Challenge Corner discussion

A remote hotel. A murder mystery. A missing woman. Everyone has a role to play, but what's real and what's part of the game? A twisty and fiendishly clever novel perfect for fans of The Guest List and Knives Out . . .

The weekend getaway at the gorgeous manor hotel should have been perfect. But Becca is freshly smarting from her husband Blake's betrayal and knows this is just an expensive attempt at an apology. She may not be ready to forgive him, but the drinks are strong, the estate is stunning, and the weekend has an elaborate 1920s murder mystery theme. She decides to get into the spirit of things and enjoy their stay. What could go wrong?

Before long, the game is afoot: famed speakeasy songstress Ida Crooner is found "murdered," and it's up to the guests to sniff out which of them might be the culprit. Playing the role of Miss Debbie Taunte, an ingenue with a dark past, Becca dives into the world of pun-heavy clues, hammy acting, and secret passages, hoping to at least take her mind off her marital troubles.

Then, the morning after they arrive, the actress playing Ida's maid fails to reappear for her role. The game's organizer--that's Miss Ann Thrope to you--assumes the young woman's flakiness is to blame, but when snooping for clues as "Debbie," Becca finds evidence she may not have left of her own free will.

Told over a nail-biting forty-eight hours and interspersed with in-game clues, set pieces, and character histories from the campy flapper-filled mystery nested inside a modern one, All Dressed Up is a loving tribute to classic whodunits and a riveting exploration of the secrets we keep in order to sustain the act.

I'm running behind but hope to get this one still this week!

Through Getting Started / Chapter 5

oooh this one is so good so far
I'm completely hooked

(view spoiler)[ I can't even imagine trying to forgive someone for cheating... (hide spoiler)]

and OMG (view spoiler)[ this weekend honestly sounds so freaking fun
but I would have been mad he didn't tell me it was a murder myster too!

and what's up with Phil? (hide spoiler)]

Ooo yay! I'm so behind. Need to jump into Hester!

yes, me to! I think I'm hoping for Thursday on Hester!

Through Round 1 / 11 chapters

ooooh I love this - so fun!

I can't even imagine(view spoiler)[ trying to hold character while being drunk! lol

and I love that they can't tell when someone is in character or out although I think the clothing idea is fair.

but it's true, there are supposed to be hints all weekend long!

I don't have any guesses but Phil is gross, right?
Interesting how their characters seem to have a little bit to do with their actual lives. hm. .. I wonder how and why that is (hide spoiler)]

Through Round 2 (which was really short) and 3 / Ch 18

I don't(view spoiler)[ even know what's going on anymore! lol what is real and what is part of the show?
it almost feels like it's all for her !!

and um, is that other couple trying to swing and swap with them!?!? that's the vibe, right? (hide spoiler)]

and I'm done
I loved it!

(view spoiler)[ I had no idea who it was but I didn't think of Heather. of course now it makes sense - cleaning up her husband's messes - but wow, what a great story that lead us there

and so glad Becca was able to find more of herself. Hey, if she can't figure it out with him, she can always move on :) (hide spoiler)]

Saturday, 1:30 a.m.: (view spoiler)[Scuttle... isn't that the bird from the little mermaid? Now I'm going to be thinking about Ariel with this murder mystery lol. Other than that, I'm liking it so far. (hide spoiler)]

The Scenario: (view spoiler)[Giggle water? Is that champagne? Or like soda water? Wait, did they have soda water back then? Eh. Either way, I've always wanted to go to a murder mystery party. Never been to one - they sound so much fun. Also, oh, he cheated on her. Yeah, that's going to be hard to forgive. (hide spoiler)]

Getting Started: (view spoiler)[Oh no. I hope she doesn't cheat on him with Phil. I get that's she not over it and they still haven't moved on, but two wrongs do not make a right lady. (hide spoiler)]

Round One: (view spoiler)[Oh man, I would not be able to stay in character at all. Especially with alcohol involved. Wait, maybe I could?? lol. Who knows! Also, I can see why she was mad about the situation she walked in on but dang - quick to assume the worst. Not a fan that they slept in other rooms. Also, Phil creeps me out. Just saying. (hide spoiler)]

Round Two: (view spoiler)[Okay, she has the phone and now I'm wondering who sugar is lol. Also, who is behind it all? How am I supposed to trust everyone!?!? Ugh. I need more answers. (hide spoiler)]

Round Three: (view spoiler)[Ooo.. okay. So Bethany was seeing one of the guests? Okay, WHO? I'm really hoping it's not Blake because Becca doesn't deserve that. Also, how she found out about the cheating? Hot damn. I would have kicked him out too. (hide spoiler)]

Round Four: (view spoiler)[FINALLY! They needed that talk. Really. I'm hoping this will help them heal and move on from the past and the pretending. Also, actions speak louder than words buddy. (hide spoiler)]

Round Five: (view spoiler)[OMG SUGAR IS PHIL! Phew, okay, I'm happy with that little reveal. I would've thrown my phone if it was Blake. Just saying. (hide spoiler)]

Final Round/Finished: (view spoiler)[Wow. Wow. It was Heather? Dang. I can totally see it now, but I didn't beforehand. I'm also wondering if her and Blake do work things out or not. (hide spoiler)]