A Brindlewood Bay Mystery
A Brindlewood Bay Mystery
Complexity: 6
The Murder Mavens have flown to merry old England, where they have been invited to speak at a weekend convention and writing retreat for fans of Robin Masterson. The convention is being held in Cosgrove Hall, a large manor house set on acres of sprawling ground on the edge of the fens. The house is miles from the nearest village, and attendees will spend the weekend in seclusion.
The house was once the home of famous English mystery writer Joan Cosgrove, herself a big influence on Robin Masterson, and it is now owned by her estate who occasionally hire it out for events such as this.
As you move into the first scene, go around the table and ask each Maven to describe one thing about the journey cross country from the airport to Cosgrove Hall that surprised them.
Establishing Question: You read one of Joan Cosgrove’s books in the wait between Gold Crown Mysteries and liked it enough to write to the author before her death. What did her reply to you say?
The convention takes place over a long weekend, starting on Thursday evening and set to end on Monday afternoon. The Mavens aren’t due to give their panel until Sunday, so they have plenty of time to enjoy the show and explore the area.
Go around the table and ask each Maven to give the title of a panel that they attended. Then ask the Maven to their left to say one thing they really liked about it.
On the dawn of Sunday morning the Mavens are woken by a loud scream from downstairs shortly followed by the sound of sirens outside. Detective Inspector Roland Oliver arrives from the local police station and gathers the convention attendees in the main dining room of the house. He explains that a body has been found and that he will be interviewing everybody over the course of the day. Nobody is to leave the grounds until the investigation is complete.
The Mavens will be interviewed later that evening, when their panel is meant to be scheduled, so they have a few hours in which to attempt to solve the mystery themselves.
During the investigation the Mavens should become aware of the following facts about the case:
Everything else is up to the Mavens.
Roland Oliver, the detective
Portly. Ruddy faced. Quick to anger. Roland is very sure of himself but has a reputation as a bit of a bungler. He only holds his position because the local town is small and law enforcement isn’t a particularly desirable profession; he stays in his job more due to inertia than anything else. He is very unlikely to solve the case himself and he knows it.
Quote: “I bloody hate the fens. It stinks out here. Too wet, everything rotting, no firm land to set your feet on. The sooner I can get home and get dry the better.”
Zachariah Clocks, the groundskeeper
Well spoken. Slight air of weariness. Impeccably dressed. Zachariah has worked for the Cosgrove family for close to 40 years. He treats the house and grounds as though they were his children.
Quote: “If you could possibly avoid tramping mud across the foyer that would be wonderful. It takes me hours to get that shine back and my knees aren’t what they used to be.”
Nicole Spencer, the aspiring writer
Excitable. Almost too happy to be here. Mismatched earrings. Nicole is in their early 20s and a regular on the convention circuit and writing retreats. This is their third year at Cosgrove Hall and they’re eager to share what they know about the house.
Quote: “Obviously it’s a tragedy but isn’t this just the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to you? A real murder investigation! This is going to make my writing really pop.”
Oliver O’Moot, the personal assistant
Terse. Tight smile. Says exactly what he means and no more. Oliver is the PA and sometime publicist to Thomas Mercury, responsible for getting the author to where he needs to be when he needs to be there. He’s never off the clock and it shows.
Quote: “Yes, I’m sure we’re all very upset, but if Tommy isn’t on his train on Monday afternoon there’ll be hell to pay. Do you know how much WA Smyth’s pay authors for an appearance? We absolutely can’t afford to miss it.”
Matthias Flanders, the editor
Friendly. Slightly overbearing. Dressed like he’s out for a run. Matthias works for a large publishing house and regularly attends these events both to socialise with his authors and to scout new talent. He seems rather unimpressed with the offerings this weekend and is delighted to have something to lift the tedium.
Quote: “Honestly I think Twitter is doing its damndest to kill writing for good. Everybody has opinions on how the work shojld be done but they’re all too afraid to actually do it. I’m waiting for a manuscript that’s going to set my brain on fire but I fear I’ll never find one again!”
Thomas Mercury, bestselling crime writer
Charismatic. Well rehearsed. Always looking for an exit. Thomas has just published the seventeenth novel in his series about a gritty northern detective solving crimes on rain-slicked streets. He’s quite the celebrity, and the star guest this weekend.
Quote: “Of course I’ll sign that for you! Yes, the cover on this one is great, isn’t it? Can’t take any credit myself of course. Although, you know, if the words inside weren’t equally as good then the artist wouldn’t have the material to draw from, would they? Don’t tell them I said that though!”
A comfortable reading room, mahogany walls and soft leather sofas. As the camera pans around, what do we see that looks out of place?
Residents at the retreat have to cater for themselves, and the large kitchen is well stocked with staple goods. Who is making breakfast at an odd time of day?
A small white tower in the woods a half mile from the house. No birds live here anymore. What tells you that this place isn’t as abandoned as it first appears?