The method
How to solve a murder mystery case in 4 steps
Dozens of documents, and every suspect looks guilty. This method helps you get organised before you accuse anyone.
October 17, 2026 · 5 min read
1. Read the whole file once, without notes
On the first read, don’t hunt for the culprit. Get to know the people, the places and the story. If you note everything from the start, you get lost in the details and miss the big picture.
2. Build a timeline
On a sheet of paper, write down every time you find in the documents: who says they were where, and when. Next to each time, write its source. Most lies show up when two people end up at the same minute in two different places.
3. Separate statements from records
People lie, forget and make mistakes. A phone log, a camera, a till receipt or a key card has no reason to lie. When a statement contradicts a record, trust the record first, then ask: why did this person lie?
4. The two-source rule
Never accuse anyone on a single clue. Look for two independent sources pointing to the same thing. One clue can be a coincidence or a trap set by the author; two independent clues rarely lie together.
Use the method: a small puzzle
Three statements and two documents. Use the timeline and the two-source rule.
Small puzzle
The street lamp
A man is found dead at home in Algiers. According to the doctor, he died between 10:00 and 11:00 pm. Three statements and two documents.
- The caretaker: “I saw the son’s car leave at 10:10. I read the plate under the street lamp.”
- The neighbour: “I heard shouting around 10:30, then silence.”
- The son: “I was at a wedding in Blida until midnight.”
- Wedding photos: the son appears at 10:15 and at 11:40 pm.
- Town hall report: the street lights were off for repairs from 9:00 to 11:00 pm.
Stuck?
- Read the statements again: contradictions often hide in a passing sentence.
- Look for what nobody said: something missing can be a clue.
- Use the “Hint” button: it rules out a wrong answer for just 1 point.