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(group member since Apr 01, 2023)
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from the Bookish Challenges group.
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Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince
Tasks:
1: Read a book set in high school or about teenage life.
2: Read a book with a cover featuring an American flag or patriotic imagery.
3: Read a book about a significant cultural or political event.
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.
James Donovan
James Donovan, Victoria’s eldest son, is a man weighed down by responsibility. He inherited the family fortune but has struggled to manage it. His strained relationship with his younger sister, Sarah, is evident, and though he rarely speaks, his presence is a dark cloud over the gathering.
Task 1: Read a book where inheritance causes tension.
Task 2: Read a book where a character is burdened by expectations.
Task 3: Read a book where siblings are at odds.
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.
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.
Book & Author: Iron Flame by Rebecca YarrosDate Read: January 23
Task: A book with a memorable character
How it Fits: featuring the very memorable Xaden Riorson <3
Next Case: 23
Investigation - Clara DonovanDaniel: (Coolly) “Thank you for agreeing to speak with me, Miss Donovan. I understand you’ve recently taken an interest in the family inheritance?”
Clara: (Smiling, faintly amused) “If by ‘interest’ you mean what’s rightfully mine, then yes. My uncle had… a complex way of organizing his affairs. But I’m simply pursuing what’s fair.”
Daniel: “And James? Did he share your idea of fairness?”
Clara: (Her expression hardens) “James believed the world revolved around him. He thought he was the only one deserving of anything in this family. We may have disagreed, but he was a… spirited cousin.”
Daniel: “Spirited? From what I understand, your disagreements were more… contentious.”
Clara: (Sighs dramatically) “Contentious, spirited, whatever word you’d like, Mr. Hunt. James made his feelings about me quite clear. He considered me a threat. But I’m not so foolish as to kill over a will—besides, I don’t have the patience for such theatrics.”
Daniel: “And yet, you were at the mansion the night of the murder. Did you notice anything unusual about James’s behavior?”
Clara: (Hesitates) “He was tense. More than usual, I’d say. I saw him speaking to Maxwell Carter in hushed tones earlier that evening. James looked… agitated. And Maxwell, well, he looked like a cat about to pounce.”
Daniel: (Raising an eyebrow) “Maxwell and James had a complicated business relationship. Were you aware of any recent conflicts between them?”
Clara: (Shrugs, feigning disinterest) “Oh, I never bothered myself with the details. But James was often... selective in his trust. He mentioned once that Maxwell was becoming ‘more trouble than he was worth.’”
Daniel: “Yet, it sounds as if James still kept Maxwell close.”
Clara: (With a smirk) “That was James. Always thought he could control everyone and everything. But perhaps he overestimated his power this time.”
Daniel: “Perhaps. But you still stood to gain a great deal with James out of the way. It wouldn’t be out of place to consider you had a motive.”
Clara: (Laughs softly, as if amused) “I’m a realist, Mr. Hunt. There are simpler ways to resolve family disputes than murder."
Read a book that meets the general guidelines.
17. Bonus - StereotypesGerman stereotypes? Where do I start? Well, there's the whole thing about efficiency – like we're all about punctuality and precision (well, true). And let's not forget the beer and sausages, Oktoberfest vibes all year round! Oh, and don't get me started on the stereotype about Germans being super serious and lacking a sense of humor – trust me, we know how to have a good time!
a. Read a book with a clock on the cover.
b. Read a book in which a character drinks beer.
c. Read a book with MPG Humor.
I'll let it pass :)
Investigations Begin – Victoria DonovanDaniel: (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.
✅
I'm in :)
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.
The Private InvestigatorAs 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.
Victoria Donovan
Victoria greets the guests with grace, but there is an underlying sadness in her eyes. She leads everyone into the grand hall where a portrait of her late husband, Richard Donovan, hangs above the fireplace. Richard’s death ten years ago is a wound that the family still bears. As the evening unfolds, Victoria’s calm demeanor hides a woman who has fought to keep her family’s legacy intact.
Task 1: Read a book where the matriarch holds a family together.
Task 2: Read a book where the past heavily influences the present.
Task 3: Read a book with a tragic backstory.
League of Legends
Tasks:
- Read a book about mythology or folklore.
- Read a book about teamwork and strategy.
- Read a book featuring diverse characters and cultures.
Soon You’ll Get Better
Tasks:
1: Read a book in which a character recovers from an illness.
2: Read a book with 150-200 pages.
3: Read a book with a double letter in the title (must be together).
The Black Dog
Tasks:
1: Read a book with an animal on the cover.
2: Read a book with themes of mental health.
3: Read a book with a mysterious atmosphere.
I'm happy you liked it :)
