Mystery: The Midnight Murder at Ravenswood Estate
On a stormy night at Ravenswood Estate, the renowned author Edward Nightshade was found dead in his private library. The time of death was around midnight, with clear evidence of foul play. Five people were present that night, each harboring a potential motive against Edward.
As investigators, participants need to solve the mystery by analyzing each suspect’s statement, motives, and the clues scattered throughout the estate.
Suspects and Background
Victoria Nightshade – Edward’s estranged wife, known for her fiery temper and quick wit. The couple was in the middle of a bitter divorce, and Edward had recently threatened to cut her off financially.
Sebastian Cross – Edward’s childhood friend and personal lawyer. Edward had recently informed Sebastian that he intended to replace him as executor of his will. This change would mean Sebastian lost a significant income.
Fiona Wilde – Edward’s protégé and a talented but struggling author. Edward’s recent decision to retract his endorsement of her work led Fiona to a financial crisis, and her resentment toward him was well-known.
Daniel Black – Edward’s brother, a struggling artist with a past filled with resentment. Edward controlled the family fortune and refused to support Daniel’s expensive lifestyle. This led to countless feuds between the siblings.
Lydia Frost – The loyal but overburdened housekeeper. Recently, Edward discovered Lydia had been skimming money from household expenses. He intended to confront her about it the following morning.
Clues
Clue 1: Broken Pocket Watch
Edward’s gold pocket watch, a family heirloom, was found shattered on the library floor. It had stopped at precisely 12:03 a.m., possibly indicating the time of the murder.
Clue 2: Handwritten Note
A hastily scribbled note was found in Edward’s desk drawer. It reads: “Meet me in the library at midnight. I know what you’ve been hiding.” The signature is missing, making it unclear who wrote it.
Clue 3: Wine Glasses
Two wine glasses were left on Edward’s desk, one with a faint trace of poison. Forensic analysis showed it was a fast-acting toxin, possibly explaining why Edward couldn’t call for help.
Clue 4: Torn Photograph
In the library fireplace, detectives found a half-burnt photograph of Edward and a woman. The woman’s face is torn away, but a faint outline of handwriting on the back reads, “For my dearest, always. – V.”
Clue 5: Lydia’s Keys
Lydia, the housekeeper, had keys to every room in the house, including the library. Edward had once confided in a friend that he trusted her “almost too much.”
Suspect Statements
Victoria – “I was in my room that evening, far from the library. Edward and I were finished; he’d made sure of that. I was content to let things lie until our divorce was settled.”
Sebastian – “I left the estate earlier that evening, after a brief argument with Edward about his will. I went straight home and was alone. You can check with my driver if needed.”
Fiona – “Edward was my mentor, and I only wanted his respect. Yes, we argued when he withdrew his endorsement, but I was in the drawing room with a book around midnight. I never left.”
Daniel – “Edward and I fought often, yes, but we were family. I was in the studio working on a painting when it happened. I heard nothing over the storm.”
Lydia – “Mr. Nightshade had been more difficult lately. I was tidying the parlor when I heard a loud crash. By the time I reached the library, he was… already gone.”
Possible Solution Discussion Questions
1. Who might have left the note in Edward’s desk, and what secret were they referring to?
2. What significance does the broken pocket watch have, and how does it help establish a timeline?
3. Which suspect would have had access to poison, and how might it have ended up in Edward’s wine glass?
4. Why would someone burn a photograph, and who could the torn face in the picture belong to?
5. Who could have had access to the library without needing Lydia’s keys?
Facilitator’s Answer Key
Killer: Victoria Nightshade
Rationale: The torn photograph and the handwritten note point to Victoria. The torn signature and “V” on the photograph are strong indicators. The note suggests a meeting at midnight, likely to confront Edward about the divorce settlement. Knowing her control over household access through Lydia, Victoria could have easily entered the library. Her anger over losing her financial standing combined with access to a toxic substance made her the likely perpetrator.
Glossary
1. Renowed – Famous for something
2. Foul – Morally wrong
3. Estate – a large area of land in the country that is owned by a family or an organization and is often used for growing crops or raising animals.
4. Estranged – an estranged husband or wife is not now living with the person they are married to.
5. Executor – someone who makes sure that things are done according to a person’s will.
6. Protege– a young person who is helped and taught by an older and usually famous person.
7. Endorsement – the act of saying that you approve of or support something or someone.
8. Resentment – a feeling of anger because you have been forced to accept something that you do not like.
9. Feud – an argument that has existed for a long time between two people or groups, causing a lot of anger and sometimes violence.
10. Heirloom – a valuable object that has been given by older members of a family to younger members of the same family over many years.
11.Scribble – to write or draw something quickly or carelessly.
12. Perpetrator – someone who has committed a crime or a violent or harmful act.
