Cat-Tales 56: Armchair Detective

0 Kudo

Author	Comment
Jarissa Paxton		#41	[url]	[-]
Posts: 546 09/17/08 15:43	I think this was my favorite chapter thus far. Part of it is the interaction of Spoiler [+] Bruce and Clark, of course , and part of it is that I've been spending my recovery from the semiannual hurricane season cold by rereading Death of a Doxy and A Right to Die. There're no parallels I can see between plots, here and there, save that of course someone's dead and the primary detective isn't moving. (Oh, and that "Society" is involved, of course.) Spoiler [+] But the main source of my preference, I think, is the parallel between separate "Societies", given just the right amount of play here. Selina has always been the expert on the Rogue version of "Society", and Bruce on the so-called "High Society" of Gotham's wealthy. Bruce has spent quite a lot of time in the Tales having to adjust his reality filter to understand what Selina easily sees; now Selina's having the same experience, in her own wonderfully independent way, of adjusting to the realities of Bruce-the-Fop's milieu ... and it turns out that, in the second-most-important ways, it's Roguedom all over again. Well, except that the Rogues more frequently take time out from blathering about their alleged superiorities to one another, long enough to DO something about it. It seems that the self-described "Elite" are all show, and very little solid deeds. When the Riddler says that he's smarter than another Rogue, he by-God has some action of his own that proves it -- not just some gossip-worthy act of the other fellow's that he could mention as negative evidence. I'm one of those people who "hear" every letter of each word as I read them, and how they shape one another; so, yes, I'm going to totally miss a reasonable point if it's discussing makeup instead of knaves. Not that there aren't some hilarious correlations! Anyway, please be patient with me on this.
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
kay	Well worth the wait	#42	[url]	[-]
Posts: 42 09/18/08 20:56	Chapter four was as always a great fun to read. I loved Selinas "progress report" of what she found out. They way she relays this info to Bruce and Clarks initial confusion was very entertaining. Thanks for another great chapter Chris, looking forward to more.
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
BenRG	Chapter 4 - Detective by Proxy	#43	[url]	[-]
Posts: 300 09/19/08 08:39	Hmm... Chris, you might want to check the site's code. For some reason, I didn't get an email notification about this update otherwise I would have been here earlier. I did get a notification about the new story about hallow-e'en, though. So whatever has gone wrong went wrong since that one was sent out. Anyways, onto the chapter. Once again, we see that most wonderful, dysfunctional family that is the JLA at work. Only Superman, our wonderfully tactlessly nice Spitcurl of a Superman, would miss the clear 'Leave me alone' clue in Oracle's diary updates and go to see Bruce anyway. I'm sure Bruce appreciated the effort, especially with Alfred being all 'Alpha Medic' (I love that phrase, BTW). So... what else? There are some lovely little character moments, especially Dick's practical joke on Tim (what the Rogues think of the Bat going '80s on them remains to be seen). I also liked Selina's thoughts about the high-class set, gossip and how they all might view her. I also liked what she had to say to Daniel. This kitty has claws I also agree with Coralskipper: It is nice to see that Selina is starting to enjoy the investigation herself. The proof? She's stopped asking whether she can come home now. However, the real thing about this chapter is how it moves the case forwards. Spoilers Below! Highlight them to read them [+] The suspects and motives are mounting up here. Although Fiona now seems an obvious suspect, I think that she is a little too obvious, if you get my meaning. That sort of step-child loathing makes for a lot of sulking and fireworks but it would take a pretty psychotic personality for it to turn to murder, especially the contemplative, gradual sort that this killing seems to be. A fire poker to the head? Yes. A gunshot? Yes. Poison? No. It is too much of a cold-blooded weapon for such an emotional feud. I should note that "seems to be" is the killer point about this investigation at the moment. Bruce is working, like any good detective should, that an unexplained death could be murder. However, we will know a lot more after Dick has relieved the coroner of his/her results. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that this is either illness, mischance or some horrible accident. If anything, Noel seems like she was something of a gold digger. Is there any possibility that an attempt on her part to get access to the Lyon fortune spectacularly backfired? William the waiter-for-hire seems to be moving more and more out of the frame. However, depending on the COD, he did have both the opportunity and possibly the means. As for the motive? Well, there is always the possibility that Noel was a demanding employer and Billy-the-Pusher decided that he wasn't going to wait to see if she was serious in her idle promise to expose his 'extracurricular' work if he didn't give her a discount. There is also the 'hired gun' possibility. He needs money to keep up an extravagant life-style (and pay-off his own suppliers, of course). A 'hit', especially something passive-aggressive like a poisoning, might be just the break he needs. It could explain the meaning of that note: Either the weapon or the first payment was awaiting collection. The internal family dynamics are a bit odd at the moment. However, I've got the feeling that those dodgy lithographs may be a red herring. If anyone would be an obvious target for murder if they might be forged or stolen, then it would have been Oliver. Get him out of the way, then the reappraisal can be cancelled and they can be sold on before word about their 'questionable' nature gets out. On the other hand, the possibility of a cover-up to mask embezzlement and, perhaps, the ruination of the family fortune is an interesting one. As well as the infidelity motive, oddly enough, Oliver has some economic motive too. Noel has a lot of money from her first husband's estate. If, as I got the feeling from Chapter 1, the Lyon family is down on its luck, Oliver might think that he has a good chance of getting his hands on her estate, especially as she likely has no natural heirs of her own. It would certainly explain the ersatz-Christie 'cursed jewel' story in the previous chapter. Overall this remains an absorbing and interesting read. I'm enjoying how you are laying out all the possibilities. I'm sure that I can't keep track of more than a half of the threads in this story - I'll have to re-read the whole thing eventually so I can understand what is going on. BenRG's Rating: 8.5/10 ~~~~ They call me BenRG* But... I don't know why... ~~~*~
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
DorothyTRose		#44	[url]	[-]
Posts: 215 09/20/08 22:57	I especially liked the Superman/Clark moments in this chapter. Seeing the world through his eyes, what he does to compensate, the details of his relationship with Bruce, etc. is very nice to have. The path of the aspirin bottle (it's intended purpose vs. it's actual use) amused me, greatly, for some reason. "Always the detective." "Ever the boy scout."
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
Batfan7		#45	[url]	[-]
Posts: 13 09/21/08 22:34	I also loved the Bruce and Clark interaction moments. Not only are they fun just by themselves, it was a handy way of remembering what was going on with the characters and keeping track of who's who since Bruce needed to interject a few explanations for him. I also thought it was nice to see someone outside of the family who noticed Batman's absence and was actually concerned about it. I just thought that was a typically sweet Superman type of thing. I'm wondering if we were left with Dick about to discover the cause of death because it's going to be something unexpected or bizarre... like drowning or something. Maybe not, but that's it did make me wonder. I absolutely loved Alfred here. 'Alpha Medic', HA! I wonder if he's going to get a bit too attached to the privilege of being able to tell Bruce something and have him actually listen to it - since you know that just as soon as he can, Bruce will be back to ignoring all thoughts of caution and rushing into body-bruising fights. Well, I'm still not making any guesses on the final outcome. Chris, will you let us know when there's only one more chapter to go so we can have a final vote on who done it? After all, at this point there might be another murder or something! It's far too early to make a clearly educated guess :-)
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
Random Equinox		#46	[url]	[-]
Posts: 286 09/23/08 00:41	It's always a joy to see another encounter between Bruce and Clark, and see why they are truly The World's Finest. Clark's concern for his colleague and friend was very touching, everything you'd expect from someone of his moral caliber. While Bruce might not go and flat-out say it, I'm sure he's grateful for Clark's concern for his welfare, and not just because it may calm Alfred down somewhat. Alfred's "Alpha Medic protocol", and how it's caused such an upheaval in Bruce's routine, continues to be a source of amusement. He's now found a surefire, albeit undesired, way to ensure that the Master actually place his considerations first for once. Batman will have to devise a counter to all that nurturing once he's recovered some more. For now, he's at Alfred's mercy, a fact that, as shown by his multiple expressions upon hearing of Clark's departure, he knows all too well. On the bright side, he isn't facing the sheer selfishness of the elite, as Selina is. If nothing else, this Cat-Tales certainly makes an effort to draw Selina into the world of Bruce Wayne the Fop Billionaire and Batman, the World's Greatest Detective. She seems to be developing a better understanding of why Bruce has nurtured his Fop persona and why he works so hard to compartmentalize his various lives. Furthermore, she is increasingly getting caught up in the "thrill of the hunt", if an investigation can be called that. I suspect that the true culprit is the least likely character, but I am at a loss to determine who that is. The end of this Cat-Tales will certainly resolve this whodunnit mystery. More importantly, it means that Selina won't be able to go back to the way things were, and that that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
Jarissa Paxton		#47	[url]	[-]
Posts: 546 09/23/08 13:43	That reminds me, I should ask for a GM's Ruling: Is it cheating, if I looked up the Spoiler [+] herbal supplements purchased by Will back a few chapters ago on the Internets? I'm one of those people who "hear" every letter of each word as I read them, and how they shape one another; so, yes, I'm going to totally miss a reasonable point if it's discussing makeup instead of knaves. Not that there aren't some hilarious correlations! Anyway, please be patient with me on this.
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
Chris Dee		#48	[url]	[-]
Posts: 786 09/23/08 14:58	Well, if it is, you're not the first. Thundering Monkey did some googling early on, I think. I'd say start a separate thread for discssion & speculation based on your research, and mark the first message appropriately so anyone perusing that thread knows what they are getting into. --Chris Dee Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Superpowers corrupts - superbly. --Identity Element
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
Chris Dee		#49	[url]	[-]
Posts: 786 10/10/08 11:08	Yes, it's a double update folks. As soon as you've finished the new installent of Capes and Bats, zip on over to the main series for Armchair Detective's Chapter 5: Cause of Death. --Chris Dee Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Superpowers corrupts - superbly. --Identity Element
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
BenRG	Chapter 5 - Cause of Death	#50	[url]	[-]
Posts: 300 10/10/08 11:52	Woo! It looks like I'm one of the first to read and review this new chapter. To quote the lady herself: "Go me!" Okay, to start, I loved Tim's little monologue. Poor Whiskers and Nutmug probably thought that he was brain-damaged from the way he was raving to himself. The thing is that I bet, if one played a recording, Tim would agree. Still, it all goes to show that cats are naturally good listeners. I've found that myself. So... at last it comes out. Warning! Discussion of the case [+] Noel was murdered - by the injection of insulin into a stretch mark! Freaky! Jack would be jealous, I think. So, we are dealing with someone with the brilliance to know how to do it in a way that would not be picked up unless you were dealing with a paranoid vigilante who knows just about every possible method to kill. Of course, this also affects the nature of who we are dealing with here. It requires someone with intimate access to Noel. The muderer needed the ability to get close to her whilst she was asleep and not raise suspicion whilst doing so. That means trust and, given the level of back-biting in this family, I can't see it being given easily. Of course, the 'hired gun' scenario isn't gone yet, but the nature of the 'fatal injury' suggests that it wasn't a random strike (say by a mini-syringe fired out of a blowgun or something hidden in clothes or a handbag). This was a careful, considered act done at a slow pace. Once again, this seems to rule out Grace, the step-daughter, as you would expect her to use some aggressive means. However, with time, anger can lead to a cold determination. She might be smart enough to try to psychologically rule herself out by acting as if she was too hot-tempered around Noel to do something so contemplative and cunning. I'll make a prediction and put down my two theories. 1) The leading suspect now has to be the bereaved husband - Oliver. He had the opportunity and has been building up this ridiculous 'curse' surrounding Noel that suggests she has been a target for some time. He has the motive - there seem to be problems with finance and some family heirlooms that obtaining Noel's personal fortune as her only legal heir would ease greatly. Did he have the means? When you're rich, you can obtain stuff. Insulin is hardly SmileX, after all. He could obtain it entirely legally from any moderate-sized drug store. 2) As Bruce and Selina point out, Grace and Rick have their own motive for wanting Noel gone before she can disinherit Grace. However, there remains the issue of how the weapon could be used in the way Dick has identified by anyone except Oliver. However, I can think of one way - it is an old favorite Christie modus operandi. Rick has been having an affair with Noel to get into her confidence so, at the appointed time, he can take the shot. On the characterisations side of the chapter, I liked your reasons Cassie's problems with Clark. Well done for remembering just how badly Cain screwed up her mind and how difficult it must be to conquer those instincts sometimes. I also liked Tim and Dick's rambling and Bruce desperately trying to find a way to blame it on Selina. I've got some news for you Bruce - they've always been like this. The only difference is ever since Selina has de-mythologised you and your 'quest', they feel safe enough to let it show around you. As for that ending: AARGH! You had to put a cliffie in didn't you? Well, next time, I'll obviously find out if I've rumbled your little mystery or if you managed to fool me to the end, won't I? Well done on another great chapter. ~~~~ They call me BenRG* But... I don't know why... ~~~*~
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
Coralskipper.dubthistheforum		#51	[url]	[-]
Posts: 138 10/10/08 12:25	Chris, again it was a brilliant chapter. I'll be honest enough and say I could care less about the case, just not my sort of thing, but the character interactions this chapter are some of the best in the series. I loved how easily Selina slipped into the "Mother" role with Cassie to talk with her. It seemed so natural and right that you have to wonder if Selina will ever realize that she has started to fill that role. Also, the Tim moments were priceless, particularly the opening Monologue. It's such a guy thing, not just teenage, to complain in that manner to yourself and felt right on. Then, of course, there's nothing quite as funny as Bruce being jealous of Clark, of all people. Once more I say, well done. Damon Runyon once said, "Ninety-five percent of sports tradition is fiction. Lies, if you like. But harmless. Who the hell cares if the facts get twisted?"
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
kay	You made my day!	#52	[url]	[-]
Posts: 42 10/10/08 16:57	This was the best way to end a long day at work on a Friday, another chapter Thank you! P.S Loved it!
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
DorothyTRose		#53	[url]	[-]
Posts: 215 10/10/08 19:24	Ha ha! I was going to save this for later (such a busy little kitty at the moment), but as soon as I saw Whiskers and Nutmeg naration, I had to read it. And then, of course, I was hooked and finished the whole chapter. My goodness! I think Bats and Supes partnerships are still my favourite, but Dick and Tim are giving them a run for their money. They're so awesome together! I love the whole ordeal with Cassy and Clark. It rather stole the show while it was running. It must have been terribly frustrating and embarrassing for her to realise that he knew something was wrong. After all, she's the pro at reading body-language and here she couldn't keep her own little secret because he's freaking Superman! lol. Welcome to a world without rules!
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
stephensmat2		#54	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1176 10/11/08 00:08	Ah! There it is. The rare valid point. I could be completely off of course, just because I enjoy mysteries doesn't make me a Detective, and I only solve about half of them, but if I'm right, then the question to unlock the mystery is not who would do it, but who could. Who gets close enough to inject a woman in her stretch marks?
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
SteelBlaidd		#55	[url]	[-]
Posts: 63 10/11/08 08:50	Wonderful. I love how 'Spit-curl' is now 'Clark,' and is starting to sort into the same head space where Selina puts Eddie and Harvey instead of the one labeled 'dumb capes' "If ever you find yor self looking down the wong end of an arrow. Hope that it's an evil man. a good man will kill you with hardly a word." - Sam Vimes
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
BenRG	A new headspace?	#56	[url]	[-]
Posts: 300 10/11/08 10:38	SteelBlaidd wrote: I love how 'Spit-curl' is now 'Clark,' and is starting to sort into the same head space where Selina puts Eddie and Harvey instead of the one labeled 'dumb capes' On the contrary, I think that Clark is still a 'dumb cape' to Selina. It is just that, in true feline style, she has decided that he is one of her capes, like the Bat Family. ~~~~ They call me BenRG* But... I don't know why... ~~~*~
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
Chris Dee		#57	[url]	[-]
Posts: 786 10/11/08 10:52	BenRG wrote: Clark is still a 'dumb cape' to Selina. It is just that, in true feline style, she has decided that he is one of her capes You, sir, have a cat. --Chris Dee Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Superpowers corrupts - superbly. --Identity Element
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
ichigenka.gothampm		#58	[url]	[-]
Posts: 261 10/11/08 12:09	Great chap, really loved all the bat family interplay. Dick really doesn't get to show off he's a detective a lot of the time, but good to see that he didn't ignore all those lessons ;) It's funny, anytime it's something that requires heavy lifting, menial office work, or other small but annoying favors, Tim is the go to guy :O But I can totally relate to the eyes glazing over. I do find it funny that he seems to have a very good rapport with Whiskers. Awww, Cassie! Something tells me Clark will fly home and grab an apple pie to help build future bridges (that girl can eat!)
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
The Thundering Monkey	I think some people are jumping the gun here.	#59	[url]	[-]
Posts: 831 10/12/08 09:59	When you think only a husband or lover could get close enough to inject her stretch marks, you're assuming she was awake when this happened, and even then how many people would let somebody they know inject them anywhere with anything besides their doctor. I think anybody who knows her or knows about the herbs knows she sleeps like a rock, and therefore would feel confident about sneaking in. It's possible someone who knew about the herbs might have even doped them to make absolutely sure she'd be out.
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post
BenRG	Re: I think some people are jumping the gun here	#60	[url]	[-]
Posts: 300 10/12/08 10:30	Originally posted by The Thundering Monkey When you think only a husband or lover could get close enough to inject her stretch marks, you're assuming she was awake when this happened, and even then how many people would let somebody they know inject them anywhere with anything besides their doctor. To clarify, I don't think that Noel was conscious when she was attacked. The point that I was making was that the murder needed to have reasonably unrestricted access to her. Virtually anyone except immediate family members would have a hard time excusing being in her room whilst she was having a nap. ~~~~ They call me BenRG* But... I don't know why... ~~~*~
My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts Report Post

Yuku free message boards

Cat-Tales 56: Armchair Detective

Quick Reply