This is an online simulacrum of the murder mystery that was presented as part of the New Sheridan ClubÕs Christmas party, 15th December, 2007.

 

Phase 1 Clues

As guests arrived they were presented with a booklet that contained an open letter to Club Members from Youssef the Chief Steward along with a sheet of information prepared by him on the four Committee Members and four other clues. Click here to open a pdf of the booklet.

 

Phase 2 Clues

Dotted around the party venue were four further clues.

 

A. The warning sign below was displayed along with a note from Youssef explaining that he had found it in the wastepaper basket in Mr Scotney-Le CheyneÕs room.

 

B. A note from Youssef was displayed saying that, owing to the driving snow, outbound mail had been returned, including this letter.

 

C. This invoice was displayed with a note from Youssef to say that it has been delivered to the Club and had for a while been lost among Club paperwork before coming to light that afternoon.

 

D. A blowpipe cunningly disguised as a briar pipe was displayedÑalong with the dart found concealed inside it. The accompanying note read:

 

ÒFOUND DISCARDED IN THE GARDEN THIS EVENING

 

ÒThis cunningly disguised blowpipe has been identified by some of our Colonial Members as being of a kind commonly found in Nigeria.

 

ÒIt is also a perfectly functional briar pipe that has, in fact, been used regularly for smoking tobacco.

 

ÒThe dart inside has been identified as being coated with curareÑin a quantity that would definitely kill the average man.Ó

 

 

 

Phase 3 Clues

During the course of the evening, three more clues came to light. They were read out over the tannoy and then posted on the notice board.

 

A. This telegram arrived from the local doctor:

 

B. Later, this phone message was presented:

 

C. Finally, Youssef presented this photocopy of some pages from a book. He explained that he had been dusting in the library when his eyes fell upon the old volume, which he thought might throw some light on the matter.

 

Do you think you know who the murderer is yet? To find out the answer, click here.