Just Like a Detective Story Trivia Quiz

Answer: Charles Dickens

'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' (1870) was Charles Dickens' last novel. The story was even more of a mystery than Dickens planned, because he died before he completed writing it. Even though the book was unfinished, to many readers it seemed obvious who the murderer of Edwin Drood was. Of course, Dickens may have been planning a surprise ending.

Answer: Cyanide

Several forms of cyanide can be detected by a distinctive bitter almond odor. Some examples are powdered potassium cyanide and sodium cyanide, and the gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Small amounts of the poison are found naturally in some foods we eat, such as apple seeds and almonds. Powdered cyanide is the type preferred in most mystery novels.

The author Agatha Christie was especially found of poisons, and cyanide was featured in several of her books.

Answer: 'Revenge' in German

This very same clue was featured in Arthur Conan Doyle's 'A Study in Scarlet' (1887), the book that introduced the world to Sherlock Holmes. Was this crime an act of revenge?

Answer: A flower

Coelogyne pandurata is a member of the Orchidaceae family, commonly known as the 'Black Orchid'. It is prized by orchid breeders for its truly black lip, or upper medial petal. There have been many attempts over the years to create an all-black orchid.

There are many myths and legends about these black flowers, and some consider them to be the ultimate rarity of the orchid world. The fictional detective Nero Wolfe, (created by Rex Stout) is a known orchid enthusiast. They are one of the very few things that will motivate him to leave his brownstone house.

In the book 'Black Orchids', Wolfe actually acquires three black orchids, as payment for solving a murder without divulging his client's unwitting involvement to the police. The Coelogyne pandurata is nowhere to be found. Could theft have been a motive for this murder?

Answer: Rubies and diamonds

Rings are important clues in several mystery stories, for example Conan Doyle's 'A Study in Scarlet' and Christie's 'Hickory Dickory Dock'. Was Drood planning on giving this ring to a lady friend? Or does it belong to someone else?

Answer: Anything that demonstrates the truth of a conclusion; proof.

Even if you are sure that a suspect is guilty, the crook can not be put in jail unless there is evidence that proves his or her guilt. You thank Saul Panzer for his advice. Before he leaves the room, he turns to you and says: "One more thing, kid. Remember that a man can give you his word, but he knows what it's worth and you don't. People will lie to you. Expect that not everyone will tell you the truth, and you'll be a better detective. Good luck with your investigation."

Answer: A fish

The herring is a small fish found in the Baltic and Mediterranean seas, and northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A 'red herring' is a plot device that is often used in mystery novels to distract the reader from the truth, or mislead a person into suspecting someone other than the murderer.

The red herring can be an object or a person. The term 'red herring' originated in England. Young hunting dogs would begin their training by learning to follow the strong scent of smoked (red) herring. As the dog started to learn to follow other smells, such as the trail of a fox, the trainer would drag a red herring across the trail. Eventually the hound would learn not to be distracted by the red herring, but to follow the original scent. Extra trivia: Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler are the rumoured parents of Nero Wolfe.

Answer: T.A.E.

Thomas Alva Edison invented the phonograph and the first practical light bulb. His laboratory was located in an area of Newark, New Jersey known as Menlo Park. "Interesting that this handkerchief bears initials that match none of the suspects. Is there anything else you want to tell me, Mr. Jasper? Do you have any theories about who killed Mr. Drood?", you ask. "Well", Jasper replies, "I do have one idea. All these clues you have found at the crime scene may or may not be red herrings, but we are sure that cyanide is what actually killed Drood. Don't you think it makes sense to suspect someone who has knowledge of poisons? Someone from Dame Agatha Christie's books, perhaps?"

Answer: process stimulus originating in the sensory organs

Little grey cells, or gray matter, is a major part of your central nervous system. Gray matter is a brownish-gray nerve tissue housed in your brain and spinal cord. One of the functions it performs is processing sensory information, or data received from your sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, etc). Gray matter also acts as a transmitter, routing stimulus to interneurons of the nervous system. Agatha Christie's detective, Hercule Poirot, uses his little grey cells, or logical deductive reasoning, to catch criminals with minimal physical effort.

Answer: John Jasper

Jasper lied when he told you he was in 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue'. John Jasper is actually the name of Drood's uncle in 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood'. Although the book is unfinished, it is assumed by most that Jasper murdered his nephew because of Miss Rosa Bud, Drood's fiancée. Jasper is secretly in love with Miss Bud.

The ring found in the fireplace is also in the book. It had once belonged to Rosa's late mother. Drood was planning on giving the ring back to Rosa's guardian and calling off the engagement, though Jasper knew nothing of his plans.

The word 'rache' on the wall, the stolen orchid, and the handkerchief were red herrings arranged by Jasper to mislead you. Congratulations, detective, you cracked the case!