Hooked on Books discussion
Murder, She Wrote Challenge
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Murder, She Wrote Challenge: Shan ~A~ {COMPLETED}
While you wait for the challenge to officially begin, here's a refresher on JB's background, according to the Book Series in Order website. 馃榾
Murder, She Wrote is a series of crime fiction and detective novels by Jessica Fletcher of Cabot Cove. She went to college at the Harrison College in Green Falls, New Hampshire, from where she graduated with a degree in journalism. After graduation, she decided to take up a job as a substitute English teacher. She interned at the Appleton Theater for a while and it was while she was working there that she met Frank Fletcher, a United States Air Force Captain that she went on to marry. They have no children of their own but they adopted Grady their nephew, who they raised as their own after his parents perished in an automobile accident. Following the death of her husband Frank, she wrote 鈥淭he Corpse Danced At Midnight鈥, which her nephew found and showed to his girlfriend. She had it published by Coventry House who loved it so much that they published it, marking the start of Jessica鈥檚 career as an author. In the course of publishing, she would soon be drawn into the intrigues of a homicide that led her to quit Coventry House. During the intervening period, she published with other houses and did other things including serving in the US House of Representative for Maine. Seven years after the publication of the debut novel, she moved to New York where she went back to teaching Creative Writing and Criminology. While she has established herself as an internationally known sleuth, she still continues to publish novels.
The Murder, She Wrote series of novels by Jessica Fletcher was borne from a TV series by the same name that aired on the CBS Network between 1984 and 1996. Jessica Fletcher the author of the novels and lead character in the series was played by Angela Lansbury. The light-hearted series of novels are cozy mysteries set in Cabot Cove, where Jessica Fletcher the amateur sleuth goes about solving a range of homicides. Jessica is a widowed, childless and retired English teacher that became a successful writer of mystery novels. It all began with a small old Royal typewriter but over time and as she became more successful, she moved to a computer that runs on Windows 3.1. While she has amassed quite the fortune, she loves her small coastal community of Cabot Cove in Maine and never wants to leave. She has never let her success go to her head and has kept in touch with all her old friends that she has known since her teaching days. She counts among her friends multi-millionaires with private planes, as well as homeless people with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Nowadays she works as an amateur sleuth occupied in unraveling homicide cases in her small town. While she prefers to work as JB Fletcher both in her writing career and sleuthing work, she increasingly finds that her personal life and work often overlap.
Murder, She Wrote is a series of crime fiction and detective novels by Jessica Fletcher of Cabot Cove. She went to college at the Harrison College in Green Falls, New Hampshire, from where she graduated with a degree in journalism. After graduation, she decided to take up a job as a substitute English teacher. She interned at the Appleton Theater for a while and it was while she was working there that she met Frank Fletcher, a United States Air Force Captain that she went on to marry. They have no children of their own but they adopted Grady their nephew, who they raised as their own after his parents perished in an automobile accident. Following the death of her husband Frank, she wrote 鈥淭he Corpse Danced At Midnight鈥, which her nephew found and showed to his girlfriend. She had it published by Coventry House who loved it so much that they published it, marking the start of Jessica鈥檚 career as an author. In the course of publishing, she would soon be drawn into the intrigues of a homicide that led her to quit Coventry House. During the intervening period, she published with other houses and did other things including serving in the US House of Representative for Maine. Seven years after the publication of the debut novel, she moved to New York where she went back to teaching Creative Writing and Criminology. While she has established herself as an internationally known sleuth, she still continues to publish novels.
The Murder, She Wrote series of novels by Jessica Fletcher was borne from a TV series by the same name that aired on the CBS Network between 1984 and 1996. Jessica Fletcher the author of the novels and lead character in the series was played by Angela Lansbury. The light-hearted series of novels are cozy mysteries set in Cabot Cove, where Jessica Fletcher the amateur sleuth goes about solving a range of homicides. Jessica is a widowed, childless and retired English teacher that became a successful writer of mystery novels. It all began with a small old Royal typewriter but over time and as she became more successful, she moved to a computer that runs on Windows 3.1. While she has amassed quite the fortune, she loves her small coastal community of Cabot Cove in Maine and never wants to leave. She has never let her success go to her head and has kept in touch with all her old friends that she has known since her teaching days. She counts among her friends multi-millionaires with private planes, as well as homeless people with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Nowadays she works as an amateur sleuth occupied in unraveling homicide cases in her small town. While she prefers to work as JB Fletcher both in her writing career and sleuthing work, she increasingly finds that her personal life and work often overlap.
During this challenge, you will have 6 "skips" available to use if you are unable to complete the tasks listed. Each badge below represents a skip. I will remove them as they are used up.
In order to skip a task, you will need to read any book in the Murder, She Wrote Series. Just list SKIP as the task in your completion post.
In order to skip a task, you will need to read any book in the Murder, She Wrote Series. Just list SKIP as the task in your completion post.
Book 1: Gin & Daggers

Jessica Fletcher is off to London to deliver the keynote address at a mystery writers convention. She's also looking forward to seeing her mentor, Marjorie Ainsworth, who will be hosting a party at her country estate to celebrate her latest book. Marjorie is the grand dame of mystery writing but she's in frail health.
The routine business trip for Jessica becomes murderous when she discovers Marjorie stabbed to death in her own bedroom.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in London.
b. Read a book with a female MC.
c. Read a book where the MC is a writer.
d. Read the first book in a series.

Jessica Fletcher is off to London to deliver the keynote address at a mystery writers convention. She's also looking forward to seeing her mentor, Marjorie Ainsworth, who will be hosting a party at her country estate to celebrate her latest book. Marjorie is the grand dame of mystery writing but she's in frail health.
The routine business trip for Jessica becomes murderous when she discovers Marjorie stabbed to death in her own bedroom.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in London.
b. Read a book with a female MC.
c. Read a book where the MC is a writer.
d. Read the first book in a series.

Book: Torch
Author: Cambria Hebert
Date Read: 04/21
Pages: 252
Task: d. Read the first book in a series.
How it Fits: 1st book in Take it Off series
Book 2: Manhattans & Murder

The "USA Today" bestselling "Murder, She Wrote" mystery series continues as Jessica Fletcher learns that Manhattan is murder at Christmastime...
Promoting her latest book brings bestselling mystery writer Jessica Fletcher to New York for Christmas. Her schedule includes book signings, restaurants, department stores...and murder?
It all begins with a sidewalk Santa staring at Jessica with fear and recognition. Behind the beard is Waldo Morse, former drug smuggler and the most notorious citizen of Cabot Cove, Maine. Jessica hasn't a clue as to how he ended up as a street corner Saint Nick, but she agrees to meet him at two o'clock the next day.
Jessica shows up with her camera, but in no time at all Santa is dead. While the police are strangely slow on their feet, and the dead man's wife uncommonly fast on the run, Jessica decides to do what she does best: strategically snoop around and graciously outwit the pros on both sides of the law.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in New York City.
b. Read a book with an alliterative title where the first letter of multiple words is the same.
c. Read a book where someone dresses up in any kind of costume.
d. Read a book with a skull on the cover.

The "USA Today" bestselling "Murder, She Wrote" mystery series continues as Jessica Fletcher learns that Manhattan is murder at Christmastime...
Promoting her latest book brings bestselling mystery writer Jessica Fletcher to New York for Christmas. Her schedule includes book signings, restaurants, department stores...and murder?
It all begins with a sidewalk Santa staring at Jessica with fear and recognition. Behind the beard is Waldo Morse, former drug smuggler and the most notorious citizen of Cabot Cove, Maine. Jessica hasn't a clue as to how he ended up as a street corner Saint Nick, but she agrees to meet him at two o'clock the next day.
Jessica shows up with her camera, but in no time at all Santa is dead. While the police are strangely slow on their feet, and the dead man's wife uncommonly fast on the run, Jessica decides to do what she does best: strategically snoop around and graciously outwit the pros on both sides of the law.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in New York City.
b. Read a book with an alliterative title where the first letter of multiple words is the same.
c. Read a book where someone dresses up in any kind of costume.
d. Read a book with a skull on the cover.

Book: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Date Read: 05/19/23
Pages: 401
Task: b. Read a book with an alliterative title where the first letter of multiple words is the same.
How it Fits: alliterative title
Book 3: Rum & Razors

Jessica is on vacation in St. Thomas in the Caribbean when she discovers the corpse of hotel owner Walter Marschalk. The island police suspect a hot-tempered ex-employee, but cool-headed Jessica sets out to discover who's the real serpent in Eden.
The water's lovely; the scenery's gorgeous, but trouble is waiting for Jessica in paradise.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book where the MC lives on or vacations at a beach.
b. Read a book published in the 1990s.
c. Read a book with one single person on the cover.
d. Read a book where the author's first and last initial are found in CARIBBEAN.

Jessica is on vacation in St. Thomas in the Caribbean when she discovers the corpse of hotel owner Walter Marschalk. The island police suspect a hot-tempered ex-employee, but cool-headed Jessica sets out to discover who's the real serpent in Eden.
The water's lovely; the scenery's gorgeous, but trouble is waiting for Jessica in paradise.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book where the MC lives on or vacations at a beach.
b. Read a book published in the 1990s.
c. Read a book with one single person on the cover.
d. Read a book where the author's first and last initial are found in CARIBBEAN.

Book: Iced

Author: Karen Marie Moning
Date Read: 06/22/23
Pages: 512
Task: c. Read a book with one single person on the cover.
How it Fits: One person on the cover
Book 4: Brandy & Bullets

Jessica Fletcher must catch an artistic killer in this mystery in the "USA Today" bestselling "Murder, She Wrote" series.
Cabot Cove in Maine has a cozy country luncheonette, but not much high culture. Mystery author Jessica Fletcher is the only writer in town, but the renovation of the local Worrell mansion into an art colony may bring scores of artistic people to C.C. No one, however, expected a creative killer.
The posh retreat offers struggling artists a European spa, psychiatry, and even hypnotism. But soon the retreat begins to look like a health hazard. In quick succession, a suicide attempt and a brutal murder arouse the sheriff's attention--and Jessica's. When an old friend mysteriously disappears, Jessica fears a twisted genius is at work writing a scenario for murder-- and putting Jessica's own life in peril.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in a small town {your interpretation}.
b. Read a book with a character who is an artist.
c. Read a book where the MC visits a spa.
d. Read a book with a 4 in the page count.

Jessica Fletcher must catch an artistic killer in this mystery in the "USA Today" bestselling "Murder, She Wrote" series.
Cabot Cove in Maine has a cozy country luncheonette, but not much high culture. Mystery author Jessica Fletcher is the only writer in town, but the renovation of the local Worrell mansion into an art colony may bring scores of artistic people to C.C. No one, however, expected a creative killer.
The posh retreat offers struggling artists a European spa, psychiatry, and even hypnotism. But soon the retreat begins to look like a health hazard. In quick succession, a suicide attempt and a brutal murder arouse the sheriff's attention--and Jessica's. When an old friend mysteriously disappears, Jessica fears a twisted genius is at work writing a scenario for murder-- and putting Jessica's own life in peril.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in a small town {your interpretation}.
b. Read a book with a character who is an artist.
c. Read a book where the MC visits a spa.
d. Read a book with a 4 in the page count.

Book: Well Met
Author: Jen DeLuca
Date Read: 06/30/23
Pages: 335
Task: a. Read a book set in a small town
How it Fits: Set in small town of Willow Creek (from blurb...the small town of Willow Creek, Maryland)
Book 5: Martinis & Mayhem

Cabot Cove, Maine's most famous mystery author, Jessica Fletcher, is excited about promoting her new book in glamourous San Francisco. She can't wait for drinks and dinner on Fisherman's Wharf, a ride on a cable car, and a rendezvous with her visiting Scottish policeman friend, George Sutherland.
But Jess doesn't know that solving a murder may soon be penciled into her agenda.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in California.
b. Read a book that has a character in law enforcement.
c. Read a book where the MC has an alcoholic drink.
d. Read a book where the MC's first initial is found in JESSICA.

Cabot Cove, Maine's most famous mystery author, Jessica Fletcher, is excited about promoting her new book in glamourous San Francisco. She can't wait for drinks and dinner on Fisherman's Wharf, a ride on a cable car, and a rendezvous with her visiting Scottish policeman friend, George Sutherland.
But Jess doesn't know that solving a murder may soon be penciled into her agenda.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in California.
b. Read a book that has a character in law enforcement.
c. Read a book where the MC has an alcoholic drink.
d. Read a book where the MC's first initial is found in JESSICA.

Book: When He's Sinful
Author: Suzanne Wright
Date Read: 12/25/23
Pages: 371
Task: Read a book where the MC's first initial is found in JESSICA
How it Fits: MC (Aspen)'s first initial in Jessica
Book 6: A Deadly Judgment

Jessica Fletcher is off to Boston to help her eccentric lawyer friend, Malcolm McLoon, defend a tycoon accused of fratricide. McLoon had asked her, "Can you help me as a jury consultant?"
Her uncanny sleuthing talents will be important when the two old acquaintances dive into the case with the characteristic vigor each is known for. Even so, Jessica anticipates enough time to take in the charming sights of New England's historic capital.
When the defendant's girlfriend--and his only alibi--is found dead in her apartment, the case takes another turn for the worse. Is someone out to make sure the accused gets convicted? Jessica has her suspicions, and soon--when jurors become victims of deadly accidents--there's even more to ponder. With only her gut feelings at her disposal, Jessica must outwit the tenacious prosecutor determined to get a guilty verdict. She must find the real killer before he, or is it she, finds her!
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book where any character is a lawyer.
b. Read a book set in New England.
c. Read a book with a MPG of Mystery.
d. Read a book with the word GUILTY in the text. {State passage and location.}

Jessica Fletcher is off to Boston to help her eccentric lawyer friend, Malcolm McLoon, defend a tycoon accused of fratricide. McLoon had asked her, "Can you help me as a jury consultant?"
Her uncanny sleuthing talents will be important when the two old acquaintances dive into the case with the characteristic vigor each is known for. Even so, Jessica anticipates enough time to take in the charming sights of New England's historic capital.
When the defendant's girlfriend--and his only alibi--is found dead in her apartment, the case takes another turn for the worse. Is someone out to make sure the accused gets convicted? Jessica has her suspicions, and soon--when jurors become victims of deadly accidents--there's even more to ponder. With only her gut feelings at her disposal, Jessica must outwit the tenacious prosecutor determined to get a guilty verdict. She must find the real killer before he, or is it she, finds her!
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book where any character is a lawyer.
b. Read a book set in New England.
c. Read a book with a MPG of Mystery.
d. Read a book with the word GUILTY in the text. {State passage and location.}

Book: A Holly Jolly Ever After
Author: Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone
Date Read: 01/07/24
Pages: 432
Task: Read a book set in New England
How it Fits: Set in Vermont
Book 7: A Palette for Murder

Jessica Fletcher has come to the elegant Hamptons on Long Island's gold coast in New York for a sinfully sweet spell by the sea! Plus, she wants a chance to indulge her secret burning passion: painting.
In this place where arts flower and artists flock, she finds a sketching class where she can try to make her dreams of da Vinci-hood come true. Unfortunately, that's not what happens. Murder gets in the way.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book that mentions a famous painter.
b. Read a book where the author's first and last initials are found in FLETCHER.
c. Read a book with a 7 in the publication date.
d. Read a book where the MC pursues a hobby.

Jessica Fletcher has come to the elegant Hamptons on Long Island's gold coast in New York for a sinfully sweet spell by the sea! Plus, she wants a chance to indulge her secret burning passion: painting.
In this place where arts flower and artists flock, she finds a sketching class where she can try to make her dreams of da Vinci-hood come true. Unfortunately, that's not what happens. Murder gets in the way.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book that mentions a famous painter.
b. Read a book where the author's first and last initials are found in FLETCHER.
c. Read a book with a 7 in the publication date.
d. Read a book where the MC pursues a hobby.

Book: Better Hate than Never
Author: Chloe Liese
Date Read:
Pages: 399
Task: Read a book where the author's first and last initials are found in FLETCHER.
How it Fits: Author's initial's C/L in FLETCHER
Book 8: The Highland Fling Murders

Sounds like great fun! A group of friends from Cabot Cove, Maine, take off for the British Isles to join Jessica Fletcher while she's on a book tour in London. They all end up at an ancient castle in Scotland. Exciting. It would have been a great vacation--except for the ghost. And the murders.
Did we mention that the castle is owned by George Sutherland? The Inspector with Scotland Yard. He's the interesting man Jess met in "Gin & Daggers," the first entry in the series. The last time she was in London. It's located in the town of Wick and has been in his family for centuries.
It's a time of witches, both in the distant past and very current, and it's a time of pitchforks to the heart. Can Jessica rise to the occasion in Scotland?
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in Scotland.
b. Read a book with a large building on the cover.
c. Read a book with a witch in it.
d. Read a book where the MC's first initial is found in GEORGE.

Sounds like great fun! A group of friends from Cabot Cove, Maine, take off for the British Isles to join Jessica Fletcher while she's on a book tour in London. They all end up at an ancient castle in Scotland. Exciting. It would have been a great vacation--except for the ghost. And the murders.
Did we mention that the castle is owned by George Sutherland? The Inspector with Scotland Yard. He's the interesting man Jess met in "Gin & Daggers," the first entry in the series. The last time she was in London. It's located in the town of Wick and has been in his family for centuries.
It's a time of witches, both in the distant past and very current, and it's a time of pitchforks to the heart. Can Jessica rise to the occasion in Scotland?
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in Scotland.
b. Read a book with a large building on the cover.
c. Read a book with a witch in it.
d. Read a book where the MC's first initial is found in GEORGE.

Book: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Author: Hunter S. Thompson
Date Read: 04/12/2024
Pages: 204
Task: Read a book where the MC's first initial is found in GEORGE.
How it Fits: Raoul
Book 9: Murder on the QE2

Bestselling mystery writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher is invited to travel to London on the grand dame of ocean liners, the "Queen Elizabeth II", as one of seven guest lecturers. She's done it before in these novels - speak on mystery writing. This time she's also written a short mystery play, to be performed one act a day during the crossing. The other lecturers will make guest appearances. Sounds like fun.
During the evening of the day they set sail, a fellow speaker is found brutally murdered. Even before the first act! Now Jessica has just four days at sea to find the killer before she finds more of her colleagues, or even herself, dead in the water!
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book at least partially set on a boat or ship.
b. Read a book where a character is in or goes to a play.
c. Read a book with a mostly blue cover {your discretion}.
d. Read a book where someone is murdered.

Bestselling mystery writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher is invited to travel to London on the grand dame of ocean liners, the "Queen Elizabeth II", as one of seven guest lecturers. She's done it before in these novels - speak on mystery writing. This time she's also written a short mystery play, to be performed one act a day during the crossing. The other lecturers will make guest appearances. Sounds like fun.
During the evening of the day they set sail, a fellow speaker is found brutally murdered. Even before the first act! Now Jessica has just four days at sea to find the killer before she finds more of her colleagues, or even herself, dead in the water!
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book at least partially set on a boat or ship.
b. Read a book where a character is in or goes to a play.
c. Read a book with a mostly blue cover {your discretion}.
d. Read a book where someone is murdered.

Book: Only Love Can Hurt Like This
Author: Paige Toon
Date Read: 04/14/2024
Pages: 400
Task: Read a book with a mostly blue cover {your discretion}.
How it Fits:

Book 10: Murder in Moscow

Mystery writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher visits Moscow as part of a delegation of United States publishers planning to meet with their equivalents in Russia. Intended to be a friendly exchange of ideas. The objective? Assist the publishing industry as it emerges from the Soviet Union era, and help Russia succeed as a new democracy.
But the poisoning of a Moscow publisher, who may have possessed information which could topple the new government, changes everything and places Jess in a dangerous situation. The man was also her new Russian publisher who was planning to translate her mysteries and bring them to a new audience. She turns to the American Embassy for help, only to discover that the United States government may be involved too!
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in Russia.
b. Read a book with at least 300 pages.
c. Read a book with a government official in it.
d. Read a book where the MC turns to someone else for help of any kind.

Mystery writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher visits Moscow as part of a delegation of United States publishers planning to meet with their equivalents in Russia. Intended to be a friendly exchange of ideas. The objective? Assist the publishing industry as it emerges from the Soviet Union era, and help Russia succeed as a new democracy.
But the poisoning of a Moscow publisher, who may have possessed information which could topple the new government, changes everything and places Jess in a dangerous situation. The man was also her new Russian publisher who was planning to translate her mysteries and bring them to a new audience. She turns to the American Embassy for help, only to discover that the United States government may be involved too!
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in Russia.
b. Read a book with at least 300 pages.
c. Read a book with a government official in it.
d. Read a book where the MC turns to someone else for help of any kind.

Book: Playboy Pilot
Author: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland
Date Read: 04/16/2024
Pages: 300
Task: Read a book with at least 300 pages.
How it Fits: Has at least 300 pgs.
Book 11: A Little Yuletide Murder

It鈥檚 beginning to look a lot like murder...
Jessica Fletcher is planning to spend a cozy Christmas at home in Cabot Cove. This year, she's not on the circuit being interviewed about her latest novel or autographing copies at local bookstores. But when Rory Brent is found shot to death on his farm just out of town, there will be no peace on earth until his killer is found.
Snooping into Cabot Cove's past for a motive, Jessica is determined to deliver the killer before Christmas. The trouble is that the next sound she might hear this silent night may be a scream鈥攈er own鈥
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read any book from a series which has more than 10 works.
b. Read a book with less than 300 pages.
c. Read a book set on a farm.
d. Read a book with snow on the cover.

It鈥檚 beginning to look a lot like murder...
Jessica Fletcher is planning to spend a cozy Christmas at home in Cabot Cove. This year, she's not on the circuit being interviewed about her latest novel or autographing copies at local bookstores. But when Rory Brent is found shot to death on his farm just out of town, there will be no peace on earth until his killer is found.
Snooping into Cabot Cove's past for a motive, Jessica is determined to deliver the killer before Christmas. The trouble is that the next sound she might hear this silent night may be a scream鈥攈er own鈥
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read any book from a series which has more than 10 works.
b. Read a book with less than 300 pages.
c. Read a book set on a farm.
d. Read a book with snow on the cover.

Book: Call Me Maybe
Author: Cara Bastone
Date Read: 04/22/2024
Pages: 220
Task: Read a book with less than 300 pages
How it Fits: less than 300 pgs
Book 12: Murder at the Powderhorn Ranch

Best-selling mystery author Jessica Fletcher is visiting an old friend's ranch out west. Bonnie and Jim Cook offered, and she said, "Yes."
It's an adventure in the glorious outdoors of Colorado. But she gets caught in a fiendish plot when one of the guests is found stabbed to death. Soon after, the victim's wife is also discovered murdered in a gruesome fashion. Is it revenge? If so, for what?
With the police at a loss, and the rest of the guests on edge, Jessica decides to do some research into the past of some of them. They've been less than cordial. What she discovers may help her crack the case...if it doesn't get her killed first!
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book with a 5-word title.
b. Read a book set in Colorado.
c. Read a book with a rancher it in.
d. Read a book with a character named Bonnie, Jim, or Jessica.

Best-selling mystery author Jessica Fletcher is visiting an old friend's ranch out west. Bonnie and Jim Cook offered, and she said, "Yes."
It's an adventure in the glorious outdoors of Colorado. But she gets caught in a fiendish plot when one of the guests is found stabbed to death. Soon after, the victim's wife is also discovered murdered in a gruesome fashion. Is it revenge? If so, for what?
With the police at a loss, and the rest of the guests on edge, Jessica decides to do some research into the past of some of them. They've been less than cordial. What she discovers may help her crack the case...if it doesn't get her killed first!
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book with a 5-word title.
b. Read a book set in Colorado.
c. Read a book with a rancher it in.
d. Read a book with a character named Bonnie, Jim, or Jessica.

Book: Undead and Unworthy
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Date Read: 04/24/2024
Pages: 285
Task: Read a book with a character named Bonnie, Jim, or Jessica.
How it Fits: Has a character name Jessica
Book 13: Knock 'Em Dead

When one of her mystery books, 'Knock Em' Dead,' is turned into a Broadway play, Jessica is thrilled and hits the Big Apple to help out the production.
But then, as the play is in rehearsals, dead bodies offstage start upstaging the performers onstage! As has happened before, it's up to Jess to drop the curtain on a killer! The show must go on. But will the play and Jessica make it to opening night in one piece?
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book with a mostly red cover {your discretion}.
b. Read a book that has been made into a play or a movie.
c. Read a book where the MC's first initial is found in BROADWAY.
d. Read a book with an apostrophe in the title.

When one of her mystery books, 'Knock Em' Dead,' is turned into a Broadway play, Jessica is thrilled and hits the Big Apple to help out the production.
But then, as the play is in rehearsals, dead bodies offstage start upstaging the performers onstage! As has happened before, it's up to Jess to drop the curtain on a killer! The show must go on. But will the play and Jessica make it to opening night in one piece?
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book with a mostly red cover {your discretion}.
b. Read a book that has been made into a play or a movie.
c. Read a book where the MC's first initial is found in BROADWAY.
d. Read a book with an apostrophe in the title.

Book: The Project
Author: R.L. Mathewson
Date Read: 04/25/2024
Pages: 263
Task: Read a book where the MC's first initial is found in BROADWAY
How it Fits: MC's name is Devyn
Book 14: Trick or Treachery

Jessica Fletcher gets spooked in this mystery in the 'USA Today' bestselling 'Murder, She Wrote' series.
It's late October in Cabot Cove and, as Halloween approaches, something strange is in the air. The arrival of a self-righteous, fire-and-brimstone spiritual medium has some townspeople on the lookout for curses and evil omens. Plus, there's a reclusive, eccentric woman who has others whispering that she is a real-life witch. For Jessica Fletcher, the upcoming annual Halloween party has her frantically searching for the perfect costume.
The whole town ends up spooked when the alleged witch is found dead in the graveyard, and everyone at the party is a suspect. While Sheriff Metzger does his thing, Jess takes it upon herself to stir through a witches' brew of motives; she even concocts a scary scheme of her own to make sure a guilty ghoul doesn't get away with murder!
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book where any holiday is celebrated.
b. Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SHERIFF METZGER {3-word minimum}.
c. Read a book with a grave or cemetery on the cover.
d. Read a book with a MPG of Cozy Mystery.

Jessica Fletcher gets spooked in this mystery in the 'USA Today' bestselling 'Murder, She Wrote' series.
It's late October in Cabot Cove and, as Halloween approaches, something strange is in the air. The arrival of a self-righteous, fire-and-brimstone spiritual medium has some townspeople on the lookout for curses and evil omens. Plus, there's a reclusive, eccentric woman who has others whispering that she is a real-life witch. For Jessica Fletcher, the upcoming annual Halloween party has her frantically searching for the perfect costume.
The whole town ends up spooked when the alleged witch is found dead in the graveyard, and everyone at the party is a suspect. While Sheriff Metzger does his thing, Jess takes it upon herself to stir through a witches' brew of motives; she even concocts a scary scheme of her own to make sure a guilty ghoul doesn't get away with murder!
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book where any holiday is celebrated.
b. Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SHERIFF METZGER {3-word minimum}.
c. Read a book with a grave or cemetery on the cover.
d. Read a book with a MPG of Cozy Mystery.

Book: Soul Taken
Author: Patricia Briggs
Date Read: 04/28/2024
Pages: 389
Task: Read a book where any holiday is celebrated.
How it Fits: Halloween
Book 15: Blood on the Vine

There's a victim in the vineyard. Or at least in the castle next door!
Jessica Fletcher is visiting Napa Valley wine country while doing research for her next book, and invites her old friend, Scotland Yard detective George Sutherland to join her at a cozy bed and breakfast. Just friends mind you. No sooner do they arrive than they find the valley abuzz over the murder of a waiter at the restaurant owned by infamous ex-Hollywood heavyweight Bill Ladington. Ladington's blatant womanizing and involvement in a bitter vineyard land dispute have already marked him as a dubious character - and a possible suspect.
But when Ladington turns up dead from a supposed "suicide," Jessica knows that a murderer is on the loose. With a little help from George, she must try and bottle up a motive for murder from an extensive list of less-than-vintage suspects!
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book where wine is consumed.
b. Read a book with blood on the cover.
c. Read a book where a character owns or stays at a bed & breakfast.
d. Read a book where the MC eats at a restaurant.

There's a victim in the vineyard. Or at least in the castle next door!
Jessica Fletcher is visiting Napa Valley wine country while doing research for her next book, and invites her old friend, Scotland Yard detective George Sutherland to join her at a cozy bed and breakfast. Just friends mind you. No sooner do they arrive than they find the valley abuzz over the murder of a waiter at the restaurant owned by infamous ex-Hollywood heavyweight Bill Ladington. Ladington's blatant womanizing and involvement in a bitter vineyard land dispute have already marked him as a dubious character - and a possible suspect.
But when Ladington turns up dead from a supposed "suicide," Jessica knows that a murderer is on the loose. With a little help from George, she must try and bottle up a motive for murder from an extensive list of less-than-vintage suspects!
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book where wine is consumed.
b. Read a book with blood on the cover.
c. Read a book where a character owns or stays at a bed & breakfast.
d. Read a book where the MC eats at a restaurant.

Book: Only and Forever
Author: Chloe Liese
Date Read: 05/02/2024
Pages: 368
Task: Read a book where the MC eats at a restaurant.
How it Fits: yanked open the restaurant's door...pg. 76
...a booth and chinese food between us... pg. 87
Book 16: Murder in a Minor Key

A Funeral in New Orleans. Jessica Fletcher has a writer's conference in New Orleans and can't resist staying an extra week for the annual Jazz Festival. In her short time there, she gets a chance to sample everything the city has to offer-- its delectable food, its wonderful music and, of course, its unique brand of murder and corruption...
Arts critic Wayne Copely is desperately searching for the fabled recordings of New Orleans jazz legend Little Red LeCoeur. But when he hears that his old friend Jessica Fletcher is in town, he's more than happy to take a break from work and give her an insider's view of the festival. Unfortunately, her jazz lesson and his search are tragically cut short when he turns up dead next to the grave of an old voodoo queen. And when the cops pass off the bizarre event as a mere 'accidental death', it's up to Jessica to get to the bottom of it.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in New Orleans.
b. Read a book where a character listens to or plays jazz music.
c. Read a book where the MC goes to a festival of any kind.
d. Read a book published between the years of 2000 and 2009.

A Funeral in New Orleans. Jessica Fletcher has a writer's conference in New Orleans and can't resist staying an extra week for the annual Jazz Festival. In her short time there, she gets a chance to sample everything the city has to offer-- its delectable food, its wonderful music and, of course, its unique brand of murder and corruption...
Arts critic Wayne Copely is desperately searching for the fabled recordings of New Orleans jazz legend Little Red LeCoeur. But when he hears that his old friend Jessica Fletcher is in town, he's more than happy to take a break from work and give her an insider's view of the festival. Unfortunately, her jazz lesson and his search are tragically cut short when he turns up dead next to the grave of an old voodoo queen. And when the cops pass off the bizarre event as a mere 'accidental death', it's up to Jessica to get to the bottom of it.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in New Orleans.
b. Read a book where a character listens to or plays jazz music.
c. Read a book where the MC goes to a festival of any kind.
d. Read a book published between the years of 2000 and 2009.

Book: Rock Chick
Author: Kristen Ashley
Date Read: 05/10/2024
Pages: 420
Task: Read a book published between the years of 2000 and 2009
How it Fits: Published December 8, 2008
Book 17: Provence - To Die For

In her 17th book adventure, bestselling author Jessica Fletcher travels to Provence for some haute cuisine, and becomes embroiled in a culinary murder mystery.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in France.
b. Read a book where the MC eats a meal.
c. Read a book with a character who is a chef.
d. Read a book with something pink on the cover.

In her 17th book adventure, bestselling author Jessica Fletcher travels to Provence for some haute cuisine, and becomes embroiled in a culinary murder mystery.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in France.
b. Read a book where the MC eats a meal.
c. Read a book with a character who is a chef.
d. Read a book with something pink on the cover.

Book: Babymoon or Bust
Author: Ava Hunter
Date Read: 05/14/2024
Pages: 382
Task: Read a book with a character who is a chef.
How it Fits: Solomon is a chef
Book 18: You Bet Your Life

When her old friend Martha decided to get married in Las Vegas, Jessica Fletcher made the trip to watch her walk down the aisle. But what were the odds that she鈥檇 be back two years later鈥攖o watch Martha stand accused of her husband鈥檚 murder?
Jessica鈥檚 never been one to gamble, but she鈥檚 willing to bet that Martha isn鈥檛 guilty. Martha鈥檚 husband was a high-rolling Las Vegas local with three ex-wives and plenty of jealous acquaintances. After joining Martha鈥檚 defense team, Jessica combs through the man鈥檚 past to find the real killer. But as the media attention grows鈥攁nd Jessica is interviewed by the news anchors of Court TV鈥攖he stakes are raised, and Jessica learns how to play for keeps.
Complete one of the following:
a. Read a book set in Las Vegas.
b. Read a book where an interview takes place.
c. Read a book where the MC gambles.
d. Read a book with friends in it.

When her old friend Martha decided to get married in Las Vegas, Jessica Fletcher made the trip to watch her walk down the aisle. But what were the odds that she鈥檇 be back two years later鈥攖o watch Martha stand accused of her husband鈥檚 murder?
Jessica鈥檚 never been one to gamble, but she鈥檚 willing to bet that Martha isn鈥檛 guilty. Martha鈥檚 husband was a high-rolling Las Vegas local with three ex-wives and plenty of jealous acquaintances. After joining Martha鈥檚 defense team, Jessica combs through the man鈥檚 past to find the real killer. But as the media attention grows鈥攁nd Jessica is interviewed by the news anchors of Court TV鈥攖he stakes are raised, and Jessica learns how to play for keeps.
Complete one of the following:
a. Read a book set in Las Vegas.
b. Read a book where an interview takes place.
c. Read a book where the MC gambles.
d. Read a book with friends in it.

Book: Bride
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Date Read: 05/16/2024
Pages: 416
Task: Read a book with friends in it
How it Fits: Friends Misery and Serena
Book 19: Majoring in Murder

Celebrity mystery writer Jessica Fletcher is riding out Schoolman College's first tornado in over sixty years. As a visiting professor, she is there to teach a creative writing class. But after two men choose to brave the tornado rather than take shelter and one of them is found dead - Jessica wonders if her darkest suspicions are strictly academic.
Complete one of the following:
a. Read a book with a mostly yellow cover {your discretion}.
b. Read a book where the MC attends college.
c. Read a book with a character who is an educator.
d. Read a book published in April of any year.

Celebrity mystery writer Jessica Fletcher is riding out Schoolman College's first tornado in over sixty years. As a visiting professor, she is there to teach a creative writing class. But after two men choose to brave the tornado rather than take shelter and one of them is found dead - Jessica wonders if her darkest suspicions are strictly academic.
Complete one of the following:
a. Read a book with a mostly yellow cover {your discretion}.
b. Read a book where the MC attends college.
c. Read a book with a character who is an educator.
d. Read a book published in April of any year.

Book: Salt in the Wound
Author: Sierra Simone
Date Read: 05/19/2024
Pages: 172
Task: Read a book where the MC attends college.
How it Fits: MC attends Columbia University
Book 20: Destination Murder

All aboard! America's star sleuth takes to the rails in this special 20th novel in the USA Today bestselling series.
Mystery writer Jessica Fletcher takes a three-night train trip with her friend and his railroad association through scenic British Columbia. But when a member of the entourage takes a sip of a Bloody Mary and dies, police begin investigating.
The suspects gather in the Starlight Express dinner car, and it's up to Jessica to do some unplanned sleuthing before everyone's plans are derailed by death.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in Canada.
b. Read a book with someone smiling on the cover.
c. Read a book where the MC takes a train.
d. Read a book with a 2 and a 0 in the publication date.

All aboard! America's star sleuth takes to the rails in this special 20th novel in the USA Today bestselling series.
Mystery writer Jessica Fletcher takes a three-night train trip with her friend and his railroad association through scenic British Columbia. But when a member of the entourage takes a sip of a Bloody Mary and dies, police begin investigating.
The suspects gather in the Starlight Express dinner car, and it's up to Jessica to do some unplanned sleuthing before everyone's plans are derailed by death.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in Canada.
b. Read a book with someone smiling on the cover.
c. Read a book where the MC takes a train.
d. Read a book with a 2 and a 0 in the publication date.

Book: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Date Read: 05/20/2024
Pages: 374
Task: Read a book where the MC takes a train.
How it Fits: Katniss and crew take a train from District 12 to Capitol
Book 21: Dying to Retire

Jessica Fletcher is in a Florida retirement community for the funeral of a dear old friend whose heart gave out-only to discover that the woman's death from natural causes may have been artificially induced. With the help of a feisty group of young-in-spirit retirees, Jessica must track down the clues and find out who prescribed the fatal treatment.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book with a retired MC.
b. Read a book with trees on the cover.
c. Read a book with a MPG of Crime.
d. Read a book where the MC's first initial is found in RETIREE.

Jessica Fletcher is in a Florida retirement community for the funeral of a dear old friend whose heart gave out-only to discover that the woman's death from natural causes may have been artificially induced. With the help of a feisty group of young-in-spirit retirees, Jessica must track down the clues and find out who prescribed the fatal treatment.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book with a retired MC.
b. Read a book with trees on the cover.
c. Read a book with a MPG of Crime.
d. Read a book where the MC's first initial is found in RETIREE.

Book: Fireworks
Author: Sarina Bowen
Date Read: 05/23/2024
Pages: 332
Task: Read a book with a MPG of Crime.
How it Fits: MPG Crime
Book 22: A Vote for Murder

Jessica Fletcher is in Washington, D.C., to support a new literary initiative set forth by a prominent senator. But when the senator's chief-of-staff dies mysteriously, Jessica discovers just how deadly politics can be.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in Washington, D.C.
b. Read a book with a character who is a politician.
c. Read a book with repeat numbers in the publication date {for example: 1995 or 2012}.
d. Read a book with at least 1 star on the cover.

Jessica Fletcher is in Washington, D.C., to support a new literary initiative set forth by a prominent senator. But when the senator's chief-of-staff dies mysteriously, Jessica discovers just how deadly politics can be.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in Washington, D.C.
b. Read a book with a character who is a politician.
c. Read a book with repeat numbers in the publication date {for example: 1995 or 2012}.
d. Read a book with at least 1 star on the cover.

Book: Hate You
Author: Ella James
Date Read: 06/06/2024
Pages: 338
Task: Read a book with repeat numbers in the publication date {for example: 1995 or 2012}.
How it Fits: Published February 20, 2020
Book 23: The Maine Mutiny

Jessica Fletcher is pitching in to help Cabot Cove's first Lobster Festival by writing an article about the lifestyle of the local lobstermen. But instead of getting the story, she becomes tangled in a net of intrigue and murder. And she better sink her claws into this puzzling case - or she may find herself becoming the next catch of the day.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in Maine.
b. Read a book with a mostly white cover {your discretion}.
c. Read a book with a 2 or a 3 in the page count.
d. Read a book where the author's first and last initials can be found in LOBSTERMEN.

Jessica Fletcher is pitching in to help Cabot Cove's first Lobster Festival by writing an article about the lifestyle of the local lobstermen. But instead of getting the story, she becomes tangled in a net of intrigue and murder. And she better sink her claws into this puzzling case - or she may find herself becoming the next catch of the day.
Complete one of the following tasks:
a. Read a book set in Maine.
b. Read a book with a mostly white cover {your discretion}.
c. Read a book with a 2 or a 3 in the page count.
d. Read a book where the author's first and last initials can be found in LOBSTERMEN.

Book: An American Marriage
Author: Tayari Jones
Date Read: 06/08/2024
Pages: 308
Task: ead a book with a 2 or a 3 in the page count.
How it Fits: 3 in page count
Books mentioned in this topic
Treasured by the Troll (other topics)The Bodyguard (other topics)
Monday's Not Coming (other topics)
Upsy Daisy (other topics)
Best Laid Plaids (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Ami Wright (other topics)Katherine Center (other topics)
Tiffany D. Jackson (other topics)
Chelsie Edwards (other topics)
Ella Stainton (other topics)
More...
Begins: April 1, 2023
Ends: April 1, 2025
Hello, Jessica Fletcher fan!!
This is an individual challenge where you will have until April 1, 2025 - yes, 2 years if needed - to complete up to 56 tasks, one for each of the books in the Murder, She Wrote series.
You will have 4 tasks to choose from for each book. You only need to complete one to move on to the next book in the series.
Each time you complete a task, you will post it here in YOUR OWN THREAD. Please copy the following example for your Completion Post.
Prompt #:
Book:
Author:
Date Read:
Pages:
Task:
How it Fits:
If you have any questions, please post them in the Q & A Thread.
Challenge Rules:
馃摌 Standard Rules Apply
馃摌I will create an individual thread for you prior to the start date.
馃摌Your first prompt will be posted on April 1, 2023.
馃摌Books must be completed after the task has been posted.