Fringe, Feathers, and All That Jazz: a 1920s Murder Mystery

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A Personal Note

My heart is breaking for everyone affected by the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area. Having grown up in Southern California and still calling this beautiful state my home, I feel deeply connected to the communities going through this horrific situation.

To those who have lost loved ones, homes, or a sense of safety and security, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so grateful to the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who are putting themselves on the line to protect others. Please stay safe, everyone.

About the Images

I’ve always been fascinated by history. In fact, my RL job involves historical research. So when I saw the theme of the current round of Anthem, which is The Great Gatsby, I decided to jump in!

The images were inspired by Luna’s outfit (right), which was not from Anthem but rather a final 2024 Advent Calendar gift from Salt & Pepper. The gift included the dress, fur stole, feather headband, and shoes, and all items are PBR only (the Advent gifts are no longer available, but you can purchase the outfit in a variety of colors at the Salt & Pepper mainstore). I added the Rimona Stockings by Polarbunny – which you can find at Anthem – because a “lady” would not have gone out in the Roaring 20s without stockings. Luna’s hairbase is still available to pick up as a group gift from Nonnative.

Serena’s gown, gloves, and poses from both photos are available at Anthem. The dress, by Belle Epoque, comes in a variety of dark and pastel colors. Her fingerless lace gloves are by Kiu and are also available in a light pack and a dark pack. The poses are by Sari Sari and include the cigarette holder. Since the dress is lined in pearls, I added some older jewelry items to complement it: a long string of pearls by Maxi Gossamer and more pearl necklaces and earrings by Kunglers.

Serena actually looks a bit more like a 1930s starlet, but… oh well. I had fun creating her look anyway!

The Story

The train whistle echoed through the crisp evening air as Serena and Luna approached the platform. Decked out in their finest Roaring 20s attire, they looked like they had stepped straight out of a time machine. Luna wore a sparkling light blue flapper dress, complete with a fur stole and feathered headband, while Serena dazzled in a long amethyst dress that shimmered in the soft light. Layers of pearl necklaces adorned her neck, and she held a long cigarette holder with the grace of a movie star.

The “Orient Express,” a refurbished vintage train, stood gleaming on the tracks. Golden light spilled from its windows, and the sound of jazz music filtered through the night. A conductor in a sharp uniform tipped his hat to the arriving guests. “Welcome aboard, ladies! Prepare yourselves for an evening of mystery and intrigue!”

Inside, the train exuded glamour. Velvet curtains framed the windows, crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the air was thick with the scent of perfume and fine leather. Each table was set with sparkling champagne glasses, and the other guests were already mingling, dressed to the nines in 1920s fashion.

“This is incredible,” Luna said, her eyes wide as she took in the luxurious setting. “I can’t believe one of my coffeehouse customers just gave me these tickets as a gift.”

“Well, whoever it was, they have good taste,” Serena replied, adjusting one of her pearl necklaces. She held the cigarette holder delicately, letting it accentuate her movements. “Look at these outfits! This feels like walking into another world.”

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After stepping inside, the girls couldn’t resist stopping at the photographer’s booth. Luna grabbed a cigarette holder from a nearby prop table, striking a dramatic pose. Serena twirled her own cigarette holder, tilting her head and pretending to blow smoke into the air as if she were a silent film star. They took turns hamming it up. Other guests joined in the fun, laughing and snapping pictures with the props.

“These photos are hilarious,” Luna said, scrolling through the photos on her phone. “We need to frame one of these for the coffeehouse.”

The two found their assigned seats in the dining car, where name cards indicated their roles in the night’s drama. Luna’s card read Veronica St. Clair, Heiress to the St. Clair Fortune, while Serena’s said Madame Margaux Duval, Mysterious Socialite. Serena smirked as she read her title aloud. “Looks like I’m the wildcard tonight.”

As the train started rolling, a hush fell over the guests. A man in a crisp white tuxedo stepped to the front of the car, a dramatic mustache curling above his lip. “Ladies and gentlemen, Bienvenue! I am Monsieur Benoit, your host for this evening’s mystery. Tragedy has struck aboard the Orient Express, and it is up to you to uncover the truth behind a most heinous crime. Pay close attention, for the killer is among us!”

A collective gasp rippled through the car. Luna leaned closer to Serena. “This is going to be so much fun!”

The night unfolded in a whirlwind of clues and accusations. Luna fully embraced her role as the spoiled heiress, fluttering her eyelashes and pretending to faint dramatically at every revelation. Serena, meanwhile, leaned into her character’s mystique, delivering sharp retorts and twirling her cigarette holder with practiced flair. Her keen eye for detail quickly made her a pivotal player in unraveling the night’s secrets.

As the train rattled through the countryside, the plot thickened. A mysterious envelope was discovered tucked behind a vase of roses. A scream rang out from the sleeper car, sending everyone rushing to find a staged scene of disarray. Luna discovered a clue in the dining car—a monogrammed handkerchief—while Serena charmed and interrogated other guests, her laughter disarming and her insights razor-sharp.

Halfway through the evening, the train paused at a remote station for a dramatic interlude. The outdoor platform had been transformed into a moonlit garden party, complete with hors d’oeuvres and a jazz quartet. As they sipped champagne, Luna and Serena exchanged theories.

“I think the conductor is just too obvious,” Luna said, waving her hand dismissively. “What about the lady in red? She’s been acting suspicious all night.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Serena countered, swirling her champagne glass thoughtfully. “That playwright seems to have a motive. Did you catch the way he flinched when the host mentioned the missing sapphire?”

Back on the train, the climax arrived with a theatrical confrontation in the lounge car. The lights dimmed, casting dramatic shadows as Monsieur Benoit declared the murderer’s identity. To everyone’s surprise, the killer was none other than Madame Margaux Duval!

Serena burst out laughing as the room erupted in cheers and groans. “It seems my reputation precedes me!” she quipped, shaking hands with the actors who had staged the night.

Luna clutched her sides with laughter. “You were so convincing! I should’ve known you’d steal the show.”

As the train rolled back to the station, the guests relaxed, sharing stories of their favorite moments. Luna and Serena took a quiet moment on the platform before heading home, the chilly night air invigorating after the evening’s excitement.

“That was amazing,” Luna said, linking arms with Serena. “Thanks for being my partner in crime tonight.”

“Anytime,” Serena replied with a grin, twirling her cigarette holder one last time. “Though next time, maybe you can be the guilty one!”

CREDITS

Serena

WINGS ER0408-HAIR
Angel Eyes Messy 18 Hairbase
IKON Lucidity Eyes Eternal Pack
Glam Affair Liv
WarPaint Esteem Eyeshadow
Jack Spoon Cherry Blush (group gift)
Veechi Beauty Mark
Amara Beauty Creme Lipstick
Kunglers Ilaria Earrings
Kunglers Ilaria Necklace
Maxi Gossamer Knotted Shimmer Pearls
Belle Epoque Doris (@ Anthem)
Kiu Fingerless Lace Gloves (@ Anthem)

Luna

Nonnative Hustla Hairbase (group gift)
Salt & Pepper Great Gatsby Headband
IKON Splendor Eyes
MILA Jourdan
WarPaint Bliss Eyeshadow
Jack Spoon Dama Highlighter
Izzie’s Gatsby Blush & Mole – NEW
Cazimi Holiday Glam Lipstick
Ysoral Luxe Nose Piercing Filly
Ysoral Luxe Earrings, Necklace, & Bracelet Melody
Salt & Pepper Great Gatsby Dress
Salt & Pepper Great Gatsby Fur Stole
Salt & Pepper Great Gatsby Gloves
Polarbunny Rimona Stockings (@ Anthem)
Salt & Pepper Great Gatsby Shoes