Curses Can’t Touch This Featured Detective

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.

Detectives,

By now, many of you have had time to acquaint yourselves with Lady Bellamy, Sir Bellamy, and their case of missing treasure. With The Stolen Relic finally back in their hands, and all rumors of “shades” and deceit dispelled, we can now take a moment to celebrate your fine detecting work and, as always, announce our latest Featured Detective .

When the Bellamys brought their case to Watson and Holmes’ attention, there were more than a few oddities to explain (including a supposed curse,) yet it was difficult to dispute one fact: a valuable, historical relic was suddenly missing, and there were numerous suspects within proximity of it, with motives and opportunity aplenty.

As many investigators were quick to note, the Saint’s Finger, cursed or blessed or not, was an object worthy of theft. And given the circumstances of the Bellamy’s staff, it was not difficult to believe that one, or some of them, might have absconded with it. Not only that, but the Bellamys themselves appeared to be potential suspects. “Was Lady Bellamy trying to profit from her husband’s heirloom?”, some questioned, or was Sir Bellamy simply trying to pin the crime on a wife he had grown weary of? Most detectives found it difficult to assess the situation further until hearing from Inspector Mercer, who made it even clearer something strange was in the works.

Sir Bellamy’s timely ailment, and the obvious affinity between Lady Bellamy and Inspector Mercer, called the Lady’s motives into question. A number of detectives were alarmed by this and suspected collusion between her and the inspector. On the other hand, her apparent desire to start a new life with a new lover, did not necessarily implicate her in the crime at hand…

Detective Dave L. of Fairfield, CA, was not only one of few to spot— and dismiss— Lady Bellamy’s possible dalliance with Mercer, but also first to piece together our culprit’s clever scheme.

In true Featured Detective fashion, Detective Dave saw past the fact that a bird had “stolen” the reliquary, and through to young Teddy’s need for cash and interest in “engineering”.

While the pageboy might have fooled some, Detective Dave expertly caught onto every part of his plan. From the use of Jenkins’ missing braces (and a trained magpie!) to break the chapel window, to Teddy’s blaming it on Flora, this investigator eyed it all.

Congratulations from the Dear Holmes Team to Detective Dave L. — a special reward will soon be on its way to your door!

Honourable Mention(s): Detective Diane B., for swift, astute observations, and Detective Barbara P. for a concise takedown of our villain.

Want to be next month’s Featured Detective? Learn how to submit your solution by visiting DearHolmes.com/solve.