Death of an Heiress - Hints
Detective work isn’t always straightforward, and even the best sleuths can hit a dead end. That’s where our hints come in. If you’re feeling stuck, these clues are here to nudge you in the right direction without giving too much away.
But a word of caution, detective: don’t jump ahead too quickly. Part of the thrill of solving a case is working through the twists and turns on your own. Use these hints sparingly to preserve the challenge and satisfaction of cracking the case.
Remember, every mystery is an adventure—and you’ve got what it takes to solve it!
Stapleton PD online portal access:
Hint 1
Stapleton’s final diary entry holds the key to finding the password. Remember, the password is case sensitive!
Hint 2
In Stapleton’s diary he writes ‘The truth is buried in plain sight, hidden within the words we use every day.’ Can you find something the detective agency might use frequently?
Hint 3
Head to www.stapletonpd.crypticcasefiles.com and try entering the username you were given on the post-it note stapleton1 and the password you’ve deduced from the diary entry
Hint 4
Hidden within the words we use every day.’ is referring to the logo used by the agency. Can you find a word or phrase?
Answer
Online portal login details:
Username - Stapleton1
Password - Fiatjustitia
Autopsy report:
Hint 1
Does the report suggest a definite cause of death?
Hint 2
The coroner said she would follow up with more in depth results by email. It’s important you read the email from the coroner.
Guest list:
Hint 1
Is there anyone missing on the guest list?
Hint 2
Are there any pieces of evidence that would allow you to cross-check the guest list to see if anyone turned up without wanting to sign in or left before the detectives turned up?
Hint 3
There are two names of interest with this evidence
Answer
The guest list tells us Lila Merchant wasn't invited and that Henry Archer was present at the ball.
Love note:
Hint 1
You’ll need another piece of evidence to work out who wrote the note
Hint 2
Have you seen signatures used on any other documents?
Answer
The signature at the bottom of the note matches the signature of Henry Archer's from the guest list.
Text messages - Elizabeth Crestwood:
Hint 1
Camilla talks about business finances, is there anything to support her claims?
Hint 2
Elizabeth was also messaging another individual about a note, did you work out who this is from other evidence? If not, go back to the love note hints.
Hint 3
Look at the timing of Elizabeth’s messages to the individual the night of the ball. Did they show up?
Answer
Camilla and Elizabeth are having financial problems with their business causing issues with their personal relationship. Elizabeth also tried to meet up with Henry around the time of her death.
Group photos:
Hint 1
Who is in the photos?
Hint 2
Is what they are wearing significant?
Hint 3
Is there any other evidence telling you which masks people were supposed to be wearing?
Hint 4
The timing of the photos is very close to the suspected time of death of Elizabeth.
Answer
This picture provides Camilla Archer with an alibi as she was busy taking pictures with friends at the time of Elizabeth's death.
Invitation:
Hint 1
Who does the invitation belong to?
Hint 2
Are you able to use witness statements and text records to work out who the phone number belongs to?
Answer
The mobile number on the invitation belongs to Max.
Speeding ticket:
Hint 1
The picture is too blurry to work out who’s driving. There must be another way…
Hint 2
The valet ticket might hold a clue as to who drove the car.
Hint 3
Does the time of the ticket help you work out who might have been driving?
Hint 4
Speeding tickets are charged to the owner of the vehicle, not the driver necessarily…
Answer
The car belongs to Camilla Archer but other evidence allows us to determine Henry was the one driving the car. This provides Henry with an alibi.
Will updates:
Hint 1
Who would normally inherit money in the event of David’s death?
Hint 2
Looking at all of the Will documents who has become the sole beneficiary?
Hint 3
Who would be most aggrieved by being written out of David’s will?
Answer
Max, Lila and Penelope stand to lose the most without the inheritance. This could be enough of a motive.
Fingerprints:
Hint 1
You’ll need access to the online portal
Hint 2
Can you match any of the fingerprints?
Hint 3
Fingerprints can be left by anyone, the may not all lead to a suspect.
Hint 4
Who would you expect to find fingerprints from?
Answer
Fingerprint analysis confirms three people handled the mask. Henry, Camilla and Penelope. Is there a good reason for each of these people to have handled the mask?
Meal allocation
Hint 1
You’ll need access to the online portal
Hint 2
Are there any significant dietary requirements you notice?
Hint 3
Did anyone order the dish Elizabeth was allergic to?
Hint 4
A number of guests ordered Option 1 but were any of them suspects?
Answer
Penelope was the only suspect who ordered the dish Elizabeth was allergic to.
CCTV screenshots
Hint 1 - Cam 5
Can you deduce who was outside in the garden by the conservatory around this time?
Hint 2 - Cam 5
Does the time of the CCTV screenshot provide any information?
Answer - Cam 5
This screenshot matches up with the statement from Diana and provides an alibi for Max
Hint 1 - Cam 6
Who is in the CCTV image?
Hint 2 - Cam 6
Does the time of the screenshot provide any more information?
Answer - Cam 6
Liza is present at the stables around the time of the murder providing her with an alibi