The Enigma of Beth

Elder Lin, with the digital clues unearthed by Benny, shifted his focus towards Beth, whose fascination with true crime novels might provide valuable insights into the mindset of a potential killer.

Beth's quaint cottage, nestled on the outskirts of Pinecrest Village, was a sanctuary of books. Shelves upon shelves of crime novels and psychological thrillers lined the walls, each spine telling a tale of mystery and suspense.

As Elder Lin entered, Beth greeted him with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Her eyes, always so sharp and analytical, seemed to search his for a hidden agenda.

"Elder Lin, to what do I owe the honour?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness.

"I need your insight, Beth," Elder Lin began, carefully observing her reaction. "Your knowledge of criminal behaviour could be crucial in solving Mike's murder."

Beth's eyes lit up with a blend of excitement and trepidation. "I've read about every kind of criminal, Elder Lin. Manipulators, sociopaths, the impulsively violent... But to apply that knowledge in real life? It's both thrilling and daunting."

Elder Lin nodded, understanding her conflict. "Do you think someone in our village could have committed this crime?"

Beth walked over to her bookshelf, her fingers tracing the spines of her books. "It's possible. Envy, hatred, revenge... These are powerful motives. And Mike, he wasn't exactly a beloved figure."

She pulled out a book titled "The Psychology of the Criminal Mind" and flipped through the pages. "See here, Elder Lin. Most killers leave a pattern, a signature. Have we found anything like that?"

Elder Lin shared the details of the hooded figure and the anonymous messages. Beth's eyes narrowed as she pondered over the information.

"The hooded figure suggests premeditation. And the messages... They indicate a personal vendetta. But it's still too vague. We need more to understand the killer's psyche."

Beth's role in the investigation took on a new dimension. Her knowledge of criminal minds, once a mere hobby, was now a crucial element in piecing together the puzzle. The mystery deepened, with each clue opening new avenues of suspicion and doubt. Pinecrest Village, once a place of tranquillity, was now a labyrinth of secrets and hidden motives, with each resident potentially harbouring a dark side unknown to the rest.