Cozy Mystery Corner discussion

FOLLOW THE CLUES MYSTERY CHALLENGE



Follow the Clues Mystery Challenge*
Duration: Open-ended
Starting any time after September 1, 2017

This is an open challenge. You are welcome to repeat the challenge as often as you like.

Goal - Follow clues from the mystery books you read to create a body of evidence and build a book court case. Each book clue leads you to your next read. (For example, if your first book takes place in a small town, then it can lead you to another book that also takes place in a small town).

Clues can be method of murder, an item on the cover, sub-genre/theme, number in series, MC's profession, location/setting, author's name, word in the title, or another connection. You must be able to make your case to the judge on your detective logic. If you're not sure about the clue, ask the judge.

You can ask any questions about the challenge or clues here

Rules:
~All books must be mystery/crime/detective novels on GR book page.
~Books must be at least 150 pages.
~A full body of evidence must be read at the chosen level for a completed challenge.
~You can prosecute at a higher level if your evidence trail leads you to suspect a more serious crime.
~You can read books by the same author only if it is a different series or stand-alone.
~You cannot use the same series as the clue.
~One clue/link between the books is required, but there can be more than one link.
~The clue can be a cozy theme or sub-genre, but not simply a cozy mystery.

Levels of participation:
Infraction -- four books read in a single chain of evidence
Violation -- six books read in a single chain of evidence
Misdemeanor -- eight books read in a single chain of evidence
Felony -- ten books read in a single chain of evidence
Capital Offense -- twelve books in a single chain of evidence

Example:

Level = Misdemeanor

Chain of Evidence:
1. Die Like an Eagle by Donna Andrews
Clue = set in Virginia, set in small town; MC has a dog
2. Murder Most Howl by Krista Davis
Clue = set at an inn/hotel
3. Whispers Beyond the Veil by Jessica Estevao
Clue = set at a hotel; author uses pen name
4. Hot Button by Kylie Logan
Clue = Buttons on cover, fashion theme
5. Deadly Patterns by Melissa Bourbon
Clue = Paranormal/ghost
6. Ghost Gone Wild by Carolyn G. Hart
Clue = Same author (diff't series)
7. Engaged to Die by Carolyn G. Hart
Clue = 14th book in series
8. Murder of a Creped Suzette by Denise Swanson

Note: The clue is posted between the two books it connects.

*Thanks to Bev @ My Reader's Block for this challenge idea.
https://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2...

Participants


Anna Catharina
Anne
Barbara
Don
Helen
Hilary
Jeannie
Jess
Julesy
Julesy #2
Karen
Linda R
Linda R #2
Marisa
Marsha
Martha
Meg
Nell
Patti
Sharon

Oh my! This looks interesting! I'll give it a go!

Capital Offense -- twelve books in a single chain of evidence

1. At Bertram's Hotel by Agatha Christie
Clue = Set in the UK

2. Murder at Merisham Lodge by Celina Grace
Clue - Historical

3. Monk's Hood by Ellis Peters
Clue = plants

4. The Red Book of Primrose House by Marty Wingate
Clue = SO of the main character is a Police Officer

5. Killer Party by Lynn Cahoon
Clue = MC owns/runs a book shop

6. Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett
Clue = MC has a cat

7. If the Haunting Fits, Wear It by Rose Pressey
Clue = MC involved with ghosts

8. Dead and Breakfast by Kate Kingsbury
Clue = Guesthouse/hotel

9. Oh, Fudge! by Nancy CoCo
Clue = MC makes sweets

10. Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower
Clue = Set in Amish country

11. A Churn for the Worse by Laura Bradford
Clue = Same author, different name!

12. Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey aka Laura Bradford

COMPLETED!

Nell wrote: "FOLLOW THE CLUES MYSTERY CHALLENGE



Follow the Clues Mystery Challenge*
Duration: Open-ended
Starting any time after September 1st

Goal - Follow clues from the mystery books you read to create a..."

Nell,

It sounds like fun, I hope I can get to it. I am going to try. Two of my new book Clubs are coming to an end this month so I just might make it. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Mary

Follow the Clues

Level: Violation 12/02/17
Misdemeanor 1/04/18

Chain of Evidence:
1. A Custom-Fit Crime by Melissa Bourbon
Clue = set in small town
2. A Dark and Stormy Murder by Julia Buckley
Clue = Victim is shot; set in small town
3. Ghost Gone Wild by Carolyn G. Hart
Clue = 4th in series; set in small town
4. A Good Day to Buy by Sherry Harris
Clue = Trees, lawn, shrubs, house & sky on cover
5. A Quiet Life In The Country by T E Kinsey
Clue = Victim strangled; setting at country estate, shown on cover
6. Death of a Greedy Woman by M.C. Beaton
Clue = Coastal setting and scene on cover
7. Devil's Breath by G.M. Malliet
Clue = Coastal setting and scene on the cover, method and scene of murder; 6th in series
8. Stowed Away by Barbara Ross

I am not sure I understand completely how to do this challenge but I am going to enter and do the best I can.

I will try for misdemeanor. Thanks Nell.

Thanks Nell for setting up a new challenge. I missed to enter for the September serial but now here is something else I can do next month.

I'm aiming for felony considering this is open ended.

Level: Felony
Progress: 10/10
Duration: Sep 1 to Dec 31

1. In For a Penny by Kelsey Browning & Nancy Naigle
Clue = MC being senior citizen
2. The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman
Clue = MC has one or more grandchild
3. Candy Corn Murder by Leslie Meier
Clue = based on small towns in New England
4. One Bad Apple by Sheila Connolly
Clue = victim
(view spoiler)[Ok, this is not a huge spoiler, but still.. the victims in both books are womanizer! (hide spoiler)]
5. The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley
Clue = Canadian author
6. The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Clue = a supporting character named Hazel
7. Espresso Shot by Cleo Coyle
Clue = the investigation / mystery begins in April
8. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
Clue = set in post-WW1 in England / MC has worked as a maid
9. Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen
Clue = first victim shot by gun
10. Mrs. Jeffries and the Three Wise Women by Emily Brightwell




I’m finished! Felony level before 31 Dec! Will decide later if I would continue to next level or start a new one.

Ok, I decided to extend this chain to the next level!

Level: Capital Offense
Progress: 12/12
Duration: Jan 1 to Mar 31

10. Mrs. Jeffries and the Three Wise Women by Emily Brightwell
Clue = Christmas theme
11. Anne Perry's Merry Mysteries: Two Victorian Holiday Novels by Anne Perry
Clue = book with short stories
12. The Innocence of Father Brown by G.K. Chesterton



Completed

I'll try this. I'll start at the infraction level until I get the hang of it.

Follow the Clues challenge
Duration: September 1 - open ended COMPLETED
Chain of Evidence level: Infraction - 0/4 Violation - 6 books in a single chain
Capital Offense - 12 books in a single chain of evidence
Updated: Nov. 14
Progress: 4/4 6/6 12/12

1. Darkest Fear by Harlan Coben
Clue = MC owns a business
2. Sweetness and Light by J.A. Whiting
Clue = cake on the cover
3. Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander
Clue = takes place during July
4. Murder at Sunrise by Kathi Daley
Clue = mysteries occur on islands (Oahu and one of the Florida keys)
5. The Deep Blue Good-By by John D. MacDonald
Clue = name of John Mac/Mc___ (author and murder victim)
6. What Remains of Me by Alison Gaylin
Clue = suspect drives red sports car
7. Pineapple Mystery Box by Amy Vansant
Clue = wooden box on cover; MC born in Florida
8. Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey
Clue = MC has taken over a job position from an elderly woman who involuntarily retired; character with the name of Travis (one a suspect and one a victim); victims died from cyanide poisoning
9. Death of a Kitchen Diva by Lee Hollis
Clue = MC has a teenage daughter
10. Glue, Baby, Gone by Joanna Campbell Slan
Clue = character has a son named Ty
11. Éclair and Present Danger by Laura Bradford
Clue = paned window on the cover
12. Iced Under by Barbara Ross

Thank you very much, Nell. I'm going to begin with Infraction and I'll go from there. At any case, my goal will be the level I have at 12/31/2017.

This sounds like fun. I'll start with Violation level, and see where that leads me.
I finally have some books to report.
1. Tess Gerritsen,
Clue: MC is a police officer.
2. Joan Hess,
Clues: characters enjoy fishing; MC is another female police officer.
3. Victoria Houston,
Clues: major character is a dentist, small towns in neighbouring American states.
4. Joanne Fluke,
Clues: MC runs a food shop and does catering for functions in a small American town and the book includes recipes.
5. Avery Aames,
Clue: major character is a lawyer
6. Sara Woods

This book led me to a series of British vintage murders, all written in the twentieth century, and I have now reached felony level.
I'm now hoping to reach capital offence.
Clues: English village setting, 1980s.
7. Ellis Peters

Clues: English village, female lead character.
8. T E Kinsey

Clues: English village, early 20 th century, upper classes
9. James Anderson

Clues: English village, 20th century, funeral important to plot, author's first name.
10. James Runcie
(Sidney Chambers and the Perils of the Night)

I love this idea. I'm in for 12, a Capital Offense.
And here I go.
book 1: Y is for Yesterday by Sue Grafton
clue = two of the characters are planning a wedding
book 2: The Diva Takes the Cake by Krista Davis
clue = setting is on the US east coast
book 3: The Spanish Cape Mystery by Ellery Queen
clue = characters transported by boat
book 4: Clammed Up by Barbara Ross
clue = characters from Quebec
book 5: The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
clue = MC is in police
book 6: Death of a Hussy by M.C. Beaton
clue = sleuth lives in U.K.
book 7: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
clue = mobile crime scene (train, bookmobile)
book 8: Murder, Plainly Read by Isabella Alan
clue = murder involves books
book 9: One Book in the Grave by Kate Carlisle
clue = MC finds the dead body of a stabbing victim
book 10: A Medal for Murder by Frances Brody
clue = story opens with female disappearing, presumed kidnapped
book 11: What You See by Hank Phillipi Ryan
clue = MC is an unemployed former reporter in an eastern US city
book 12: Baltimore Blues by Laura Lippman
Case closed! On to the next ...

Inspired by Barbara's titled cases, I'm going for a Violation -- six books read in a single chain of evidence -- next. So here goes.

Rule Britannia (All sleuths have links to Great Britain)
book 1: Mrs. Jeffries Dusts for Clues by Emily Brightwell
clue: MC is an older woman in Britain
book 2: Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie
clue: same author, different series
book 3: By the Pricking of My Thumbs by Agatha Christie
clue: duo of detectives
book 4: Busman's Honeymoon by Dorothy L. Sayers
clue:
book 5:
clue:
book 6:

I love a challenge. Count me in!

Count me in. I'll start with violation.

How interesting! I think I can manage this even with my memory issues...
FOLLOW THE CLUES MYSTERY CHALLENGE

I'll start with Violation.





Follow the Clues Mystery Challenge*
Duration: Open-ended
Starting any time after September 1st

Goal - Follow clues from the mystery books you read to create a body of evidence and build a book court case. Each book clue leads you to your next read. (For example, if your first book takes place in a small town, then it can lead you to another book that also takes place in a small town).

Clues can be method of murder, an item on the cover, sub-genre/theme, number in series, MC's profession, location/setting, author's name, word in the title, or another connection. You must be able to make your case to the judge on your detective logic. If you're not sure about the clue, ask the judge.

You can ask any questions about the challenge or clues here

Rules:
~All books must be mystery/crime/detective novels on GR book page.
~A full body of evidence must be read at the chosen level for a completed challenge.
~You can level up if your evidence trail leads you to suspect a more serious crime.
~You can read books by the same author only if it is a different series or stand-alone.
~You cannot use the same series as the clue.
~One clue/link between the books is required, but there can be more than one link.
~The clue can be a cozy theme or sub-genre, but not simply a cozy mystery.
~Books must be at least 150 pages.

Levels of participation:
Infraction -- four books read in a single chain of evidence
Violation -- six books read in a single chain of evidence
Misdemeanor -- eight books read in a single chain of evidence
Felony -- ten books read in a single chain of evidence
Capital Offense -- twelve books in a single chain of evidence

Example:

Level = Misdemeanor
1. Die Like an Eagle by Donna Andrews
Clue = set in Virginia, small town; MC has a dog
2. Murder Most Howl by Krista Davis
Clue = set at an inn/hotel
3. Whispers Beyond the Veil by Jessica Estevao
Clue = set at a hotel; author uses pen name
4. Hot Button by Kylie Logan
Clue = Buttons on cover, fashion theme
5. Deadly Patterns by Melissa Bourbon
Clue = Paranormal/ghost
6. Ghost Gone Wild by Carolyn G. Hart
Clue = Same author (diff't series)
7. Engaged to Die by Carolyn G. Hart
Clue = 14th book in series
8. Murder of a Creped Suzette by Denise Swanson

*Thanks to Bev @ My Reader's Block for this challenge idea.
https://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2...

Follow the Clues
Duration: Sept 1 to Dec 31
Level: Felony
Progress: 10/10

Upgrade
Level: Capital Offense
Progress: 12/12

1. Broken Homes by Ben Aaronovitch (Peter Grant #4)
Clue: fantastic and paranormal elements
2. Relatively Dead by Sheila Connolly (Relatively Dead #1)
Clue: small town in the US
3. Guidebook to Murder by Lynn Cahoon (A Tourist Trap Mystery #1)
Clue: victim was poisoned
4. The Apothecary Rose by Candace Robb (Owen Archer #1)
Clue: historical setting in England
5. The Queen's Head by Edward Marston (Nicholas Bracewell #1)
Clue: theatre theme
6. Show Time by Suzanne Trauth (Dodie O'Dell Mystery #1)
Clue: name of the town starts with the same letter (E: Etonville -> Emerald Springs)
7. Beware False Profits by Emilie Richards (Ministry is Murder #3)
Clue: church on the cover
8. Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death by James Runcie (The Grantchester Mysteries #1)
Clue: Name of the author (first/last name: James)
9. Murder Past Due by Miranda James (Cat in the Stacks #1)
Clue: MC has a cat and the same name (first/last name: Charles)
10. Crime and Catnip by T.C.LoTempio (Nick & Nora #3)
Clue: MC has a business
11. Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle (Bibliophile Mystery #1)
Clue: 1st book in series
12. A Dark and Stormy Murder by Julia Buckley (A Writer's Apprentice Mystery #1)

Follow the Clues

Duration: 09/01/2017 - 12/31/2017
Level: Violation
Progress: 5/6

1.- The Watcher by Jo Robertson (02/09/2017 - ★★★★)

Clue: The MC investigates a cold case (aside of the current one)

2.- First Case by Kathi Daley (13/09/2017 - ★★★★☆)

Clue: The story takes place in an island, MC has a pet, MC is an aspiring writer

3.- Writing All Wrongs by Ellery Adams (24/09/2017 - ★★★)

Clue: Same number in the series (7)

4.- Macarons and Mayhem by Agatha Frost (26/09/2017 - ★★★★)

Clue: MC in the first book shares the name with the second book writer (Julia)

5.- A Dark and Stormy Murder by Julia Buckley (29/09/2017 - ★★★★☆)

Follow the Clues challenge
Duration: September 1 - open ended
Level: Capital Offense-12 books
Updated:
Progress: 0/12

1. Death of a Dreamer
Clue: MC is a police officer; story takes place in Europe, MC has a pet.

Follow the Clues
Duration: Sept 1 to

Level: Violation

1. Death in High Heels
Clue =
2.

Follow the Clues Challenge
September 1, 2017 - ??
Level: Violation (to start)

Like all good prosecutors, I will be working on more than one case at a time.

Case 1: First Cases - Progress: 12/12 - CONVICTION OBTAINED

1. Starboard Secrets by Hope Callaghan (finished 9/5/17)
Clue = MC is divorced due to husband's affair, MC is older, with grown children, first book in series, ship on cover of book
2. Murder on Bainbridge Island by Dianne Harman (finished 9/14/17)
Clue = crime set in the art world, first book in series, new series to me
3. A Fool and His Monet by Sandra Orchard (finished 10/5/17)
Clue = first book in series, new series to me, secondary character with the nickname "Pet" (Petra in A Fool and His Monet, Perpetua Grandy in The Big Chili); both novel titles are puns
4. The Big Chili by Julia Buckley (finished 10/14/17)
Clue = first book in series, new series to me, culinary theme, murders were committed using same method
5. Tastes Like Murder by Catherine Bruns (finished 11/7/17)
Clue = first book in series, new series to me, MC's ex cheated on her, published 2015, set in New York
6. Better Homes and Corpses by Kathleen Bridge (finished 12/9/17)
Clue = first book in series, new series to me, set in resort town (Montauk, NY and Star City, UT)
7. To Helvetica and Back by Paige Shelton (audio - finished 12/15/17)
Clue = first book in series, new series to me, MC discovers the victim
8. Snow Way Out by Christine Husom (finished 12/26/17)
Clue = first book in series, new series to me, set in small town (Brooks Landing, MN and Crystal Bay, WI)
9. On the Chopping Block by Jenny Kales (finished 1/17/18)
Clue = first book in series, new series to me, set in quaint small town (Crystal Bay, WI, West London on Cape Cod)
10. Elementary, She Read by Vicki Delany (finished 2/25/18)
Clue = first book in series, new series to me, sent in small town (West London, MA and River Vista, ID)
11. Who Moved My Goat Cheese? by Lynn Cahoon (audio - finished 3/18/18)
Clue = first book in series, new series to me, set in small town, MC recently opened/took over business
12. Mum's the Word by Kate Collins (audio - finished 3/29/18)




Case 2: Police Procedurals/Audio - Progress: 12/12 - CONVICTION OBTAINED

1. A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny (audio - finished 9/8/17)
Clue: MC is investigator in charge (Gamache, DD Warren), MC has to deal with trainee (Yvette Nichol & Robert Lemieux in A Fatal Grace, Carol Manley in Find Her)
2. Find Her by Lisa Gardner (audio - finished 9/22/17)
Clue: Authors have same first name (Lisa); investigation is conducted by federal law enforcement (FBI, ATF)
3. One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline (audio - finished 10/6/17)
Clue: Same author (both standalones); both take place in Pennsylvania; MC in both is leading a double life
4. Dirty Blonde by Lisa Scottoline (audio - finished 10/12/17)
Clue: Set in Philadelphia, PA; MC is in legal profession (judge & lawyer, lawyer)
5. A Criminal Defense by William L. Myers Jr. (audio - finished 10/31/17)
Clue: MCs are defense attorneys; both involve two interconnected mysteries
6. Who Let the Dog Out? by David Rosenfelt (audio - finished 11/12/17)
Clue: Cases involve mistaken identities; MCs must work with computer professionals; cases rely heavily on tech
7. The Guise of Another by Allen Eskens (audio - finished 12/29/17)
Clue: MCs are both cops, plotline centers on MC and his brother
8. Don't Let Go by Harlan Coben (audio - finished 11/11/18)
Clue: MCs solve cold cases involving teens (MC's twin brother, UCLA coed)
9. The Cinderella Murder by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke (audio - finished 1/23/18)
Clue: MCs are amateurs who solve cold case murder of young woman
10. Threads of Evidence by Lea Wait (audio - finished 2/11/18)
Clue: Cold case murder of young girl
11. Y is for Yesterday by Sue Grafton (audio - finished 2/12/18)
Clue: Cold case murder decades old
12. No Man's Land by David Baldacci (audio - finished 2/25/18)



Case 3: Cooking the Books - Progress 12/12 - CONVICTION OBTAINED

1. Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke (finished 10/30/17)
Clue: bakery/culinary theme; MC/MC's partner bake cookies
2. The Iced Princess by Christine Husom (finished 1/8/18)
Clue: MCs are proprietors of their own stores; baking/culinary theme; Christmas time
3. Spiced and Iced by Jenny Kales (finished 2/4/18)
Clue: culinary theme; both involve water
4. Lethal Lobster by Hope Callaghan (finished 3/2/18)
Clue: culinary theme, both MCs care for energetic young dogs
5. Who Moved My Goat Cheese? by Lynn Cahoon (audio - finished 3/18/18)
Clue: culinary theme; both MCs are running their own cafes
6. Margaritas, Marzipan, and Murder by Harper Lin (audio - finished 3/21/18)
Clue: culinary theme; small town/close knit community (Cape Bay, MA/Scottsdale, AZ)
7. Wedding Cake Crumble by Jenn McKinlay (finished 4/8/18)
Clue: baking theme, recipes at end of book
8. Lattes, Ladyfingers, and Lies by Harper Lin (audio - finished 5/12/18)
Clue: baking theme, recipes at end of book, dogs featured in book
9. The Uninvited Corpse by Debra Sennefelder (audio - finished 5/23/18)
Clue: culinary/baking theme; MC's sister is prominent character; MC's have pets
10. Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke (finished 5/26/18)
Clue: baking theme; both books have police detectives named Mike; both MCs have pets; 5th book in series
11. Americanos, Apple Pies, and Art Thieves by Harper Lin (audio - finished 5/28/18)
Clue: both MCs run establishments with emphasis on coffee, both MCs live in artsy small towns (Cape Bay, Greenwich Village), both MCs have dogs with coffee-themed names (Latte/Java)
12. On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle (audio - finished 6/29/18)



Case 4: Doggone it, Cat Got Your Tongue? - Progress 12/12 - CONVICTION OBTAINED

1. Portside Peril by Hope Callaghan (finished 9/17/17)
Clue: MC is responsible for dog; dog helps with the mystery; dog on cover of book
2. Outfoxed by David Rosenfelt (audio - finished 12/5/17)
Clue: MC has dog; animals play a role in the story
3. The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny (audio - finished 12/8/17)
Clue: Crime occurs in small town outside the U.S. with townspeople as suspects; MC has pet (Gamache has a dog, Henri, and Agatha Raisin has 2 cats) which features in the storyline
4. The Vicious Vet by M.C. Beaton (audio - finished 1/22/18)
Clue: Pets figure prominently in the mystery (Agatha's cats & Roxy's dogs)
5. Look For Me by Lisa Gardner (finished 1/28/18)
Clue: Dogs reunited with their owner/caretaker after period of absence
6. Deadly Deception by Hope Callaghan (finished 3/4/18)
Clue: MC has responsibility for dog (Scout/Emma); MC has planned to go on cruise ship
7. Killer Run by Lynn Cahoon (audio - finished 4/7/18)
Clue: MCs own golden retriever; MCs have been to law school
8. Sudden Death by David Rosenfelt (audio-finished 4/18/18)
Clue: MCs are involved with rescue dogs (Andy Carpenter co-owns rescue/Francesca gets her dog from rescue shelter); both MCs own dogs
9. Tea, Tiramisu, and Tough Guys by Harper Lin (audio - finished 5/2/18)
Clue: MCs live in small, resort community (Cape Bay, MA/Star City, UT); MCs have pets; stories have character named Matt
10. Bookman Dead Style by Paige Shelton (audio - finished 6/6/18)
Clue: MCs both have cats; resort community; stories have rich/famous people coming to town
11. Dangling by a Thread by Lea Wait (finished 6/22/18)
Clue: seaside village setting (Maine, USA/England); MCs have cats; birds on cover
12. Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wyckhadden by M.C. Beaton (audio - finished 6/24/18)

Follow the Clues Mystery Challenge*
Duration: Open-ended
Starting any time after September 1st

Capital Offense #2: Twelve books in a single chain of evidence

1. Dawn Eastman - Be Careful What You Witch For
Clue = Failed Epipen
2. Karen MacInerney - Deadly Brew
Clue = Death at a fundraiser
3. Lynn Cahoon - Killer Run
Clue = MC has a very managing aunt
4. Amanda M. Lee - Make A Witch: A Wicked Witches of the Midwest Fantasy
Clue = MC is small town newspaper editor
5. Mary Nealy - Bury the Lead
Clue = Inherit a relative's run-down house
6. Gemma Halliday - Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Brash Blonde
Clue = Baker Street
7. Vicki Delany - Elementary, She Read
Clue = Greedy heirs
8. Anne R Tan - Raining Men and Corpses
Clue = Poison
9. Jeanne Quigley - All Things Murder
Clue = Displaced soap opera star
10. Mary Jane Clark - To Have and to Kill
Clue = MC works in bakery
11. Jenn McKinlay - Sprinkle with Murder
Clue = An upcoming wedding
12. Susan M. Boyer - Lowcountry Bordello



Capital Offense #1: Twelve books in a single chain of evidence

1. Amanda M Lee - Murder Most Witchy
Clue = ghosts
2. Jennifer Fischetto - Lipstick, Lies & Dead Guys
Clue = beach town setting
3. Shawn Reilley Simmons - Murder on the Half Shell
Clue = with film celebrities
4. Gemma Halliday - Hollywood Secrets
Clue = in L. A./Hollywood
5. Chelsea Field - Poison and Prejudice
Clue = missing girls
6. Stephanie Bond - In Deep Voodoo
Clue = set in Louisiana
7. Ellen Byron - Body on the Bayou
Clue = chief of police is a central character
8. Amy Vansant - Pineapple Lies
Clue = Author has same first name
9. Amy Boyles - Scared Witchless
Clue = MC is a witch
10. Raven Snow - Counterfeits and Cauldrons
Clue = business owner with detective bf
11. Deborah Brown - Lottery in Paradise
Clue = one of the MCs is a PI
12. Jamie Lee Scott - Let Us Prey

I'm going to start out at -
Misdemeanor -- eight books read in a single chain of evidence
Start 9/1/17 - 12/31/17
8/8

1. Murder is a Piece of Cake by Elaine Viets
Clue = both MCs have secret jobs - mystery shopper and undercover cook
2. The Big Chili by Julia Buckley
Clue = both have foods in the title
3. Affairs of Steak by Julie Hyzy
Clue = both set in Washington DC
4. Murder on K Street by Margaret Truman
Clue = red covers
5. Endangered Species by Nevada Barr
Clue = Takes place in summer
6. Death al Dente
Clue = takes place in tourist towns
7. Twisted Threads
Clue = Needlework theme
8. Hanging by a Thread

Misdemeanor
8/8 Done!

1. Just Follow The Money by Jinx Schwartz
clue: location - France
2. Death on the Seine by Evan Hirst
clue: Author's first name is the same as MC
3. Evans Above by Rhys Bowen
clue: Same Author - different series
4. Hush Now, Don't You Cry by Rhys Bowen
clue: Time period - set in early 1900's
5. Murder on the SS Rosa by Lee Strauss
clue: crime - murdered with pickles
6. Pickled by Elaine Macko
clue: Senior Sleuth
7. The Invisible Code: A Peculiar Crimes Unit Mystery by Christopher Fowler
clue: witchcraft
8.Charmed Again by Rose Pressey

I am going to try this at the misdemeanor

1. Dead Broke by Bruce Borders
Clue: MCs police officers
2. Prime Cut
Clue: Victim was in construction
3. Crowned and Moldering by Kate Carlisle
Clue: small town on the water
4. A Killer Plot by Ellery Adams
Clue: MC has dog
5. Bless Her Dead Little Heartby Miranda Jones

I think I got the hang of this and managed to complete the Infraction level. So, I'm promoting myself to Violation level. :-D

Good job Julesy!

Okay, this is getting easier, I think, so I'm going for the max:

Capital Offense -- twelve books in a single chain of evidence.

Nell, let me know if I should change or even drop anything in the string I currently have.

Hooray, Patti!

Congrats, Patti!

Congratulations Patti!

Amazed that you found two books where the victim was murdered by pickles!!

Congrats Patti and completely agree with Nell, don't know how you could find two books with pickles as murder weapons.
Now thay Im reading the clues of others, it is quite interesting! Fun challenge indeed.

Well done Patti!

Congratulations, Patti! I laughed when I saw the pickle clue. :-D

Congratulation, Patti!

Phew one book to finish the chain!

Woo hoo all done (and some new to me books/series found as well!

Hilary S wrote: "Woo hoo all done (and some new to me books/series found as well!"

Wow, Hilary, awesome!

Good job Hilary!

I'm just on my third book for this one. You guys are fast!

My goodness, Hilary, you are quick! Good job.

Congrats, Hilary! Yes, you're quite fast.

Err it helps to be disabled and unable to work/cook/clean! So drat it I need to fill my time with something (ooooh new books!)

Congrats to Hilary and Patti. I, too, am only on book 3 and my clue connections are pretty mundane when you compare them to pickles!

I've added my first two books and have a third ready to go.

Sharon wrote: "Congrats to Hilary and Patti. I, too, am only on book 3 and my clue connections are pretty mundane when you compare them to pickles!"

I know, how can one beat the pickles thing? lol. Good job finding those, Patti!

Just a quick rant / update on my challenge:
Had a hard time to find my next book. I had a few clues in my mind, but the ones fit in were either in the middle of series that I want to read in order or not available from my library. Well, I think I finally set the next book to read, so once I'm done with my current book, will go for it!

Glad you found your next book Jess.

Remember that there is no time limit on this challenge. You are free to read other books in between the ones that fit this challenge.

Sometimes the clue/connection is obvious, other times it's not apparent until you read the book. For example, I didn't know both victims were shot until I read the next book. But I know a ghost connects the book I will be reading next.

Finished my 12 (msg 21)! This was a fun one; thanks, Nell! I want to start another case once I've had a chance to organize the TBR.

Congrats Meg.

Feel free to build another case. You can do this challenge as many times as you want.

Thanks, Nell!

Yup, you are right. I might find a next clue from unexpected books!

I know there is no time limit but can't stop thinking about the clue. I guess that's the fun part of doing a challenge.