This was gonna be an unusually short review, then I reviewed it. Uh. Leaving the title for novelty's sake.

The winner's spritework was fantastic.
I know you've said you worry about your characterisation and dialogue sometime, but I really want you to look back at these chapters when you doubt that.

Even if you disagree, it was an incredibly powerful few chapters.
And I'm happy, because one of my favourites did it...
Though, perhaps the 'winner' isn't going to be too happy with what comes next.

All the congratulations, both silly and kind, were really nice and in-character.

Most interesting outside of that, however, was the GM conclave in chapter 85. One, because it was nice to see Mellie having some fond memories, but also - mmmn. I might as well get my theory out there, huh?

Understand that I'm somewhere between Hastings and Erika Furude in terms of detective skill. I don't have any. So, uh, let's do this.

• The GMs and Conver have conflicting goals. The decentralised nature of the contest means that no single GM is fully aware of the others' secrets.
• Furthermore, the contest itself is secondary to the larger goal of... Conver, probably? And while certain individuals want answers or revenge (Larika/Haney, Catscratcher), none of them have caught up to him yet - or those beyond him.
• Even fairly on, there've been allusions to needing certain people (a certain detective?) for reasons. It's why today's finalist was selected. I'm rooting for them.
• However, these reasons are not necessarily the reasons the contestants of either team, or we, the readers, would appreciate.
• Therefore, to get a 'happy' ending, there will be the need to oppose or disrupt the contest. At this point, that may prove impossible, since there must be a victor, criminal or detective... And it's a zero-sum game.
• Unless, that, like the 'justice' system, is a manufactured challenge, too?
• I am guessing that the 'best' ending will involve a 'tie' or mutual knockout.
• While saying that, I do not pretend it will be a perfectly happy ending. Though of course, I'm a sucker who - hopes for the best, even given all the rest of it.
• Lastly - house always wins, winner take all. I'm fully expecting some things to remain unanswered, in case we return to the world of Methods, or it's referenced in other works by LockedOn.

Whew! That's the bulk of it. 
Now that we're buried down here...
Good job, Roel.

I think I mentioned before she was hella sympathetic, and I loved the reasons for Red July losing out. (Speaking of... Her method really is crazy good, when it works.) Contrarily though, isn't a pointless sacrifice sometimes better? Knowing you'd do the right thing, even if it means nothing...

Ah, it's a bit like a generic snack cookie. It doesn't mean anything at all, but when a friend gives you one, it suddenly means a lot.

Oh, and Red July's theme was, as per usual, excellent. I really liked the return of the leitmotifs from Red! Just excellent.

Seriously.
That spritework, the fading of the other detectives...
84 probably just became my favourite chapter, edging out 54. 
Amazing work.

hope Noman makes some good $$$ selling novelty crime dummies