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Do you have what it takes to solve a mystery? Step into the shoes of a detective as you analyse clues, uncover hidden motives, and piece together the truth. The suspects all have secrets but only one is guilty. Can you connect the dots and solve the case before the culprit escapes? Sharpen your reasoning skills, trust your instincts and dive into the world of detective puzzles!

Detective puzzle

Bestselling mystery author Eleanor Graves was found dead in her study at 11:00 PM. She had been working on her latest novel, but someone poisoned her tea and she collapsed at her desk.

Key Details of the Case

The door was unlocked and there were no signs of struggle.
A half-written page from her novel was found in her typewriter, with the words: “The killer is closer than you think.”
The poisoned tea was still warm, meaning she died around 10:45 PM
The maid reported hearing raised voices from the study at 10:30 PM.
The sugar was only half stirred.
Eleanor’s safe was open and a missing manuscript was reported.
A red ink stain was found on her fingers.

The Suspects

1. Her Husband, Edward Graves
Claims he was asleep in the bedroom from 10:00 PM onwards.
They were rumored to have marital troubles because Eleanor planned to leave him.

2. Her Editor, Laura Finch
Came to discuss a book deadline and left at 10:15 PM.
Claims Eleanor was alive when she left and never drank the tea while they spoke.

3. Her Rival, Peter Langley
A fellow author who accused Eleanor of stealing his plot ideas.
Arrived at 10:40 PM unannounced but claims he found her already dead.

Who killed Eleanor Graves and how?

The clues are scattered, the suspects each have their own secrets and the truth is buried beneath deception. Who had the motive? Who had the opportunity? And most importantly—who was clever enough to execute the perfect crime? Every detail matters: the unfinished message, the poisoned tea, the missing manuscript. Can you piece together the puzzle?

Think logically, scrutinise every clue and put yourself in the detective’s shoes. The answer is there — if you’re sharp enough to find it.

Puzzle answer

The killer is Laura Finch (The Editor)

Explanation

The sugar was half stirred which suggests that the victim, Eleanor Graves, took only one sip before dying. This means that the poison was already in the tea when she drank it.

Laura Finch was the last known person to be with Eleanor before the tea was consumed. She claimed Eleanor never drank the tea while they spoke, which means she knew it was poisoned and was waiting for her to drink it later.

Eleanor’s typewriter note: “The killer is closer than you think.” This suggests the murderer was someone she trusted, like her long-time editor.

Why Did Laura Kill Her?

The safe was open and a manuscript was missing. Laura was desperate to steal Eleanor’s unpublished book — perhaps to publish it as her own or sell it. She poisoned the tea before leaving, knowing Eleanor would drink it later.