A Slight Case of Murder story
Famous mystery novelist Sharon Bannister is repeatedly pestered by her nosy neighbor Mrs. Trask, who wants advice to see if her own writing is any good as Sharon's. One day, Sharon is held at gunpoint by her jealous husband Larry, who accuses her of cheating on him with Mrs. Trask's son, Joey, leading to a suspenseful game of cat and mouse between all parties. Directed by: Brian Helgeland. Story by: Brian Helgeland.
14 total · 2 choice · 4 major · 8 minor
| Theme | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| creative writing | choice | The story concerns a mystery writer who falls foul of an intricate plot by one of her fans and imitators. The imitator was trying to write novels of her own but finally settled for killing Sharon and stealing her latest work. |
| how to murder someone and get away with it | choice | Sharon's soon-to-be-ex-husband had an elaborate plot to get rid of his wife and make it seem like she had simply gone missing. Alas, he completely botched it. Mrs. Trask connived to have her son, Sharon and Sharon's estranged husband all kill each other. |
| coping with an obnoxious neighbor | major | Sharon, a renowned author with best-selling novels, was visibly irritated by the frequent visits paid to her by her neighbor and admirer, Mrs. Trask. |
| coping with an obsessive fan | major | Sharon Banister struggled with telling her nosy neighbor, Mrs. Trask, in a polite way to stop pestering her. |
| husband and wife | major | Sharon's soon to be ex-husband, Larry, showed up at her house with intentions on killing her to avoid an unfavorably settlement in their pending divorce. |
| spouse murder | major | Sharon's estranged soon-to-be-ex husband showed up in her house intent on murder. |
| astrology | minor | In his sketch, the Crypt Keeper, adorned in wizard attire, made astrological prognostications and interpreted someone's horoscope. |
| divorce | minor | Sharon and Larry were separated and in the process of finalizing their divorce. |
| extramarital affair | minor | Larry mistakenly thought Sharon had been sleeping with Mrs. Trask's idiot son, Joey. |
| facing a home invader | minor | Sharon called the police because she thought a prowler was sneaking about her mansion with malevolent intent. |