Two bodies, intertwined.

That’s my first impression of the murder scene.

My name is Spitfire. I'm the captain of the Wonderbolts; the best fliers in all of Equestria. As captain, I feel that I have a certain obligation to my team. In a sense, they're kinda like my family (and trust me, I'm usually not that sappy). So when our practice course is sabotaged and it almost claims Misty Fly's life, you can understand why that would make me kind of livid. Especially since we were practicing for this special competition meant to strengthen pony-griffon relations.

And if that wasn't bad enough, I also have this oddball stalker claiming that these attacks are gonna continue. No, I'm not kidding here. This weird pony dressed up like something out of a comic book says that if I want to stop these attacks, I have to find the dock-hole behind them. Hey, just a quick question. Why me? I mean, I'm concerned about my team and all, but I'm a Wonderbolt, not a detective! Heck, you clearly know more about what's going on; why don't you do the legwork and catch this guy?! For that matter, why should I trust you?! I don't even know who you are!

Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to snap like that. I'm just not in a good mood right now. And Celestia help anypony who crosses me, be it that assassin or the costumed freak. Because if I get my hooves on either one of them, it's not gonna be pretty...

The story I'm about to tell you is real, although some details are debatable. I'm not gonna bother changing any names because I know there's at least one smart aleck out there who's gonna try to figure out the real names, anyway. Oh, and all you parents out there might wanna consider sending your little ones to bed. I'm gonna delve into some pretty heavy stuff, and I don't want to traumatize anypony.

((Case 1 of the Mare-Do-Well Files.))

This story is a sequel to My Little Investigations: The Silent Dirge

The name's Amethyst Star, but most ponies call me Sparkler. I'm a jeweler's apprentice and part-time foalsitter in Ponyville. I like to think that I lead a pretty simple life. Sure, my mom's a bit of a kook, my little sister's too smart for her own good (no really, she is), and my boss always sticks me with the one customer in town who thinks that we're running a candy shop. But really, that's pretty tame compared to the lives of some other ponies I could mention, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. Hey, I said my life was simple, not boring.

Now, however, things are just spiraling out of control. See, my boss decides to let me run the store on my own for the first time, and just my luck, some jerkwad ransacks the place before I could even open up for business. They even left a note saying that more terrible things will happen if a gem tribute is not paid. Sounds like something out of a crime drama, doesn't it? But wait, it gets worse. I can't pay this tribute even if I wanted to. Why? Because this dock-hole thought it would be hilarious if he remained anonymous! Apparently, I have to guess the identity of this wannabe gangster! I'm sorry, but am I the only one who thinks that's just a little counterproductive?!

But wait, it gets worse! Because this guy isn't targeting my boss, oh nonononono. He's after me for reasons beyond my comprehension. And just to make things even more complicated, he's not bucking around. The day before, my mom was attacked on her mailing route by an unknown assailant, and the only reason she's still alive is because she was rescued by the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well. Yeah, you remember that weirdo pony who kept showing up Rainbow Dash with her acts of heroism? Apparently, she's back now. Um, rejoice? I mean, I'm very grateful, but I'm also very confused.

Now, I'm not an adventurous pony. As you're no doubt aware, I've got enough craziness in my life as it is. But I can't in good conscience just ignore this jackoff and let him do whatever he wants. So, I guess I'll have to play the gumhoof and get to the bottom of this. Why do I get the feeling that I'm gonna end up regretting this...?

The story I'm about to tell you is real, although some details may vary depending on your point of view. Seeing as I already told you my name, it wouldn't make sense for me to change everyone else's. Also, this is not gonna be your children's bedtime story of gumdrops and ice cream, so all you kiddies clear out (no, not you, Dinky).

((Case 3 of the Mare-Do-Well Files))

This story is a sequel to My Little Investigations: The Gemstone Godfather

My name is Twilight Sparkle. I am the Princess of Friendship; one of the rulers of Equestria. There was once a time when I was called the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well. I used this identity briefly to teach my friend Rainbow Dash a lesson in humility. Several moons after that incident, somepony else has taken up the mantle, using it to protect ponies who are in peril. Very few ponies know the true nature of this enigmatic mare; I among them. The only thing known for certain is that she is a true hero.

But now, she has gone mad. Or at least, that's what we're supposed to believe after she allegedly crashed this year's Grand Galloping Gala. Personally, I'm not buying it. Like I said, I know this Mare-Do-Well. She would never do something like this. And as if to confirm my suspicions, there was a note left at the crime scene stating that an impostor is on the loose in one of four locations. Thankfully, I'm not alone in thinking this. My friends support me, and three ponies who have worked with Mare-Do-Well in the past agree that something is amiss.

This is their story as much as it is my own. Mare-Do-Well is our friend, and we have to be there for her just as she's been there for us. Whether she's in the Griffon Kingdom, Manehattan, the Mewlun Mountains, or here in Canterlot, we will find her and unmask her doppelgänger. Come along, Spike! The game is afoot!

The story we're about to tell you is real, although some details are ambiguous in nature. To emphasize this point, no names have been changed. It is also my duty to inform you that this tale contains subject matter that may be inappropriate for younger audiences. Viewer's discretion is strongly advised.

((Case 4 of the Mare-Do-Well Files. It's highly recommended that you read the other cases first; otherwise you will get confused.))

POV Codex:

T: Twilight Sparkle
S: Spitfire
O: Octavia
A: Amethyst Star
M: Multiple POVs in the same chapter

This story is a sequel to My Little Investigations: Wonderbolts Under Fire

My name is Octavia Melody. I play the cello for the Canterlot Ensemble, and I co-host a talk show on K-COLT Radio. I feel that music is a very important part of my life. It's how I express myself creatively, and while I can't speak for every musician out there, I know quite a few ponies who feel the same way. Which is why I was very excited to be given a chance to perform at the Manehattan Music Festival; an annual event where musicians from all walks of life gather to practice their art and enjoy the work of others. It is truly a music-lover's paradise, regardless of which genre you prefer. And as somepony who can appreciate all sorts of music (yes, even dubstep. Don't, tell Vinyl I said that), I was sure that this was the opportunity of a lifetime.

Then I get a mysterious letter delivered to my hotel room saying that if I so much as play a single note ever again, my life is forfeit.

At first, I thought it was a joke (and a poor one, at that). Nopony in their right mind would take a letter like that seriously. But then, a terrible accident occurs at the festival in the middle of Vinyl's set. As it turns out, she got the same letter I did. In fact, the only reason she's still alive is because she was rescued by a mysterious mare dressed in a rather bizarre costume. I couldn't make this up if I tried, though Celestia knows I wish I did.

Now, I'm no detective, but I know a rat when I smell one. I can say with a good amount of certainty that Vinyl and I weren't the only ones to get that letter. But what lunatic would go to such great lengths in order to hold every musician in Equestria hostage like this, and to what end? I don't have an answer to this, but one thing is for certain. Whoever it is, they won't get away with it.

The story I'm about to tell you is real (but again, I wish it wasn't), although some details may be open to interpretation. For the sake of clarity, I have decided not to change any names. Also, I feel it's fair to warn you that this is not a tale for young foals, the faint of heart, or the easily offended. If you fall into any of these categories, I highly advise you to turn back now and find something a bit more pleasant.

((Case 2 of the Mare-Do-Well Files.))

Madeleine Crumpet: A world-trotting jeweler with an eye for gems… and pleasant company. Of the stallion persuasion.

Rubyk of Trotheim: A cold noble of the forbidden Equestrian North.

What cause could bring these two unlikely figures together?

“My dear, you will not believe what happened to me on my last islands trip. I can scarcely believe it myself! But a girl doesn’t often get to help out in an affair like that. It was just like a Shadow Spade novel! Although that pony – Mister Rubyk – was about as far from the grand dame of mystery as you can get. I suppose it takes all sorts.”

"Oh, Mister Rubyk? Let me tell you dear, stallions don't come like him very often. There's just something about him – other than being the tallest in the room by a country mile. And when he smiles… brrr! Don't believe me? Well, then just let me tell you what he did when we found the body..."

[Update August 5, 2017: To address some of the legitimate reader concerns regarding the length of the several sections, in-line chapter headings within the story sections themselves have been added. A Google Docs version containing links to individual chapter headings is forthcoming. The author owes a sincere thanks to those who have reviewed this story to-date and hopes that this change will help to address some of the difficulties that he made for himself in posting this novel as he did.]