The Mystery of Marlow Manor

Backstory

The town of Havenbridge is a quiet place surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. Its colorful streets are paved with cobblestones, and the old buildings are reminiscent of the Victorian era. In the mornings, the air is filled with the aroma of fresh bread from the bakery in the central square, and in the evenings, live music drifts from the cafes. At the heart of the town stands a grand town hall with a clock tower, which has long been a symbol of Havenbridge.

However, the town has a darker side. On its outskirts, where the forest grows thicker, abandoned mines and overgrown trails are said to lead to ancient caves. Many locals avoid these places, claiming to hear strange sounds there.

Marlow Manor is perched on a hill outside the town. It is a gloomy, majestic building with tall spires and stained-glass windows that cast colorful shadows on the marble floors. A long, winding driveway cuts through an old park filled with ancient oaks and elm-lined paths. The house seems frozen in time: dusty carpets, massive wooden cabinets, and walls adorned with portraits of ancestors. Yet amidst this beauty lies something unsettling—a whispering wind echoing through empty rooms and an inexplicable cold draft.

In recent months, life in Havenbridge has changed. In the manor, owned by renowned collector and philanthropist John Marlow, a mysterious murder occurred. Marlow was found dead in his study, yet his extensive collection of rare books and artifacts remained untouched. The townspeople are divided: some believe it was merely an accident, while others are convinced that ancient curses are at play.

Characters

1. Detective Evelyn Cross — A young but seasoned investigator known for her analytical mind. She recently moved to Havenbridge and immediately found herself entangled in this complex case. Her own past is shrouded in mystery, and this case may force her to confront forgotten fears.
2. Lucas Marlow — The nephew of the victim. A young architect who had been estranged from his uncle for years. However, on the eve of the murder, he arrived in town and stayed at the manor.
3. Dr. Marianne Elliott — The town physician and a close friend of John Marlow. Known as a woman of strict principles, she is rumored to be hiding something.
4. Michael Rivers — The owner of a local antique shop. He claims to have been a close friend of John and often helped him with his collection.
5. Rebecca Hart — A young librarian working at the town library. Her interest in the town’s history makes her an invaluable source of information, but her connection to the case raises questions.
6. Harry Wilkes — John Marlow’s gardener. A war veteran who appears calm but occasionally exhibits unexplained aggression.

Evidence

1. The Letter — Found on John’s desk. It mentions an ancient artifact that "must never leave the walls of the manor." The paper is lightly stained with ink, and the final lines appear smudged, as if written in haste or distress.
2. The Broken Pendant — Discovered in John’s hand. It is part of an ancient ornament made of dark metal, engraved with strange symbols resembling runes. One side bears traces of blood, while the other has a small crack, as if the pendant was forcibly torn away.
3. Surveillance Footage — A camera captured a hooded figure entering the manor on the night of the murder. The figure’s face is obscured, but they are seen limping, leaving faint tracks on the wet ground.
4. The Old Key — Found hidden behind a book. It is a massive iron key with intricate designs. The initials "J.M." are engraved on it, though part of the inscription is worn away. The key smells of mildew, as if it had been stored in a damp place for a long time.
5. The Poison Vial — Discovered in Dr. Elliott’s medicine cabinet. It is a small glass bottle with a barely legible label. Inside is a residue of thick, dark liquid. Chemical analysis revealed it to be a rare poison that is nearly impossible to acquire without connections.

Help the detective investigate this case, examine the evidence and find the culprit.