The Art of Murdering

By Avani Madne

Ivanna Valentina, a student who dreams of becoming a detective, is given a risky case to solve. As she investigates the murder of her friend's parents, she uncovers many hidden secrets. Eventually, she unveiled the shocking revelation that the culprit behind these heinous acts was none other than Dr. MT, a remorseless individual driven by her own haunting past to eliminate younger siblings. Armed with this newfound knowledge, Ivanna embarked on a quest to apprehend the murderer. However, fate took an unfortunate turn as the murderer managed to locate her before she could make her move.

The question remains- Will she make it through the deadly chaos?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Rose Publishers
• Release date: Jan 27, 2024

Book preview

Prologue

Ayo Ivy! Whatcha gonna wear for the prom next week? As we made our way down the hallway, Celine kindly offered to accompany me to my classroom.

Hey there, Celine! What brings you here? I exclaimed with a big smile on my face. Shouldn’t you be at your work right now? What are you doing at my school?

Well, I got a new case to solve. Apparently one of my prime suspects is in your school.

Wait, who? I said as I stopped in between our way to my class.

Some Penelope, you might know her.

Yes, I do know her. She is my good friend and she’s an introvert. I said, thinking how she could be a suspect in some cases. What’s your new case about?

You dunno? The whole town knows my dear She stared at me for an answer.

What? I stared back at her in confusion.

Apparently, someone slayed her parents. And the twist is that she ran off to somewhere and was missing for like what, a month? I can’t remember for how long she was missing but girl, she must have murdered her parents. And now she has been adopted by some tycoons. They’re filthy rich. I looked at Celine with blankness in my eyes. Girl, stop being so absent-minded.

Celine, please. Let me solve this case for you. Please, Celine. I beg you! I joined my hands together and started begging her.

No can do, I’m afraid

Please!

Ivy, I gotta go. My senior’s callin’ me

I waved Celine goodbye as she drove off to somewhere in a hurry. For god’s sake, I need this case.

As I make my way into the classroom, my eyes scan the room for an empty seat. Finally, I spot one and head over to it. As I settle in, I can’t help but notice the chaos around me. Paper planes are soaring through the air, some hitting the walls while others glide gracefully through the cluttered classroom. In the corner, a group of girls are huddled together, their voices hushed as they gossip and whisper amongst themselves. Despite the fuss, I take a deep breath and prepare myself for another day of learning.

Hello there! Are you planning to attend prom with someone? I turn my head to find Benjamin.

Benji, are you planning to attend prom with someone? Oh well, I do know the answer, no one. I chuckle as I see him smile.

Yes, you are right. I was just asking because I won’t be there for prom.

Wait, what?

Yep. Guess who got a scholarship to Harvard? He jumped from the desk, pointing at himself.

OMG! I’m so happy for you! When are you leaving?

In a week or two,

Whoa, guess my old straight C grade Benji changed! I laughed as I mocked him.

Well, this time I got straight A’s

That is great. Too bad you aren’t coming to prom,

Why is that so?

Well, I don’t know. I’ll just miss you. You know in Knoxville you were my first friend. And letting go of that one friend is sometimes a bit hard.

Oh well, I guess tiny Ivy is getting emotional,

Stop it or do you want a nice little punch, I said with sarcasm to Benji.

Okay got it. I’ll talk to you later, I’ll bid my goodbyes to others as well. Bye He patted my back and went away.

After a brief pause, our chemistry teacher walked into the classroom with a stack of papers in hand. She greeted us with a warm smile and began setting up the testing materials. As we waited in anticipation, she explained that the test would cover the elements of the periodic table, a fundamental topic in the study of chemistry. With her clear instructions and guidance, we dove into the test, eager to showcase our knowledge.

1 week later

Ivyyyyyy!! Blush screamed into my phone.

What happened, Blush?

I spilled juice on my prom dress! She said in a squeaky voice.

Hey, easy there. Do you have something else to wear?

I don’t. What am I gonna do now?! She cried.

Well, do you wanna wear my prom dress?

Oh no, Ivy. You know what, I’ll wear my old gown for prom. I’ll see you there.

K, bye I hung up as I struggled to get into my gown.

As I start getting ready, I grab my foundation brush and gently apply it all over my face, making sure it’s blended well. Next, I carefully dab some concealer under my eyes and on any blemishes, to give me that extra boost of confidence. I then have fun choosing my eyeshadow from my palette and apply it with a soft, fluffy brush, blending it in just right. As I add some eyeliner and mascara, I can’t help but smile at how my eyes pop. To complete my look, I chose a pretty pink lip gloss that makes my lips shine. I take a step back, look in the mirror and feel so happy with how I look!

As I twirl around in my beautiful gown, I can’t help but feel like a princess. The dress is made of a soft, flowing fabric, and the colour is a perfect shade of pink that compliments my skin tone. The skirt is full and billowy, with layers of tulle that creates a dreamy effect as I move. The back of the dress is just as stunning as the front, with a cute cut design that shows off my back and adds a touch of glamour. As I take a closer look at the dress, I notice the attention to detail - the delicate stitching, the way the fabric falls, and the way the dress seems to glow in the light. I feel so lucky to be wearing such a beautiful gown, and I can’t wait to show it off tonight!

I walk into the hall. I can’t help but notice that everyone’s eyes are on me. Everyone else is dressed beautifully as well. The room is decorated beautifully with twinkling lights and colourful balloons. The DJ is playing my favourite song, and everyone is dancing and having a great time. The atmosphere is electric, and I can feel the energy in the air.

As the night goes on, we enjoy the delicious food and drinks, and we all have a great time.

Just then the prom queen and king nominees are called in for the announcement. I stand nervously on the stage, waiting for the announcement of the prom queen. My heart is pounding in my chest, and I can feel the sweat on my palms. The room is filled with excitement and anticipation as everyone wants to hear who will be crowned.

Suddenly, the music stops, and the principal steps up to the microphone. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to announce the prom queen, she announces. And the prom queen is…Ivanna Valentina!

My heart skips a beat as I hear my name. I can’t believe it. I am the prom queen! A huge smile spreads across my face as I walk up to accept my crown and sash. As I stand on the stage in front of the cheering crowd, I feel like I’m on top of the world. I can hear my friends screaming and clapping, and I feel so loved and appreciated. This is a moment that I will never forget.

When I get down the stage, I see Blush- my best friend, dressed in a bodycon gown. It’s violet in colour and has amazing sparkles. Her hair is straightened gracefully.

I knew you would become the prom queen, Blush said as she hugged me tight. Just then they announced the prom king- Axel.

Hey, Blush, who is Axel?

You don’t know him? Said a voice behind me. It was Penelope.

Hey Penny! Blush exclaimed with joy.

Penelope was wearing a brown gown which enhanced her dark academia girl features. Her gown was twinkling in the hall. Since everyone was wearing those soft pastel colours, Penelope’s gown stood out among everyone.

I thought you were not going to come, I said to Penelope.

I was forced to come here, but if you want I can leave, Penelope said as she turned back to leave.

Oh, Penny. You just came here. Let’s enjoy, I said as I held her hand to stop her from leaving.

No, that’s okay. Anyway, I have to go somewhere. Bye guys. Penny said as she bid us her weird bye.

Stay safe! Blush said as she waved her a cheerful bye.

Take care, Penny! I said.

As she left the hall, I felt like something might have been bothering her. Me and Blush decided to keep enjoying the party and hope that everything was okay with her.

Even after she left, I had a feeling that something was off with her. She was not just herself. Did Celine call her to interrogate her?

I kept zooming out of the party and kept on thinking that, what might have been the reason Penny left. I decided to call Celine.

Hey Celine, would you like to interrogate Penny yet? I was hoping for a yes.

Ayo! No, I didn’t. I’ll probably do it tomorrow or something. And girl, why are you worrying?

Oh well, Penny came to the prom and left within five minutes. I think something’s up with her.

Kay’, then what should I do?

Please let me handle this case of yours, Celine. Please, I beg you.

Girl, this is against my protocols. I’ll be fired from my job because of you. Try to understand.

I’ll not let your colleagues know about it. I’ll be very secretive. Please.

You know what, fine. Just keep it low. And update me with every single information you get. Kay’?

Thank you so much. Thanks a lot. I love you, girl, thanks a lot.

Ivy, I trust you. Do not let me down.

Chapter 1

ZARA LOPEZ

Penelope knew they were dead. The whole of Knoxville knew that. Mr and. Mrs Iyness died.

Their home was like the town’s very own sinister house. Whenever people walked through it, their footsteps quickened and as they walked by, breathing would also be faster than usual.

Penelope was adopted after her parents’ death. She was still trying to fit in with her new parents, with the Kapoors. Her new mother’s name was Inayat and her new father’s name was Samir. They were both Indian. They both loved her so much, but Penelope never seemed to care. It was like she was traumatized. She ran errands around courts, hospitals and graveyards when her parents died; Mrs Rachelle and Mr Adam Iyness.