Murder in the Shadows: The Blackwood Manor Mystery

 

Case:
Detective Harper was called to investigate the sudden death of Ms. Evelyn Blackwood, the reclusive owner of Blackwood Manor, who was found dead in her conservatory. She had been strangled while tending to her rare plants. The room was locked from the inside, and the windows were all closed. Four people were in the mansion at the time of her death, each with a possible motive.

Suspects:

• Mr. Theodore Blackwood (her nephew): Recently discovered that he had been written out of her will due to a heated argument over the future of the estate.
• Sarah (the housekeeper): She had been overheard complaining about Ms. Blackwood's ill temper and demanding work conditions.
• Mr. Carlisle (her attorney): Ms. Blackwood was considering firing him after she suspected him of mismanaging her finances.
• Martha (the gardener): She had worked for Ms. Blackwood for over a decade but was devastated to learn that Ms. Blackwood planned to sell the manor and move to the city.

Alibis:

• Theodore Blackwood: "I was in the library reading. I hadn’t seen my aunt since breakfast."
• Sarah (the housekeeper): "I was in the laundry room folding linens. I didn’t hear or see anything strange."
• Mr. Carlisle (attorney): "I was in the study going over some legal documents for Ms. Blackwood’s estate. I hadn’t spoken to her all day."
• Martha (the gardener): "I was in the greenhouse tending to the orchids. I didn’t enter the house until I heard the commotion."

After interviewing each suspect, Detective Harper examined the conservatory closely and noticed a subtle detail. The detective paused, turned to one of the suspects, and said, "You’re the murderer."