Hooked on Books discussion
Toys/Objects Roundup
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C: The Marionette Mob
Kelly (Maybedog) wrote: "I finished my books. We did that one super fast! I checked us in."
Thanks
Mod
Robert the Doll is one of the most infamous real-life haunted objects in the world. Currently housed in the Fort East Martello Museum in Key West, Florida, Robert has terrified visitors and inspired countless legends of curses and paranormal activity.
The doll stands about three feet tall, stuffed with wood wool, and is dressed in a sailor suit (reportedly one that belonged to its original owner). His face is worn and unsettling, with beady black eyes and a faint, sinister smile. He once held a toy dog in his lap, adding to his eerie, childlike presence.
Robert originally belonged to a young boy named Robert Eugene Otto in the early 1900s. Legend has it that the doll was given to him by a disgruntled servant skilled in voodoo, and that strange things began happening soon after: objects moved, voices were heard, and young Eugene blamed the doll for everything, insisting “Robert did it.”
Over time, stories of Robert's malevolence grew. Visitors to the museum claim cameras malfunction near him, and that bad luck (injuries, accidents, and job loss) follows those who mock or photograph him without permission. The museum displays letters from people who wrote to apologize after disrespecting the doll.
Whether seen as a cursed object or just a creepy antique, Robert the Doll continues to fascinate and frighten, blurring the line between myth and reality.
Dressed in a sailor suit with beady black eyes and a faint smirk, Robert the Doll might look like a forgotten toy from a dusty attic—but legends say he’s far from innocent. He’s been blamed for mischief, madness, and full-on curses for over a century. Mock him, and your luck may not recover.
Now Robert’s out of his case, and we need your help to contain him—politely, of course.
Complete the following tasks:
1. Salt in the Seams
That sailor suit isn’t just for show.
Read a chain of 3 books with a maritime or nautical theme—ships, sailors, sea curses, coastal towns, or anything that smells like salt and secrets.
5. Don’t Look Away
He hasn’t blinked in over a hundred years.
Read a chain of 3 books where the cover includes at least one visible eye—bonus if it’s staring directly at you.
You’ll know it when you see it. Trust me.
6. Name the Curse
It’s written right there. You just didn’t notice.
Read a chain of 3 books that each include the letters of DOLL somewhere in the title (any order, 2 Ls).
Do you folks think these eyes are visible enough? 
Kelly (Maybedog) wrote: "Do you folks think these eyes are visible enough? "You really have to magnify it to see them but then they are visible.
Amazing how much reading you can get done when there is a power blackout. I have finished my books
Cool, thanks! I had to read a book for another challenge, a hard one which I wish fit one of these tasks because it was not my cuppa as it was a war book. Did you read your war book for the kitchen confidential challenge?
I haven't even had a chance to look at the tasks yet. I'll look during my lunch break and maybe something I've finished since they were posted will work for 1 or 2.
Kelly (Maybedog) wrote: "Cool, thanks! I had to read a book for another challenge, a hard one which I wish fit one of these tasks because it was not my cuppa as it was a war book. Did you read your war book for the kitch..."
Yes, was reading it for that one and happened to fit this challenge. It is good when the ones you are already reading slot in
I'm not going to finish my last book until tomorrow, probably about 24 hours from now. I've started it but I have 8 hours left on a higher speed. I might raise it but it will still take at least 7 hours I think. If someone feels they can finish a book faster and wants to take it, feel free. I had to read another book in the middle of these which is why it's taking longer. Usually this challenge comes first.
I read
Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper on 23/10/2025 which would fit if you want to use that instead Kelly
That's great! Thank you!I used it and checked us in.
Kelly (Maybedog) wrote: "That's great! Thank you!I used it and checked us in."
Thanks Kelly
Mod
The Ouija board, also known as a spirit board or talking board, is a flat board marked with the alphabet, numbers 0–9, and the words “yes,” “no,” and “goodbye.” It is used as a tool for spirit communication, often associated with séances and the supernatural.
At its center lies a small, heart-shaped device called a planchette, typically made of wood or plastic. Participants lightly rest their fingers on the planchette, and as questions are asked, it appears to move on its own, guided by unseen forces, spelling out answers or pointing to yes/no responses.
Though originally patented in the late 19th century as a parlor game, the Ouija board quickly developed a reputation as a gateway to the unknown. Stories and legends abound of eerie encounters, malevolent spirits, and unexplainable phenomena tied to its use. Its popularity surged in the 20th century, becoming both a cultural curiosity and a symbol of occult danger.
In horror films and folklore, the Ouija board is often portrayed as a portal for spirits(benevolent, mischievous, or malicious) to make contact with the living, sometimes unleashing dark forces that are difficult to banish.
Mysterious, controversial, and steeped in paranormal lore, the Ouija board continues to captivate and terrify, blurring the line between party game and occult ritual.
Ouija Board
🎱🪦 Ask the Board… if You Dare
This isn’t your grandma’s Ouija board—but the spirits don’t care. They’ve found another way through…
For this mini-game, we’re combining the creepy randomness of a Magic 8 Ball with the mystery of a spirit board. Here’s how it works:
👻 Step 1: Ask the Board
Go to the Magic 8 Ball tool and think of a question—anything eerie, personal, or ridiculous. Click to get your answer from beyond. This opens the door.
https://www.online-stopwatch.com/rand...
🕯️ Step 2: The Spirits Answer
The board is only the beginning.
I heard the click when you asked your question.
The air shifted. The veil thinned. Something stirred behind the walls.
It didn’t speak in words. It never does.
It pressed a name into my thoughts. A word. A warning. A curse.
And now it’s yours.
We Toymakers do not choose these words.
We merely obey.
It may be TRAPPED. Or WHISPER. Or something far worse—
a word that should not be spoken.
But you must spell it, one letter at a time.
One book per letter. One step closer to the end.
Bring your offering to the Occult Museum (Check-In Thread) and report:
Your Team Name
What the Magic 8 Ball told you
A link to your team’s spreadsheet
Then wait.
We’ll respond when the spirits allow.
And when we do… you’ll know your word.
Mod
Mod
James Dean died in a car crash in his Porsche 550 Spyder (nicknamed "Little Bastard") on September 30, 1955. After his crash, the car was sold for parts. Anyone who bought the parts was involved in some kind of incident, leading to injuries or even death.
The engine was installed in a Lotus IX race car, and the driver of the car was injured. A doctor purchased the transmission and suspension, leading to his own fatal accident.
The car was being transported in 1960, and it just vanished without a trace. Despite thorough searches, it has never been found.
The transaxle was later sold at an auction for a significant sum, due to the fascination with the idea of a "cursed" car.
Catch James Dean's Disappearing Cursed Car
Read a book with something that disappears
Read a book with a car on the cover
Read a book published in September of any year
The Magic 8 ball tool told me: You already know the answerChecked in with this result
I have books for all the bonus tasks so Shan and Kelly choose which one suits you better and I will take the remaining one
Read a book with a car on the coverThat's only because I see a book that I have that fits without having to search.
I can also do Read a book published in September of any year
Kelly I'll choose for sure after you.
Something that disappears would be easiest for me. I already have a book for it.Thanks!
Then Shan, if you take the car on cover, I will take the published in September task. Remember these don't have to follow Belle's rule.
Sounds good. Are we waiting for other tasks?
We are waiting for the Magic 8 ball task
Just curious but how do we know it's the magic 8 ball?
Kelly (Maybedog) wrote: "Just curious but how do we know it's the magic 8 ball?"message 264 Task 13 was the Ouija Board and we had to roll the magic 8 ball for an answer which I did and logged into the check in thread. We are just waiting for the tasks. The James Dean Car is a bonus
Sorry, I saw the Ouija Board and thought of that as our task. I skimmed it because I saw that the tasks weren't in the spreadsheet so I figured we needed to wait. I need to stop asking dumb questions.
I love spell outs.
No dumb questions. Spell outs are the best
Mod
Take the word you received and spell it out—one book per letter.
Each book becomes a piece of the message. Complete the spell to quiet the voices. (Or at least move on to the next task.)
You already know the answer. - WHISPER
I have PER covered with books currently reading, I am also reading an I, but it is only a small one, 192 pages. Shan and Kelly, if you choose one that you are reading, I should be able to cover the remainder quickly.
I can do H, I, and/or S. Shan, you can take whichever of those or W if you prefer. We are about to lose power and I'm tired so I'm going to bed soon and won't get to reading until tomorrow regardless.
I have a book that I need to read before my bonus because it's due back tomorrow evening and I don't want to go back on the hold list. It works for W if no one claims it.
Shan has a W in the spreadsheet. All that's left for me is the S which is fine.
Kelly (Maybedog) wrote: "Shan has a W in the spreadsheet. All that's left for me is the S which is fine."Kelly, if you see my above post you can take the W if you finish one before the one I put on the SS
Sounds good, although it's likely you'll finish first.
Kelly (Maybedog) wrote: "Sounds good, although it's likely you'll finish first."I did and am now starting my bonus book.
I finally finished my book. (It was good but the narrator was horrendous. He was shouting.)I checked us in for both the bonus and the regular task.
Mod
Nightmare (known as Atmosfear in some regions) is a horror-themed interactive VHS board game released in the early 1990s, blending traditional gameplay with a live-action video experience that evolves in real-time.
The game comes with a haunting VHS tape (later DVD versions), featuring The Gatekeeper, a decaying, sinister figure who serves as the game’s host. Players must race against the clock(typically 60 minutes) as the Gatekeeper appears on screen at intervals to issue commands, curses, and sudden challenges. His interruptions are unpredictable and increasingly aggressive as time ticks on, heightening the tension and sense of urgency.
The goal is simple yet chilling: collect keys from different regions of the board, confront your fears, and reach the Well of Fears at the center before time runs out. However, only one player can win, and only if they draw and conquer their secretly written fear.
With its eerie soundtrack, sudden video interruptions, and ever-changing instructions, Nightmare/Atmosfear is less about strategy and more about immersion and dread. It transforms a living room into a haunted game space, where players are never quite sure what horror the Gatekeeper will unleash next.
Darkly theatrical and wonderfully nostalgic, Nightmare is a cult classic that turns game night into an unforgettable, spine-tingling experience.
📼👁️ VHS DESCENT: The Tape Is Watching You
You found a tape. You pressed play.
Now you’re inside it. And the only way out… is through.
This mini-game will take your team through three levels of cursed reading. Each level pulls you deeper into the static. Complete one task per level—but beware: the Gatekeeper might glitch into your feed at any time.
You MUST read Level 1, then Level 2, then Level 3 in order, BUT not at the same time. If a glitch is added while you are working through it, you have to change the book you are reading (unless it works for the new prompt, too).
🎮 LEVEL 1: PLAY
The screen flickers. The laughter sounds canned, but wrong.
Choose one:
Read a book under 250 pages. Quick, like your nerves.
Read a book tagged “humor” or “camp.” You’ll need the relief.
Read a book with a game or game-like concept—something with rules, puzzles, or dangerous dares.
🎮 LEVEL 2: DISTORTION
Your reflection is wrong. The book isn’t what you thought it was.
Choose one:
Read a book where a character questions reality (e.g., gaslighting, strange rules, or dreamlike confusion).
Read a book where the main character is isolated—mentally, emotionally, or physically.
Read a book with a mixed media format (emails, articles, interviews, found footage vibes).
🎮 LEVEL 3: DESCENT
The screen blinks. You’re not watching the tape anymore. It’s watching you.
Choose one:
Read a book with an eye on the cover.
Read a book with “eye(s), watch, vision, look, or see” in the title, subtitle, or series name.
Read a book where someone is being watched, followed, or surveilled.
Does this mean we each read a book from one of the levels at different times. Asking due to the "BUT not at the same time." comment.And if so, does it have to follow Belle's rules?
Checking with you guys before asking in Q&A.
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At any point, the Gatekeeper may interrupt your descent. If this happens, you must apply the posted glitch to the next book you read in this game.
STATIC BURN
The signal crackled. Something burned into your eyes.
👉 Read a book that includes fire—in the title, on the cover, or in the plot.
Thank you!! I may have overthought it. 😂
OK, since I haven't started, the glitch means that the first task is voice and now I have to read the fire task, right? Or must it cover both the Level 1 task and fire?
I think the book just has to incorporate both. I misunderstood the whole assignment including the glitch.
Yes it looks like it has to cover both tasks
Hooked on Books
Books mentioned in this topic
The Ritual (other topics)Wild Sign (other topics)
The Bones Beneath My Skin (other topics)
Better Homes and Hauntings (other topics)
The Misfit Mage and His Dashing Devil (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Molly Harper (other topics)Madeline Miller (other topics)
Yangsze Choo (other topics)
I checked us in.