The Clue by Carolyn Wells

HI-IS & POD. Paperback. NEW. In the mysterious case of Madeleine Van Norman's murder, the story begins with a beautiful young heiress who is on the verge of inheriting a substantial fortune. Despite having numerous suitors vying for her hand in marriage, Madeleine shocks everyone by choosing to wed a stiff and stuffy man who is already in love with someone else. Little did she know that this decision would ultimately lead to her untimely demise. On the eve of the wedding, Madeleine locks herself away in a secluded room, seeking solace and time to think. However, when morning arrives, her lifeless body is discovered in a gruesomely murdered state. The entire household is now under suspicion, as each member becomes a potential suspect in this perplexing crime. But before delving into the identities of the possible culprits, the first question that must be answered is how the murderer managed to enter and exit the locked bedroom. This enigma becomes the focal point of the investigation, as the renowned detective Fleming Stone takes charge of unraveling the truth behind Madeleine's murder. The case presents a seemingly impossible mystery, with the solution hinging on a single, vital clue that has yet to be discovered. As Detective Stone delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the crime, he meticulously examines the locked room for any signs of forced entry. The windows are securely shut, and there are no visible signs of tampering with the locks or doors. It appears that the murderer had somehow gained access to the room without leaving any trace behind. To gather more information, Detective Stone interviews each member of the household, carefully scrutinizing their alibis and motives. Madeleine's fiancé, the stiff and stuffy man, becomes an immediate person of interest due to his unrequited love for another woman. Could jealousy have driven him to commit such a heinous act? However, as the investigation progresses, other suspects emerge. Madeleine's jealous suitors, her resentful family members, and even the loyal household staff all come under scrutiny. Each person has a potential motive, but without the crucial clue, it remains a perplexing puzzle. Days turn into weeks, and Detective Stone tirelessly pursues every lead, determined to uncover the truth. He meticulously reexamines the crime scene, searching for any overlooked detail that could provide a breakthrough. Finally, after countless hours of investigation, he stumbles upon a small, seemingly insignificant item that holds the key to solving the case. The vital clue, which had eluded everyone until now, reveals a hidden passage within the locked room. It becomes clear that the murderer had used this secret passage to enter and exit the room undetected. With this breakthrough, Detective Stone narrows down the list of suspects and focuses his attention on those who had knowledge of the hidden passage. As the investigation reaches its climax, Detective Stone confronts the murderer, revealing their identity and motive. The seemingly impossible mystery is finally solved, thanks to the astute observations and unwavering determination of the brilliant detective. In the end, justice is served, and the truth behind Madeleine Van Norman's tragic murder is brought to light. The case serves as a reminder that even the most baffling mysteries can be unraveled with the right combination of intellect, perseverance, and a single, vital clue.