Club president Margaret Shaw has been found dead in the trophy room during the annual awards gala. At 22:00 she was due to make ‘an important announcement’. Find all 6 clues, compare the statements and the evidence, and write your answer on the answer card.
Clue 1 of 6
Peter Shaw Margaret's husband
”Margaret wouldn't tell even me what the big announcement was. From half past nine I was in the office with George, counting raffle tickets. We didn't come out until just before ten.”
Evidence #1 · THE SCENE
Scene notes – trophy room
Victim
Margaret Shaw, club president, aged 67
Smartwatch
Heart rate spikes 21:47 – stops 21:52
Weapon
The Club Championship cup, found on the floor
On the table
Two gin and tonics, one barely touched
Under the cabinet
A single pearl earring
She was expecting her visitor – two drinks.
Clue 2 of 6
Sam Ortiz Barman
”At twenty to ten a lady ordered two gin and tonics and walked off towards the trophy corridor. I only saw her from behind – long green dress, pearl earrings. She paid with a member card.”
Evidence #2 · BAR TILL RECEIPT
THE 19TH HOLE BAR
Till copy · awards gala
21:21 1× Cava ........ €6.00
Card #0233
21:40 2× Gin & tonic . €18.00
Member card #0417
21:44 3× Beer ........ €13.50
Cash
Clue 3 of 6
Raj Patel Golf pro
”I was on stage from half past nine handing out the prizes – then Fiona gave her winner's speech. Yes, Margaret and I argued about my contract this week. That's hardly a reason.”
Evidence #3 · GALA PROGRAMME
Annual Awards Gala
PROGRAMME
19:30
Drinks on the terrace
20:15
Dinner in the clubhouse
21:30
Prize-giving – Raj Patel
21:45
Champion's speech – Fiona Clarke
22:00
Announcement – the president
Fiona's speech ran until 21:58 – Raj stood next to her the whole time. – Sam
Clue 4 of 6
Fiona Clarke Club champion
”I was on stage giving my speech and Margaret was supposed to hand me the cup. She never came. And how embarrassing – Linda turned up in exactly the same green dress as me!”
Evidence #4 · MEMBER CARDS
Membership office · Member card register
Card
Member
Role
#0102
Peter Shaw
Member
#0233
Fiona Clarke
Club champion
#0311
George Hall
Treasurer
#0417
Linda Moore
Club secretary
#0520
Raj Patel
Golf pro (staff)
Clue 5 of 6
George Hall Treasurer
”Peter and I counted raffle tickets in the office from half past nine until ten to ten. Margaret asked me last week to check the postal votes from the election. I did – and gave her the result.”
Evidence #5 · MARGARET'S SPEECH NOTES
FOUND IN MARGARET'S HANDBAG
Announcement, 22:00:
The presidential election is VOID.
23 postal votes were forged – all signed in the same hand.
I know who did it. Tonight, so will everyone.
– M.S.
Clue 6 of 6
Linda Moore Club secretary
”I was in the ladies' room fixing my dress from twenty-five to ten until ten. I never went near the trophy room. And I don't even drink gin – ask anyone.”