THANK YOU for clearly listing out all the characters' names in this video! It sure makes it easier to keep them all straight. Possible spoiler ahead? I watched this video after watching Episode 3 last night. After I watched Episode 2, I had the sense that Aiden MacNeil was responsible for the disappearance of Cecily. Frank Parris wanted Aiden to carry his luggage, which made me wonder if Parris wanted to be alone with Aiden (in a gay way). Also, Aiden stopped talking with Susan at a certain point while she was questioning him. Episode 3 confirms Frank Parris' sexuality, and hints that Aiden might possibly have known him in London and also been possibly involved in his "parties." So, there's a motive for Aiden. Finally, I ran an anagram of Aiden MacNeil and found it, oddly enough, is an anagram for Madeline Cain (Pund's assistant). All circumstantial, but the focus sure seems to be on Aiden. As far as Atticus Pund Takes the Case, is the Hitchcock reference a clue, or a red herring? With the peephole business revealed I began thinking that Hitchcock's most famous use of a peephole was in Psycho. While not connecting with the timeline of the book's 1954 story, Alan Conway was surely aware of the use of the peephole in Psycho. This leads to the odd relationship between housekeeper Phylis and her son Eric (the peeper). At this point, I believe that Phylis killed her to protect her son, and further realizes she must split up with her son in order to protect them both. Anyway, my 2 cents. Who knows if I'm on the right track? I certainly don't.
I’m so excited for this series!! So many things to find out. For the murder of Frank Parris my first suspect is Aiden but for Melissa James gosh it’s too early for me to guess.
Melissa James has to have been hurt in Stage Fright, which Hitchcock made on a vacation in England. Cecily's mother is the ripest suspect for her disappearance.
Just an observation about dates, the calendar, and European astrology. And some other thoughts. In the current modern world -the hotel is called τριφύλλι. Trifilli, trefoil., but also, blue flowers on alfalfa. (Not sure, but are moonflowers blue ?) +alfalfa indirectly symbolizes prosperity (enough food to feed ones animals and keep them alive, hence prosperity or good fortune). In the past, modern world - the wedding takes place in June - it's noted that the groom's birthday is August 16th. -When Cecily disappears it's in May (6th ?). -A Description of her necklace is written in the article (Sagittarius,the archer, gold, 3 stars, a blue topaz) -Stefan Lionidas ( lion) In the fictional world -Mr.Gardner is reading a paper dated August 16th. -melissa dies August 16. -algernons license plate is L1ON5. (Lions, Leo?) Other thoughts -when Melissa is murdered, jewelry is on the floor, it is not a robbery. Scars- -Lisa has a scar on her left cheek. -Melissa has a scar in her right jaw. Anagrams If Barn owl means Branlow, what does moonflower become?
Wonderful feedback! Smart thought about Melissa's jewelry... knowing what we know about her financial situation, that may have been her only available asset!
I love how she discusses the case with an inspector who no one else can see . How come I never saw the first series . Actually I don’t think it was ever shown here in Australia. I will have to read the first two books when the second series is finished. I think Frank and Aiden knew each other. I have watched many episodes of House Hunters International and seen lots of English speaking people moving to Europe where they don’t speak the language but decide to open a pub or bed and breakfast place . I bet a lot of those never worked out lol.
I have a question: if this book is from eight years ago, how come Susan hasn’t read it yet? If she was the editor, she should’ve read the book back when it was published.
If the show hasn't made it clear: She has read the book / she edited it, so she must have gone over every line. BUT she's never read it while thinking about the Frank Parris murder
I enjoyed the first episode of Mayflower Murders and am looking forward to the rest of the series. It’s a bit too soon for theories, which is different from Magpie Murders, where I felt I knew almost from the start who the real-life killer was, but the series is definitely off to a good start. Forgive me for going slightly off-topic, but I wanted to comment briefly on something you said in your Magpie Murders coverage. You mentioned that you read all of the Agatha Christie mysteries as a teenager and I believe you said Magpie/Moonflower author Anthony Horowitz was the closest author you have found to the Christie style of plotting mysteries. That’s good info, and I will definitely try to read some of his books after I finish watching the series. Interestingly, I also read all of the Agatha Christie books as a teenager, including a few like the Murder of Roger Ackroyd and Death on the Nile as many as five times. But for me, the 20th century mystery writer who came closest to Agatha Christie and actually exceeded her in some cases was the great John Dickson Carr, who also wrote under the pseudonym of Carter Dickson. Some of Carr’s earlier mysteries like The Problem of the Green Capsule, The Problem of the Wire Cage, the Unicorn Murders (written as Carter Dickson) and one of my very favorite locked-room “impossible crime” type mysteries, the Curse of the Bronze Lamp (also written as Carter Dickson) are as good or better than most of Christie’s mysteries. Some of Carr’s later books delve a bit into supernatural areas and aren’t as good, but his earlier work is first class. He definitely elevated the locked-room mystery to a level unmatched by anyone else. Where Christie had Poirot and Miss Marple, Carr’s detectives were Gideon Fell and Sir Henry Merrivale, the latter from the Carter Dickson books. Sorry for going slightly off-topic, but I just wanted to put in a good word for John Dickson Carr, who seems largely forgotten by today’s mystery novel readers.
I just had two quick thoughts. First, I don't recall if you talked about this, but Parris was given a room originally reserved for a guest or guests who had not yet arrived. I wonder if we will meet that guest in the next episode and it will turn out they were the actual intended victim? And second - a big difference from Magpie Murders is that the last chapter was missing so Susan had no idea of who the killer in the book was, and that was a big mystery that wasn't revealed until the last episode of the series. This time, the book is fully intact and Susan actually would have read it years earlier when she edited it. So when Cecily says she knows who the killer is from the book, shouldn't Susan immediately have known who that was or looked it up? I guess I don't see what gimmick the show will use to keep the book's mystery a secret for six episodes. Susan should be actively thinking and talking about that, perhaps with Pund, right?
I also think it's extremely strange that Susan didn't read the book - and even if somehow she didn't read it when it was published (how does an editor not read the book they edit?), it's fairly short and she could have read it during the first episode, but she seems to be taking her time....
Either way, since the victim in the book isn't the Frank Parris look-alike, there's no reason to believe the killer is the same person either. I interpreted Cicely's phone call to mean that the book makes it clear who it was in some way, not that it was real-life killer was the equivalent of the book-killer.
There's a few things that stick out to me - for example the MacNeils said something about acronyms to Susan (I forgot what is was but I'll look back later). IDK if Moonflower is supposed to be an acronym but based on Magpie Murders I expect some acronyms in the future. Outside of that, I think it's a little early to truly suspect anyone, although I do find it interesting that Aiden seemed to know Frank Parris' name. Another thing to note is that Aiden is the last person we see with Frank Parris. IDK what Frank did between going upstairs with Aiden and his death but I do find it suspicious. I watched Magpie Murders along with this channel and I'm looking forward to your series on Moonflower Murders.
I think Frank Parris had had a relationship of sorts with Aiden at some point. I got this vibe when he asked Aiden to take him to his room... I also think Liam is Australian, but he might be a red herring. About Melissa James, whatever she saw on that wall clearly made her want to talk to the cook and her son. Perhaps it led her to discover whatever Eric did wrong (the cook was mad at him about it.) I don't think this has anything to do with her death.
My head is spinning and I'm spitting out split pea soup! No way I can even begin to think about who the killer might be. For now, just write down the names and how the victim may have pist them off. I have a feeling this murder mystery is going to come down to that one detail everyone else missed.
@@DoublePMedia How many books did the author write? I really need to start creating content for my channel...created a poll under community but not sure how to get it out there into the public. Any recommendations? Any other mysteries or shows coming up worth watching? Over the past 5 years or so I've noticed the quality of programming definitely dropped...I'm really hoping that will change in 2025.
@@GenXMind67 In the world of the show, writer Alan Conway wrote/published 8 books… the first series is about how he is killed after completing his 9th. This 2nd series is about how he came about to write his third book
What days will you be doing these podcasts because I don’t want to get ahead or fall behind. I watched the first episode today and thought it was really good. Love the different time zones . Will make more comments tomorrow.
If author Anthony Horowitz is playing fair, the suspects in Cecily’s disappearance should have a counterpart in Alan’s book, which Cecily's mother does.
I will be interested to find out from you as we go along if this strays from the book or is faithful to it . Detective stories can be hard to put on screen . I do love the different time stories though . I’m a big Kate Morton fan . She writes books where there is a modern story plus a story from the past that has some impact on the modern story . She is an Australian writer. Not really detective stories but usually the person in the modern story has to solve what happened in the old story . Certainly worth checking out .
Cecile was making a telephone call to her parents then she disappeared. Melissa was perhaps making a call when the next scene the telephone cord is around her neck.
It would be a great twist if the person who got arrested for Frank’s murder was going to have a romp with Frank in the hotel.That is why he was in that part of the hotel. But Frank was already dead. He did not tell but went to jail because he did not want people to find ouT his secret.. Aiden and Frank seem to know one another from a previous time. Maybe lovers? Aiden kills Frank to prevent Frank from talking especially since Aiden was going to marry Cecile and money. John in the book marries Melissa …it seems for money. If Melissa divorces him then his money and lavish lifestyle go out the window. Melissa was looking to liquidate and sell various investments. Melissa gets killed by John. Cecile sees Aiden as not in love with her but with the bank account. She then figures that Aiden killed Frank to shut him up.She probably she wants to divorce him. But Aiden kills her so he and their child become part heirs of the hotel and the investments. He
I’m very sad today because Moonflower Murders released and I read the book - along with Magpie Murders - when season one wrapped up. But then I realised something: Catfish will be solving season two since Bubba already read the sequel so he must require a fresh soul to solve the mystery. So, Catfish, if you’re reading this: *lets play a game.* When episode two drops, I will start in the comments giving you clues on who the murderer is, not something very specific that it spoils the twist but I will instead drop subtle clues that might lead you astray or on the right track in the form of anagrams, morse code, anything I can think of. Oh, this’ll be better than making theories indeed. And here’s the prizes: If I win the game by making Catfish guess the wrong answer, before Double P Media released their final Moonflower episode, Bubba will have to take a picture of Catfish wearing a handmade shirt with my little L logo saying “I was bested by an eighth grader” and post it on the Community page of Double P Media’s TH-cam and X. And if Catfish wins by guessing the murderer correctly, I will write a comment saying that Catfish is *NOT* the world’s worst detective in solving these mysteries, something I’ve usually light heartedly joked about. Oh, this’ll be fun. And Catfish, *beware of anagrams, they’re my favourite* - Both Sides of Luka
In disappointing news, Catfish is off this podcast due to a health situation. We hope to have him back by Silo s2. But I'll make him read this and hopefully respond!
My guess Aiden killed Frank and Cecile. Perhaps Frank had a relationship with Aiden which Aiden does not want to be known to his bride before the wedding. John Spencer killed his spouse Melissa..he would lose money if she divorced him….perhaps he had a relationship besides his spouse. There are a lot of lions on statues, birth signs and licence plates …July to August the month of Leo. 0:31
Where is Cecily? Who killed Melissa James? No spoilers if you read the book, please!
I read the book, so I can't guess. But want to see how the audience does!
THANK YOU for clearly listing out all the characters' names in this video! It sure makes it easier to keep them all straight. Possible spoiler ahead? I watched this video after watching Episode 3 last night. After I watched Episode 2, I had the sense that Aiden MacNeil was responsible for the disappearance of Cecily. Frank Parris wanted Aiden to carry his luggage, which made me wonder if Parris wanted to be alone with Aiden (in a gay way). Also, Aiden stopped talking with Susan at a certain point while she was questioning him. Episode 3 confirms Frank Parris' sexuality, and hints that Aiden might possibly have known him in London and also been possibly involved in his "parties." So, there's a motive for Aiden. Finally, I ran an anagram of Aiden MacNeil and found it, oddly enough, is an anagram for Madeline Cain (Pund's assistant). All circumstantial, but the focus sure seems to be on Aiden. As far as Atticus Pund Takes the Case, is the Hitchcock reference a clue, or a red herring? With the peephole business revealed I began thinking that Hitchcock's most famous use of a peephole was in Psycho. While not connecting with the timeline of the book's 1954 story, Alan Conway was surely aware of the use of the peephole in Psycho. This leads to the odd relationship between housekeeper Phylis and her son Eric (the peeper). At this point, I believe that Phylis killed her to protect her son, and further realizes she must split up with her son in order to protect them both. Anyway, my 2 cents. Who knows if I'm on the right track? I certainly don't.
I’m so excited for this series!! So many things to find out. For the murder of Frank Parris my first suspect is Aiden but for Melissa James gosh it’s too early for me to guess.
Melissa James has to have been hurt in Stage Fright, which Hitchcock made on a vacation in England. Cecily's mother is the ripest suspect for her disappearance.
Just an observation about dates, the calendar, and European astrology. And some other thoughts.
In the current modern world
-the hotel is called τριφύλλι. Trifilli, trefoil., but also, blue flowers on alfalfa. (Not sure, but are moonflowers blue ?) +alfalfa indirectly symbolizes prosperity (enough food to feed ones animals and keep them alive, hence prosperity or good fortune).
In the past, modern world
- the wedding takes place in June
- it's noted that the groom's birthday is August 16th.
-When Cecily disappears it's in May (6th ?).
-A Description of her necklace is written in the article (Sagittarius,the archer, gold, 3 stars, a blue topaz)
-Stefan Lionidas ( lion)
In the fictional world
-Mr.Gardner is reading a paper dated August 16th.
-melissa dies August 16.
-algernons license plate is L1ON5. (Lions, Leo?)
Other thoughts
-when Melissa is murdered, jewelry is on the floor, it is not a robbery.
Scars-
-Lisa has a scar on her left cheek.
-Melissa has a scar in her right jaw.
Anagrams
If Barn owl means Branlow, what does moonflower become?
Wonderful feedback! Smart thought about Melissa's jewelry... knowing what we know about her financial situation, that may have been her only available asset!
I like how the first one played fair with the mystery, (looking at you OMITB, handwriting etc).
LOL - We need this one to be fair too :)
I love how she discusses the case with an inspector who no one else can see .
How come I never saw the first series . Actually I don’t think it was ever shown here in Australia. I will have to read the first two books when the second series is finished. I think Frank and Aiden knew each other.
I have watched many episodes of House Hunters International and seen lots of English speaking people moving to Europe where they don’t speak the language but decide to open a pub or bed and breakfast place . I bet a lot of those never worked out lol.
Really enjoyed this and thanks
Thank you!
Oh, Aiden’s birthday is four days away from my birthday, if I met him, we’d probably be “Birthday Buddies”
I have a question: if this book is from eight years ago, how come Susan hasn’t read it yet? If she was the editor, she should’ve read the book back when it was published.
If the show hasn't made it clear: She has read the book / she edited it, so she must have gone over every line. BUT she's never read it while thinking about the Frank Parris murder
I enjoyed the first episode of Mayflower Murders and am looking forward to the rest of the series. It’s a bit too soon for theories, which is different from Magpie Murders, where I felt I knew almost from the start who the real-life killer was, but the series is definitely off to a good start.
Forgive me for going slightly off-topic, but I wanted to comment briefly on something you said in your Magpie Murders coverage. You mentioned that you read all of the Agatha Christie mysteries as a teenager and I believe you said Magpie/Moonflower author Anthony Horowitz was the closest author you have found to the Christie style of plotting mysteries. That’s good info, and I will definitely try to read some of his books after I finish watching the series.
Interestingly, I also read all of the Agatha Christie books as a teenager, including a few like the Murder of Roger Ackroyd and Death on the Nile as many as five times. But for me, the 20th century mystery writer who came closest to Agatha Christie and actually exceeded her in some cases was the great John Dickson Carr, who also wrote under the pseudonym of Carter Dickson. Some of Carr’s earlier mysteries like The Problem of the Green Capsule, The Problem of the Wire Cage, the Unicorn Murders (written as Carter Dickson) and one of my very favorite locked-room “impossible crime” type mysteries, the Curse of the Bronze Lamp (also written as Carter Dickson) are as good or better than most of Christie’s mysteries. Some of Carr’s later books delve a bit into supernatural areas and aren’t as good, but his earlier work is first class. He definitely elevated the locked-room mystery to a level unmatched by anyone else. Where Christie had Poirot and Miss Marple, Carr’s detectives were Gideon Fell and Sir Henry Merrivale, the latter from the Carter Dickson books.
Sorry for going slightly off-topic, but I just wanted to put in a good word for John Dickson Carr, who seems largely forgotten by today’s mystery novel readers.
I've read The Three Coffins /The Hollow Man (I suspected the killer's identity early, but couldn't figure out the 'how')
I just had two quick thoughts. First, I don't recall if you talked about this, but Parris was given a room originally reserved for a guest or guests who had not yet arrived. I wonder if we will meet that guest in the next episode and it will turn out they were the actual intended victim?
And second - a big difference from Magpie Murders is that the last chapter was missing so Susan had no idea of who the killer in the book was, and that was a big mystery that wasn't revealed until the last episode of the series. This time, the book is fully intact and Susan actually would have read it years earlier when she edited it. So when Cecily says she knows who the killer is from the book, shouldn't Susan immediately have known who that was or looked it up? I guess I don't see what gimmick the show will use to keep the book's mystery a secret for six episodes. Susan should be actively thinking and talking about that, perhaps with Pund, right?
that is a very wise note
I also think it's extremely strange that Susan didn't read the book - and even if somehow she didn't read it when it was published (how does an editor not read the book they edit?), it's fairly short and she could have read it during the first episode, but she seems to be taking her time....
Either way, since the victim in the book isn't the Frank Parris look-alike, there's no reason to believe the killer is the same person either. I interpreted Cicely's phone call to mean that the book makes it clear who it was in some way, not that it was real-life killer was the equivalent of the book-killer.
There's a few things that stick out to me - for example the MacNeils said something about acronyms to Susan (I forgot what is was but I'll look back later). IDK if Moonflower is supposed to be an acronym but based on Magpie Murders I expect some acronyms in the future.
Outside of that, I think it's a little early to truly suspect anyone, although I do find it interesting that Aiden seemed to know Frank Parris' name. Another thing to note is that Aiden is the last person we see with Frank Parris. IDK what Frank did between going upstairs with Aiden and his death but I do find it suspicious.
I watched Magpie Murders along with this channel and I'm looking forward to your series on Moonflower Murders.
Yes, acronyms must be coming!
I think Frank Parris had had a relationship of sorts with Aiden at some point. I got this vibe when he asked Aiden to take him to his room... I also think Liam is Australian, but he might be a red herring.
About Melissa James, whatever she saw on that wall clearly made her want to talk to the cook and her son. Perhaps it led her to discover whatever Eric did wrong (the cook was mad at him about it.) I don't think this has anything to do with her death.
We need to learn more about Frank Parris 100% - He seems unrelated to the hotel.
My head is spinning and I'm spitting out split pea soup! No way I can even begin to think about who the killer might be. For now, just write down the names and how the victim may have pist them off. I have a feeling this murder mystery is going to come down to that one detail everyone else missed.
100% - there are SO MANY names and characters. The author wrote the script, and he didn't cut anything from the book
@@DoublePMedia How many books did the author write? I really need to start creating content for my channel...created a poll under community but not sure how to get it out there into the public. Any recommendations? Any other mysteries or shows coming up worth watching? Over the past 5 years or so I've noticed the quality of programming definitely dropped...I'm really hoping that will change in 2025.
@@GenXMind67 In the world of the show, writer Alan Conway wrote/published 8 books… the first series is about how he is killed after completing his 9th. This 2nd series is about how he came about to write his third book
What days will you be doing these podcasts because I don’t want to get ahead or fall behind. I watched the first episode today and thought it was really good. Love the different time zones . Will make more comments tomorrow.
Oh boy, I'll release these videos on Monday mornings / 8am EST USA. What in the world time is that in Australia?
@@DoublePMediaI think it’s Tuesday mid morning or something lol
If author Anthony Horowitz is playing fair, the suspects in Cecily’s disappearance should have a counterpart in Alan’s book, which Cecily's mother does.
I don't want to answer because I've read the book, but I think you can solve it - you could solve the first series
I will be interested to find out from you as we go along if this strays from the book or is faithful to it . Detective stories can be hard to put on screen . I do love the different time stories though . I’m a big Kate Morton fan . She writes books where there is a modern story plus a story from the past that has some impact on the modern story . She is an Australian writer. Not really detective stories but usually the person in the modern story has to solve what happened in the old story . Certainly worth checking out .
Cecile was making a telephone call to her parents then she disappeared. Melissa was perhaps making a call when the next scene the telephone cord is around her neck.
@@susanberndt8144 great parallel
It would be a great twist if the person who got arrested for Frank’s murder was going to have a romp with Frank in the hotel.That is why he was in that part of the hotel. But Frank was already dead. He did not tell but went to jail because he did not want people to find ouT his secret.. Aiden and Frank seem to know one another from a previous time. Maybe lovers? Aiden kills Frank to prevent Frank from talking especially since Aiden was going to marry Cecile and money.
John in the book marries Melissa …it seems for money. If Melissa divorces him then his money and lavish lifestyle go out the window. Melissa was looking to liquidate and sell various investments. Melissa gets killed by John.
Cecile sees Aiden as not in love with her but with the bank account. She then figures that Aiden killed Frank to shut him up.She probably she wants to divorce him. But Aiden kills her so he and their child become part heirs of the hotel and the investments. He
The two people I suspect is Cecily's sister and her husband.
100% and they're getting a spotlight in Episode 2. Is this a Death on the Nile scenario?
I’m very sad today because Moonflower Murders released and I read the book - along with Magpie Murders - when season one wrapped up. But then I realised something: Catfish will be solving season two since Bubba already read the sequel so he must require a fresh soul to solve the mystery.
So, Catfish, if you’re reading this: *lets play a game.* When episode two drops, I will start in the comments giving you clues on who the murderer is, not something very specific that it spoils the twist but I will instead drop subtle clues that might lead you astray or on the right track in the form of anagrams, morse code, anything I can think of. Oh, this’ll be better than making theories indeed.
And here’s the prizes: If I win the game by making Catfish guess the wrong answer, before Double P Media released their final Moonflower episode, Bubba will have to take a picture of Catfish wearing a handmade shirt with my little L logo saying “I was bested by an eighth grader” and post it on the Community page of Double P Media’s TH-cam and X. And if Catfish wins by guessing the murderer correctly, I will write a comment saying that Catfish is *NOT* the world’s worst detective in solving these mysteries, something I’ve usually light heartedly joked about.
Oh, this’ll be fun. And Catfish, *beware of anagrams, they’re my favourite*
- Both Sides of Luka
In disappointing news, Catfish is off this podcast due to a health situation. We hope to have him back by Silo s2. But I'll make him read this and hopefully respond!
@@DoublePMedia Well I hope he’s alright, I really liked the guy, he looked so sweet
My guess Aiden killed Frank and Cecile. Perhaps Frank had a relationship with Aiden which Aiden does not want to be known to his bride before the wedding. John Spencer killed his spouse Melissa..he would lose money if she divorced him….perhaps he had a relationship besides his spouse. There are a lot of lions on statues, birth signs and licence plates …July to August the month of Leo. 0:31
keeping thinking of gone girl and the husband should be the likely suspect
Don't make us think of Gone Girl, if Cecily is like that, we're doomed :)
Algernon is such a weird name, is it an anagram for something?
Wonderful question! There have to be better answers but www.thewordfinder.com/anagram-solver/ returned "Nonglare"!
Love this murder series🎉
YES! I can't wait for the 3rd book!
would Oscar Berlin kill Melissa when he needs her in his movie?
No - she did humiliate him though
Did Cecily kill him and go into hiding because she's been caught?
That would be a good twist
It bothers me that the identity of the hit and run victim is not also a question being considered. Seems like a loose end.
Who was and what became of the man Algernon Marsh hit in the road on he's way to see Malissa Jamed?
Wonderful question... an answer will be coming....
comment
I do think detectives should keep an eye on 'comment' - they're very sus