— a note from J.B. —
Dearest sleuths, busybodies, and other widow authors,
I see you, too, are a fan of sophisticated party games. There's nothing quite like a steaming cup of tea (or other beverage of choice), a night with friends, a bingo card, and a murder!
Everyone takes a different card, then put on the best murder mystery show ever to air on primetime. Tap a square when it happens on screen. Tap again if you were too hasty.
I assume you are already well acquainted with the standard rules of bingo: fill in a line, or a diagonal, or four corners, or the whole card. Shout “bingo” once you've got it. And remember, murder, though likely, is not a foregone conclusion. The middle square is not free.
If you're in doubt whether something on screen fits a specific square, ask your nearest wayward nephew (or poll the room). It's also customary to shout and point “TOO MUCH TOUCHING,” or “GAUDY JEWELRY,” or whatever the category of the moment may be.
For an added twist, you can shoot your shot (if you'll pardon the phrase) and attempt to guess the murderer upon completing a bingo. Correct guesses win bragging rights and entitle the guesser to pick the next episode.
Well, I must get back to finishing this chapter. I've figured out how to get the inspector into the attic…now I just have to get him out of there. Alive.
Watch your back,
J.B.
