Michelle's Empty Nest’s Comments (group member since Oct 31, 2021)

Michelle's Empty Nest’s comments from the Hooked on Books group.

Ridiculously Random Prompt #41: Northern Cardinal





The Northern cardinal is the most popular state bird.


Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia all picked it as their favorite species. The western meadowlark takes second place as the honoree in six other states.


Complete ONE of the following tasks:

♥️ 1. Read a book with a bird on the cover.
♥️ 2. Read a book set in any of the states listed above.
♥️ 3. Read a book where the title does NOT start with a letter in SPECIES.
♥️ 4. Read a book with a 6 in the page count.

Ridiculously Random Prompt #41: Northern Cardinal





The Northern cardinal is the most popular state bird.


Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia all picked it as their favorite species. The western meadowlark takes second place as the honoree in six other states.


Complete ONE of the following tasks:

♥️ 1. Read a book with a bird on the cover.
♥️ 2. Read a book set in any of the states listed above.
♥️ 3. Read a book where the title does NOT start with a letter in SPECIES.
♥️ 4. Read a book with a 6 in the page count.

You did a great job!

Prompt #6G: 10 Steps from Seed to Cup - Tasting the Coffee





Coffee is repeatedly tested for quality and taste. This process is referred to as cupping and usually takes place in a room specifically designed to facilitate the process.


First, the taster — usually called the cupper — evaluates the beans for their overall visual quality. The beans are then roasted in a small laboratory roaster, immediately ground and infused in boiling water with carefully-controlled temperature. The cupper noses the brew to experience its aroma, an essential step in judging the coffee's quality.


After letting the coffee rest for several minutes, the cupper breaks the crust by pushing aside the grounds at the top of the cup. Again, the coffee is nosed before the tasting begins.


To taste the coffee, the cupper slurps a spoonful with a quick inhalation. The objective is to spray the coffee evenly over the cupper's taste buds, and then weigh it on the tongue before spitting it out.


Samples from a variety of batches and different beans are tasted daily. Coffees are not only analyzed to determine their characteristics and flaws, but also for the purpose of blending different beans or creating the proper roast. An expert cupper can taste hundreds of samples of coffee a day and still taste the subtle differences between them.


Complete ONE of the following:

☕️ 1. Read a book with a nose visible on the cover.
☕️ 2. Read a book with an -ing word in the title, like tasting.
☕️ 3. Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in CUPPER.
☕️ 4. Read a book where a character smells or spits out food or drink.

Prompt Name / #: Non-Fiction #2





The Murder of King Tut
Published: January 2009


A secret buried for centuries

Thrust onto Egypt's most powerful throne at the age of nine, King Tut's reign was fiercely debated from the outset. Behind the palace's veil of prosperity, bitter rivalries and jealousy flourished among the Boy King's most trusted advisors, and after only nine years, King Tut suddenly perished, his name purged from Egyptian history. To this day, his death remains shrouded in controversy.

The keys to an unsolved mystery

Enchanted by the ruler's tragic story and hoping to unlock the answers to the 3,000 year-old mystery, Howard Carter made it his life's mission to uncover the pharaoh's hidden tomb. He began his search in 1907, but encountered countless setbacks and dead-ends before he finally, uncovered the long-lost crypt.

The clues point to murder

Now, in The Murder of King Tut, James Patterson and Martin Dugard dig through stacks of evidence -- X-rays, Carter's files, forensic clues, and stories told through the ages -- to arrive at their own account of King Tut's life and death. The result is an exhilarating true crime tale of intrigue, passion, and betrayal that casts fresh light on the oldest mystery of all.


Complete ONE of the following:

1. Read a book with an MPG of NON-FICTION.
2. Read a book with a royal character.
3. Read a book where the MC's first initial is NOT found in KING TUT.
4. Read any James Patterson novel.

Prompt Name / #: Thrillers #64





3 Days to Live
Published: February 2023


The people closest to you can be your most dangerous enemies in this heart-pounding collection of three thrillers from master of suspense and New York Times bestselling author James Patterson.

3 Days to Live : A CIA-agent bride is on her European honeymoon when she and her husband are poisoned—leaving her seventy-two hours to take revenge (with Duane Swierczynski).

Women and Children First : When a deal goes bad on a tech executive in Washington, DC, he turns an order to kill his family into a chance to relive his military glory days (with Bill Schweigart).

The Housekeepers: A Los Angeles doctor trusts her two housekeepers, but when she’s murdered in a botched attempt to steal drugs, the pair of grifters vie to control their former employer’s estate—facing off against the Russian mob (with Julie Margaret Hogben).


Complete ONE of the following:

1. Read a book that takes place over a relatively short period of time.
2. Read a book set in Washington, DC.
3. Read a book with a doctor character.
4. Read any James Patterson novel.

Ridiculously Random Prompt #41: Northern Cardinal





The Northern cardinal is the most popular state bird.


Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia all picked it as their favorite species. The western meadowlark takes second place as the honoree in six other states.


Complete ONE of the following tasks:

♥️ 1. Read a book with a bird on the cover.
♥️ 2. Read a book set in any of the states listed above.
♥️ 3. Read a book where the title does NOT start with a letter in SPECIES.
♥️ 4. Read a book with a 6 in the page count.

Ridiculously Random Prompt #43: Lincoln Logs





Frank Lloyd Wright's son invented Lincoln Logs.


The famous architect's design for the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo inspired John Lloyd Wright to produce the interlocking log beams on a much smaller scale for kids.


Complete ONE of the following tasks:

🪵 1. Read a book where the author goes by 3 names.
🪵 2. Read a book with at least 3 Ls in the title.
🪵 3. Read a book with a log/tree on the cover.
🪵 4. Read a book set in Japan.

Ridiculously Random Prompt #32: Coca-Cola





Coca-Cola consumers will pay more to drink less ounces.


Coca-Cola consumers prefer smaller packaging of their beverage and are willing to pay more per ounce. While soda consumption is declining in the U.S., Coca-Cola had a net revenue of $33 billion worldwide last year. Talk about vanity sizing!


Complete ONE of the following tasks:

🥤 1. Read a book with a dashed word in the title.
🥤 2. Read a book where someone drinks a cola, soda, pop, whatever you call it where you're from.
🥤 3. Read a book with two 3s in the publication date.
🥤 4. Read a book you were willing to pay for.

Well done!

Ridiculously Random Prompt #9: Bossaball





Originating in Spain, Bossaball comprises elements of volleyball, football (soccer), gymnastics, and capoeira, which is an Afro-Brazilian cultural practice simultaneously involving a fight and a dance.


The game is played on an inflatable course with inbuilt trampolines on each side. The teams consist of 4 - 5 players with the aim of getting the ball over the net without the other team being able to return it.


Complete ONE of the following tasks:

🏐 1. Read a book that you rated 4 - 5 stars.
🏐 2. Read a book where a character fights or dances.
🏐 3. Read a book set at least partially in Spain.
🏐 4. Read a book where the MC's first name does NOT start with a letter in BOSSABALL.

Prompt Name / #: Thrillers #63





The House of Wolves
Published: January 2023


Joe Wolf applies a cutthroat determination to his life’s work, from to building a California business empire to parenting three sons and a daughter. Kill or be killed. So when the patriarch takes a deadly cruise on San Francisco Bay, Joe Wolf’s bloodline becomes SFPD’s lifeline.

Detective Ben Cantor trails the “pack of wolves” as the siblings vie for control of their legacy of power and assets. All four have the means and the motive to commit murder, but only one of them is most like Joe Wolf. Only one of them earned their father’s love.

Lurking in the shadows is the real alpha wolf. That creature survives on instinct. And desire. To kill all the wolves dead.


Complete ONE of the following:

1. Read a book with a plural word in the title.
2. Read a book with a group of at least four siblings.
3. Read a book where the word HOUSE is found in the text.
4. Read any James Patterson novel.

Ridiculously Random Prompt #46: Triskaidekaphobia





Fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia.


Irrationally scared of clowns? You might have coulrophobia. Oh, and gephyrophobia is a fear of bridges.


Complete ONE of the following tasks:

1️⃣3️⃣ 1. Read a book where someone has a great fear of something.
1️⃣3️⃣ 2. Read a book with a number, a clown, or a bridge on the cover.
1️⃣3️⃣ 3. Read a book with the number 13 intact in the page count or publication date.
1️⃣3️⃣ 4. Read a book where the first letter of each word in the title is found in TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA. {3-word minimum}

Excellent!

Reserved

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Partner/Team Assignments 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦


✅ = All players checked in.


✅ Team 1: Our Escape-ades
Shan ~A~ (4)
Anastasia (7)
Jayme(theghostreader) (48)
Benedicte (56)


✅ Team 2: Undercover Readers
C (6)
Beth (14)
Richard (15)
Char (27)


✅ Team 3: Snakes are Snooping
ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) (10)
LaurLa (11)
Sally906 (21)
Laura (22)


✅ Team 4: Pageturner's Paradox - 3-person
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* (12)
Robin (Saturndoo) (13)
Catsalive (127)


✅ Team 5: Clueless in Hollywood
Alyana (29)
Kari (31)
Geri (34)
Melissa (47)


✅ Team 6: Bogie's Badasses
Teddie (38)
Angie☯ (39)
Jenny (40)
Sammy (41)


✅ Team 7: Clue Me Harder
Jessica (51)
DeeNeez (54)
Skye Blue (57)
Janeylou (60)


✅ Team 8: The Final Cut
MN Lisa (57)
Jackie (62)
Amanda (65)
Kirsten (66)


✅ Team 9: Nine Clues Down
Claire (26)
Trisha (53)
Vicki (55)
bamaace83 (122)


✅ Team 10: 🕵🏽‍♀️Book Dragon Investigation League 📃📌
Anne-Marie (17)
PrinZessBookDragon (18)
Mandy (24)
Rachel Anne (32)


✅ Team 11: Slow Burn, Fast Escape
Trio (63)
Caipi (69)
Ashley GR (71)
Julia (72)


✅ Team 12: Hawkeye Investigations
Alaina (5)
RachelG (9)
Christine (70)
Eunice (105)


✅ Team 13: Escape-ologists
Aiswrya (111)
Priya (112)
Tara (116)
Jacqueline (119)


✅ Team 14: Spies in Disguise
Catherine (25)
K.C. (58)
christene_littlelibrary (78)


✅ Team 15: The BESt Sleuths
Bubbles (117)
esther ⭐️ (in school) (121)
Samantha (132)


Waiting for Team Placement

Escape Room: Silver Screen Sleuths
Partner/Team Challenge; Open-Ended
Grab Your Detective Hat on August 1, 2025


Set in the heart of 1940s Los Angeles, you and your partner, Peggy, are drawn into a sinister plot involving a fake charity tied to a murder. The Chief Inspector Theodore Harrington has tasked you with unraveling a cryptic letter left at the police station. With your keen detective skills and love for intricate puzzles, you must navigate the clues, uncover hidden secrets, and expose the dark truths behind this fraudulent organization. “Silver Screen Sleuths” is designed for true detective enthusiasts who relish the thrill of solving the toughest cases. Are you ready to take on the challenge?


Get more details and sign up HERE!!!

Escape Room: Silver Screen Sleuths
Partner/Team Challenge; Open-Ended
Grab Your Detective Hat on August 1, 2025


📖 The Storyline 📖

In the heart of 1940s Los Angeles, you and your partner, Peggy, are drawn into a challenging case. Chief Inspector Theodore Harrington hands you a cryptic letter, hinting at a sinister plot involving a fake charity and a MURDER.


Your investigation begins at the police precinct, where a mysterious figure left the letter and three ticket stubs. The charity, presented as a force for good, hides dark secrets. The murder victim holds THE KEY to unraveling the entire scheme.


As you navigate the city’s labyrinthine streets, from opulent theaters to grimy back alleys, you’ll piece together intricate CLUES and solve demanding PUZZLES. Each step uncovers new secrets, bringing you closer to the truth.


“Silver Screen Sleuths” is designed for true detective enthusiasts. With its complex storyline and puzzles, this game will TEST your skills and CHALLENGE your wits.


📓 The Plan 📓

Grab a PARTNER - or TWO or THREE - and get ready to solve this mystery!


This is a SPREADSHEET-BASED challenge where only your team will have access in order to keep the clues you uncover a SECRET from other prying eyes. After all, we don't want to be solving the crime for another team of detectives, do we??


You will receive a set of CLUES and a stack of EVIDENCE for each Chapter in this mystery. You will also receive one "FREE" hint at the beginning of the Chapter. If you can find the answer to the clue, you will move on to the Prompt and Tasks for the Chapter. If you are unable to find the answer to the clue, you will read a book that fits the general Hooked on Books guidelines as "PAYMENT" for a NEW HINT. There are THREE hints available for each Chapter, and there are TEN Chapters in all. So you will read between ONE and THREE books per Chapter, depending on how sharp your detective skills are.


Once you see the spreadsheet and get through the first Chapter, anything that sounds confusing above will make much more sense, I PROMISE! Also, I will share the "WALKTHROUGH" at the end of each Chapter so you can start to see how the clues and evidence are being used to solve the mystery.


📝 The Sidenote 📝

While we are trying to keep our detective work to ourselves, this is NOT a race-to-the-finish challenge. However, with that being said, I would suggest using the space at the bottom of your spreadsheet for any discussions - INSTEAD OF in your team thread. Again...prying eyes and all. You will need to take a little time to SORT THROUGH the evidence and CRACK the clues, just like in a real investigation and a real escape room scenario.


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Partnering Up 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

I would LOVE for you to play with a partner or group of up to four of YOUR choosing. Since reading speed won't be of critical importance for this Escape Room Challenge, I want to allow you to create your partnerships/groups on your own. So discuss it among yourselves and let me know who will be together. ALL members will still need to post a sign-up so I can be sure they are aware of their commitment to this challenge. If you want me to partner you with someone random, please let me know that when you sign up as well. I would love to have teams IN PLACE by July 28th to give me a few days to set everything up for you. However, you can STILL start a new team after that time.


😓 The Hard Truth 😓

If you CAN'T access and maneuver Google Sheets on your device, this MAY NOT be the challenge for you to participate in. Sorry about that. This was the best way I could determine to run this particular challenge.


✨ The Tidbits ✨

There will be a FEW more details about how to post your "hint payment" books and checking in, etc., in your team threads. Your Super-Secret Silver Screen Sleuths Spreadsheet link will also be there.


📚 The Challenge Rules 📚

📗 Standard Rules Apply
📕 I will create a team thread for you prior to the start date.
📘 You may begin reading your first book for the Introduction Prompt prior to the start date, but it MAY NOT be completed before August 1, 2025.
📗 Books MUST be completed after you receive new information. If you get your new Chapter/Prompt on August 4th, you can't use a book you completed on August 3rd.
📕 The Challenge will run for as long as you need to complete all ten Chapters.

Escape Room: Silver Screen Sleuths
Partner/Team Challenge; Open-Ended
Grab Your Detective Hat on August 1, 2025


Check-In with the Chief: Check-In Thread - Post a link to your thread or your spreadsheet tab below, depending on what you are checking in.

Escape Room: Silver Screen Sleuths
Partner/Team Challenge; Open-Ended
Grab Your Detective Hat on August 1, 2025


Call in a Favor: Q&A Thread - Ask any questions below.