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Winnipeg Free Press

Whodunit's interactive twists prove deeply engaging

Destiny Whip is an exceptional riddlemaster who once earned the title as a world-renowned enigmatologist for her ability to decipher clues and solve puzzles. She is also a former child prodigy who grew up orphaned after her adopted mother tragically died; Destiny's an outcast, and an incredibly lonely young adult with only an emotional support urn for company. 'When you're declared a child prodigy, everyone expects you to go far in life, but all Destiny has managed today is a slow shuffle to and from the bathroom. Even that required Herculean reserves of energy,' Bianca Marais' writes at the opening of her fourth novel, a genre-busting, closed-room murder mystery with fantastical elements of magic and sorcery. It's like entering an escape room and reading a whodunit fantasy at the same time. A Most Puzzling Murder A grief-stricken Destiny is on track to remain a depressed recluse for the rest of her life. Yet there's one thing that can pull the renowned enigmatologist out of the confines of her meagre existence: an opportunity to uncover the identity of her biological parents who abandoned her at birth. She longs for connection, friendship and belonging within a family. A chance opportunity presents itself when a letter arrives one Sunday morning through Destiny's mail slot. At first glance, the letter is an invitation to participate in a competition to become a historian for the legendary Scruffmore family. A deeper examination reveals a hidden message within that letter that invites you, the reader, to solve the riddle alongside the grand puzzle-master herself. As Destiny arrives at Eerie Island where the Scruffmores live, she quickly concludes that she's likely related to the notorious family. Clues lead her to believe she is the illegitimate offspring of the senior patriarch, Mordecai Scruffmore, a power-hungry evil sorcerer who won't stop at anything until he's claimed the keys to his own immortality and secures eternal rein over his kingdom. What's more, the clues reveal to Destiny that a murder is about to happen on Eerie Island — and one of the family members is about to die. Destiny is the only one who can stop it. What ensues in the next 400 pages is a race against the clock with hidden clues at every turn. The novel itself becomes a bag of tricks with puzzles, magical elements and family drama galore. There's even a clever raccoon allegedly possessed with a human spirit at the centre of the mystery. While the interactive components embedded within the novel are unique, the reader is not left to their own device in solving any of the riddle before moving on. The deeper level of engagement is there for those who want to play along, but an answer key at the back of the book is available for those who don't want an interrupted reading experience. Bonus scenes are also unlocked after solving some riddles, along with an email address for additional content. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. While the interactive components aren't overly cumbersome, nor do they slow the plot down, the twists and turns within the family saga and multiple murder mystery plotlines compete with one another, demanding a lot from the reader. Yet for anyone looking for an adventurous ride with a rewarding payoff, A Most Puzzling Murder — with its messy family drama, intrigue and mystery — may be your next great read. Rochelle Squires is an avid book reader and adamant puzzler who lives in a quiet abode far from Eerie Island and the Scruffmore family.