Murder Most Puzzling

Synopsis

Murder Most Puzzling is a gorgeous and witty book that invites readers to play detective and solve a series of absorbing, murder-mystery-themed puzzles.

Readers are cast as the faithful sidekick to amateur sleuth Medea Thorne in order to solve 20 puzzling cases.

Meet a cast of colorful characters-from ghost hunter extraordinaire Augustin Artaud, to Leonard Fanshawe, a competitor in the Annual Perfect Pickled Foods Festival.

 A witty riff on the classic whodunit that brings out everyone's inner detective
 Each mystery is sumptuously illustrated.
 The mysteries require different deductive tactics, making them a good brain exercise

A body in the topiary garden, a death at a clairvoyants' convention, and the mysterious accident of the boating lake-prepare for a whirlwind adventure, laced with humor and a dash of the macabre.

This book will delight fans of Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Edward Gorey.

 This is a collection of darkly humorous puzzles.
 Features a clever die-cut cover, and illustrated in a gorgeous gothic style by Stephanie von Reiswitz
 Perfect gift for Edward Gorey fans, mystery buffs, puzzle addicts, and fans of true crime podcasts and TV shows
 Add it to the shelf with books like The Gashlycrumb by Edward Gorey, File Under: 13 Suspicious Incidents by Lemony Snicket, and The Composer Is Dead by Lemony Snicket.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Mysterious Murder

A prominent businessman is found dead in his luxurious mansion. Inspector Ian Rutledge is summoned to investigate and encounters a scene of apparent suicide. However, Rutledge's astute observations and knowledge of human behavior lead him to suspect foul play.

Chapter 2: The Suspicious Family

The victim's wife, Amelia, and her son, Nicholas, are the primary suspects. Amelia initially claims that her husband was depressed and despondent, but inconsistencies in her story raise questions. Nicholas, an aloof and enigmatic young man, seems to have a hidden agenda.

Chapter 3: The Secret Affair

Rutledge delves into the victim's past and uncovers a secret affair with a young woman named Eve. Eve's diary reveals that the businessman was blackmailing her, threatening to expose their relationship.

Chapter 4: The Greedy Assistant

The investigation leads Rutledge to the victim's assistant, George. It emerges that George had been embezzling funds from the company and was desperate to silence his employer.

Chapter 5: The Missing Evidence

During a search of the mansion, a crucial piece of evidence goes missing. Rutledge suspects an inside job and sets a trap to catch the culprit.

Chapter 6: The Unexpected Twist

As the investigation progresses, an unexpected twist is revealed. A seemingly unrelated incident involving a stolen painting sheds new light on the case.

Chapter 7: The Unmasking

Rutledge confronts the suspects, unveiling the motive and sequence of events leading to the murder. The killer's true identity is a surprise, motivated by a complex web of greed, revenge, and betrayal.

Chapter 8: Justice Served

The guilty party is apprehended, and justice prevails. Rutledge reflects on the complexity of human nature and the frailty of life.

Chapter 9: An Unresolved Mystery

Despite solving the case, Rutledge remains haunted by lingering doubts. An enigmatic figure remains at large, potentially connected to the murder and other unsolved crimes. The chapter serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring mystery and moral dilemmas that linger in the shadows.