‘Jeopardy!’ Novelist Faces Final Question About Women Authors — But Only One Contestant Gets It Right

A novelist competing on Jeopardy! faced a Final Jeopardy clue about women authors, but her professional background wasn’t enough to secure the win. Instead, returning contestant Eileen Goodwin delivered the only correct response, while the game’s leader lost just $50 and secured his place in the next episode.

The Friday, October 16, game saw Goodwin, from Boston, Massachusetts, return for her second appearance after accumulating $8,401 in her debut. She competed against Frank Merchlewitz, a senior digital producer from Robinsdale, Minnesota, and Mariah Stovall, a literary agent and novelist from Newark, New Jersey.

Frank Merchlewitz Takes the Early Lead

Merchlewitz established himself as the contestant to beat during the first round. After correctly answering the Daily Double, he finished with $4,800.

Stovall and Goodwin were tied behind him, each holding $2,800.

Stovall has experience in the literary world as both a writer and an agent. Her 2024 book, I Love You So Much It’s Killing Us Both, follows Khaki Oliver, a character described as being constantly drawn toward disappearing into something. She has also contributed fiction to various anthologies and written nonfiction for multiple publications.

Alongside her writing, Stovall works as an agent at Trellis Literary Management.

Another Daily Double Strengthens Merchlewitz’s Lead

The competition became more challenging in Double Jeopardy, where Merchlewitz found another Daily Double and extended his advantage.

By the end of the round, he had climbed to $14,400. Stovall was in second place with $7,200, exactly half his total, while Goodwin followed with $6,800.

That left the contestants facing a decisive Final Jeopardy clue in the category “Women Authors.”

The Final Jeopardy Clue Changes Everything

The clue read: “Using Nantucket as a backdrop, Elin Hilderbrand earned the title the ‘Queen of’ this, added to Merriam-Webster in 2024.”

Despite Stovall’s experience as a novelist and literary agent, she did not come up with the correct response. She answered, “What is Martha’s Vineyard?” and wagered her entire $7,200, leaving her with nothing.

Merchlewitz also missed the clue, guessing “romantascy,” a blend of romance and fantasy. He wagered just $50, reducing his total slightly to $14,350.

Goodwin was the only contestant to answer correctly, writing, “What is the beach read?” She wagered $500, bringing her final score to $7,300.

Although Goodwin’s correct response earned her a boost, it wasn’t enough to overtake Merchlewitz, who retained the lead and will return for his second game on Monday.

Who Is Returning Champion Frank Merchlewitz?

Outside the quiz show, Merchlewitz works for the Minnesota Orchestra, where he manages its digital media library and oversees the organization’s social media accounts.

His performance on Friday puts him in position to defend his title when Jeopardy! returns next week.

Jeopardy! airs weekdays, with local listings determining broadcast times. Episodes are available to stream the following day on Hulu and Peacock.