Fiona’s
Comments
(group member since Apr 01, 2023)
Fiona’s
comments
from the Bookish Challenges group.
Showing 1,661-1,680 of 4,313
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
Investigation - Maxwell CarterDaniel: (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.
Maxwell Carter
Maxwell Carter, James’s business partner, walks into the Donovan manor looking like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Once a wealthy entrepreneur, Maxwell made the mistake of trusting James with a substantial investment, a decision that has left him nearly bankrupt. His relationship with James was strained to say the least, and his desperation is palpable. He avoids direct confrontation but watches the Donovan family carefully, perhaps waiting for an opportunity to salvage his fortune—or something else.
Task 1: Read a book where business dealings lead to betrayal.
Task 2: Read a book where financial ruin is a key plot point.
Task 3: Read a book where a character must navigate a complex partnership.
19. Bonus - National DayGermany’s National Day is German Unity Day on October 3rd and is like a historical rewind button, where folks take a moment to remember the reunification of East and West Germany. It's a time to reflect on the past, appreciate how far the country has come, and maybe even dig into a bit of history over a bratwurst or two. Just another day to celebrate unity and progress!
a. Read a book published in October of any year.
b. Read a book with all three of the German flag colors mentioned in the text - black, red, and gold/yellow.
c. Read a book in which the MC is celebrating a holiday.
13. Politics and Governance - Die Verwandlung / The Metamorphosis by Franz KafkaGerman politics and governance operate within a stable parliamentary democracy framework, characterized by coalition governments and a strong emphasis on consensus-building. The Federal Republic of Germany functions as a federal state with a decentralized power structure, where the Chancellor, elected by the Bundestag (Federal Parliament), holds significant executive authority. The political landscape is dominated by major parties such as the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Social Democratic Party (SPD), and the Greens, which play key roles in shaping policy through negotiation and compromise.
a. Read a book with a text containing the word "government" or "politics". (short passage and page number)
b. Read a book with MPG Dystopia.
c. Read a book with a character who undergoes a transformation or metamorphosis, similar to the protagonist in "Die Verwandlung".
Wonderland
Tasks:
1: Read a book inspired by "Alice in Wonderland" or set in a fantastical world.
2: Read a book with a cover featuring whimsical or surreal artwork.
3: Read a book that includes the word "wonderland" in the text.
Book/Author: Onyx Storm by Rebecca YarrosDate read: February 2
Task: a
How it fits: Xaden is very dominating
✅
✅
Elena wrote: "January challenge completed"✅
nadine wrote: "Book: We'll Prescribe You a CatAuthor: Syou Ishida
Date completed: 30-Jan
Task: A book that starts a new series.
How it fits: Book 2, We'll Prescribe You a Cat Again, due to come ..."
✅
Natasha wrote: "Book: AraratAuthor: Christopher Golden
Date completed: 1/29/25
Task: 2. A book that starts a new series.
How it fits: Starts the Ben Walker series"
✅
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.
Clara Donovan
Clara Donovan, a distant cousin, arrives at the manor with an air of entitlement. She has recently discovered that she might be entitled to a share of the Donovan estate, a revelation that hasn’t been well-received by Victoria or the rest of the family. Clara has a sharp tongue and is unafraid to speak her mind, often to her own detriment. Her sudden appearance raises eyebrows, and many wonder if she’s truly here for family or for money.
Task 1: Read a book starting with a letter in INHERITANCE.
Task 2: Read a book where a distant relative returns unexpectedly.
Task 3: Read a book where a character fights for their rightful place in a family.
