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from the Bookish Challenges group.
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Your last song of this era: Midnight Rain

Tasks:
1: Read a book in which the MC gets married.
2: Read a book with a cage or a fence on the cover.
3: Read a book that is tagged Christmas.
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.
Investigation - Eleanor GravesDaniel: (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 - 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.
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.
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.
Sarah Donovan
Sarah Donovan is James’s opposite—lively, rebellious, and fiercely independent. She left the estate years ago to make her own way in the city. She’s only returned for her mother’s sake, and it’s clear she has little respect for the Donovan legacy. Her contempt for James’s way of life is obvious, and the siblings clash at every opportunity.
Task 1: Read a book with a strong, independent female lead.
Task 2: Read a book where a character rejects their family’s traditions.
Task 3: Read a book where city and country life are in conflict.
Verse Vista
- Read a poetry collection by a contemporary poet.
- Read a book written in verse.
- Read a classic novel written in the 19th century.
Lover
Note: I will not include songs that are on the track list twice (with the addition of “Pop Version” etc.)
Track list:
I Forgot That You Existed
Cruel Summer
Lover
The Man
The Archer
I Think He Knows
Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince
Paper Rings
Cornelia Street
Death By A Thousand Cuts
London Boy
Soon You’ll Get Better
False God
You Need To Calm Down
Afterglow
Me!
It’s Nice To Have A Friend
Daylight
16. Bonus - MusicGerman Schlager, a type of folk music, you either love it or hate it – there's rarely an in-between. It's all about those catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics that either make you want to dance or cringe. And then there's Helene Fischer, the queen of Schlager, with her powerhouse vocals and flashy performances that have everyone talking, whether they're fans or not. Find her most iconic song under the name "Atemlos" on Youtube.
a. Read a book with a character named Helene, Helen or Helena.
b. Read a book with the word “breath” in the text or a breathtaking cover (your interpretation).
c. Read a book with a musician MC.
