A Featured Detective with a Stroke of Genius
The Dear Holmes “Featured Detective” Program honors one detective per mystery for their clever and well-thought-out solution to the case. To learn how to send in your own solution, visit Dearholmes.com/solve.
Dearest Investigators,
Having solved our latest case, and emerging unscathed from A Brush With Death, it’s once again time to declare our latest Featured Detective!
The case of Sir Charles Cavendish Short’s death was one rife with red herrings. Jacob De Witt was around Sir Charles at what seemed like all the wrong times, and with Sir Charles’s paintbrush-licking habit, it was easy to believe someone, like De Witt, might have poisoned his paints. Yet, there was also the possibility of somebody like John Hardwick, the rat-catcher with an apparent grudge, having poisoned Sir Charles’s supplies — not to mention, Mrs. Gagne, who seemed to be trailing along his path at a curious time. Thus, the key in this case became identifying a substantial motive.
Some believed Hardwick has simply slipped rat poison into Sir Charles’s paints, and hoped for him to lick the paint brush. Other keen eyes latched onto our true culprit, but believed that they were in cahoots with someone else — De Witt, or Gagne. However, only a handful truly saw the significance of Sir Charles’s pocket watch, and the brooch pictured with in.
After a close race, Detective Kellye M. of Canton, GA, was the first at our doors with proof of the culprit’s identity. Unbothered by De Witt’s dubious presence, and the loud-mouthed rat-catcher, this sleuth zoned in on the things that truly mattered. The initials in Sir Charles’s pocket watch, Miss Knight’s brooch, and of course, her penchant for horticulture.
With the precision of a surgeon, Featured Detective Kellye took note of Anne Knight’s peculiar connection to Sir Charles, and saw right through her sliced almond facade.
Congratulations from the Dear Holmes Team to Detective Kellye M. — a special sur(prize) will soon be on its way to your door!
Honorable Mention(s) to Detective Libby D. and Matthew P., whose solutions were just hours behind that of our Featured Detective; and to Detective Stephen S. for a unique take on our true villain’s possible motives.
Want to be next month’s Featured Detective? Learn how to submit your solution by visiting DearHolmes.com/solve.