Mystery



Mysteries or "whodunnits?" are popular because they challenge the reader to discover the clues and solve the mystery before the characters do. They involve a problem such as a murder or robbery, a detective-type character who tries to solve the mystery, victims, suspects, witnesses, plenty of twists and turns, red herrings to keep the reader guessing and a scene at the end where everything is revealed.

In our library mysteries are indicated by this symbol 4

Your task this week is to read the two mysteries below and post your solutions by clicking on **discussion**. Don't cheat and read other people's solutions first!

**THE CASE OF THE SUMMERHOUSE SLAYING** On the lawn outside the screened-in rear porch of the summer home, you examine the bullet hole through the copper screening. Brushing your hand across the screen, you cry out in pain. Your fore-finger is bleeding from the sharp wires protruding around the bullet hole. You wrap your handkerchief around your finger. Entering the porch, you look down at the body of Daniel Stevenson, president of Stevenson and Blair, a brokerage firm. Stevenson is slumped in a chair. Apparently a bullet fired from a gun outside the porch pierced the man’s heart as he sat facing the lawn outside. “Dan dropped in to discuss business,” explains Keith Blair, the owner of the summer home. “We were sitting here on the porch with some drinks. Things haven’t been going well at the office, and Dan was worried. “I glanced out toward the yard and I saw a man partly hidden by a tree. He was pointing a gun this way. Before I could warn Dan, the man fired. Dan fell forward - dead! “I ran out onto the lawn, but the man had disappeared. I can’t describe him-it happened so quickly.” “Do you suspect anyone-someone who hated your partner enough to kill him?” “No,” says Blair. “ Of course, Dan was a hard man to get along with. But as to telling you who could hate him enough to kill him...”Blair shakes his head. “On the contrary,” you say. “I’m sure you can tell me – much more than you have so far!” **Why do you suspect Keith Blair’s story?**

**THE CASE OF THE MISSING MONEY** “It’s all gone! I don’t know how much cash there was in the safe. I put $2,500 in it earlier this morning, and there was a bundle of money in there already.” Wealthy attorney Martin Crane mops his forehead. “I closed the safe and went out to buy a newspaper. I was gone only 15 minutes. When I returned, I don’t know what made me look into the safe again, but I did. The money –all of it – had disappeared! “Worst of all, the three people I always trusted implicitly are the only ones who know the combination. And they were all in the house this morning.” “Who are they?” you ask, taking notes. “My niece Anne Crane; my secretary, Pricilla Andrews; and Ted Johnson, my adopted son.” You questioned the suspects, jotting down the following notes: Priscilla Andrews—about 40, very nervous and fidgety. Says she was in the kitchen making coffee. Knew nothing of the cash in the safe. Respects Mr. Crane too much to think of wronging him. Says she hasn’t opened the safe for two weeks. Anne Crane-pretty, blonde, a chain smoker. Well-known member of the jet set. Very cool and detached. Expresses regret over her uncle’s loss, but says, “Five grand is a drop in the bucket to him.” Was in her bedroom all morning, until summoned for questioning. Says the last time she opened the safe was a month ago when her uncle phoned from the office to ask about papers he left in the safe. Ted Johnson-slick young man, a very heavy gambler. No job for the last three months. Was in the garage all morning, making engine adjustments on his sports car. Sorry about the stolen money, but shrugs it off as,” the insurance company’s worry.” Can’t remember the combination of the safe, but thinks he has written it down somewhere. You study your notes, then tell Martin Crane, “ Here’s our suspect.” **Whom do you suspect and why?**