Leaning forward slightly) “Do you think James made enemies here, in this house?”

Eleanor: (Her gaze sharpens) “The Donovan name is powerful. With power comes jealousy. Suspicion. Even hatred. I imagine there are few people in this world who haven’t felt the weight of James’s decisions, one way or another.”

Daniel: “And what about you, Mrs. Graves? Did you ever feel that weight?”

Eleanor: (Her lips curl into a faint smile) “Me? No, I always knew my place. I wasn’t a threat to James, nor did I wish to be. My role in this family has always been one of support, not interference.”

Daniel: “Even when James dismissed you from certain conversations? I was told he didn’t always appreciate your advice.”

Eleanor: (Tilting her head slightly) “James was young and headstrong. He didn’t see the value in experience, but that never offended me. If I had any influence, it was through Victoria.”

Daniel: “Yet you stayed here the night of his death. Why?”

Eleanor: (Setting her teacup down, her voice calm but measured) “Victoria needed me. After our dinner conversation, she seemed... troubled. I stayed for her sake, not James’s.”

Daniel: “Did you see James that evening?”

Eleanor: (Hesitates, her gaze drifting to the window) “Briefly, in passing. He seemed preoccupied, though that wasn’t unusual for him. I didn’t pry—James didn’t welcome questions.”


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.

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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

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.

Investigation - Maxwell Carter

Daniel: (Studying him) “Mr. Carter, I’ve been told you and James had a heated argument the night he was killed. Care to explain?”

Maxwell: (Smirking slightly) “Business disagreements, Mr. Hunt. They happen all the time. James and I were passionate about what we built together. Arguments were just part of the process.”

Daniel: (Coolly) “Passionate? According to the staff, your voices were loud enough to carry down the hall. That sounds a bit more intense than a standard business debate.”

Maxwell: (Shrugs) “What can I say? James was stubborn. He had a way of pushing my buttons, but it never went beyond words.”

Daniel: (Leaning back slightly, his eyes narrowing) “And what exactly were you arguing about?”

Maxwell: (Pauses, choosing his words carefully) “He was making decisions I didn’t agree with. Risky moves, let’s just say. I told him he needed to slow down, reassess. He didn’t take it well.”

Daniel: “Risky moves? Like cutting you out of a deal, perhaps?”

Maxwell: (Laughs, though there’s a tightness to it) “You’ve got quite the imagination, Mr. Hunt. James and I may have had our differences, but he valued me. He wasn’t about to push me out.”

Daniel: (Pointedly) “You sound confident about that. But business partnerships can be complicated. You didn’t feel he was holding you back, maybe looking to end things?”

Maxwell: (His tone sharpens slightly) “James and I had a dynamic that worked, even if it wasn’t always smooth sailing. If you’re implying I had something to gain from his death, you’re wasting your time.”

Daniel: (Slowly) “Perhaps. But I can’t ignore the fact that tensions were high, and James had confided in others about trust issues with you.”

Maxwell: (Feigning surprise) “Oh, James confided in everyone, didn’t he? Always quick to cast doubt, but never willing to confront the real problems. Let me guess—Sarah mentioned something, didn’t she? Or maybe Clara, stirring the pot as usual?”

Daniel: (Unfazed) “Let’s stick to you and James. After your argument, where did you go?”

Maxwell: (Leaning back, his composure returning) “To my room. I needed space to cool off, and James needed to sulk. We were supposed to talk it out the next morning, but… well, here we are.”

Daniel: (Watching him carefully) “Convenient that you didn’t see him again. Do you often leave things unresolved like that?”

Maxwell: (Smirks) “Not usually, but with James? It was better to let him stew. He’d come around eventually—he always did.”

Daniel: “And now he won’t.”

Maxwell: (Leaning forward, his tone suddenly firm) “Look, Mr. Hunt, I had nothing to do with James’s death. Argue with him? Sure. But murder? That’s not who I am. If you want the truth, maybe you should dig deeper into this family. James had more enemies under this roof than business rivals outside of it.”

Daniel: (Nods slowly, his gaze lingering) “I’ll be doing just that, Mr. Carter. Don’t stray too far.”

Maxwell: (Standing, smoothing his suit) “I have no intention of leaving, Mr. Hunt. After all, I have nothing to hide.”


Read a book that meets the general guidelines.

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