5th Dec Prompt 2022 from Michael JG Meathook: Murder Mystery Party
Murder?
A frisson of excitement ripples through them,
The moment that the parlour lights go out.
Mere seconds for positions to be taken
To plant false trails, and scatter seeds of doubt…
~0~
When Holmes proposed this form of entertainment,
For scientific purposes, of course;
He hadn't thought it through, had not envisaged
Irregulars and Yarders out in force.
He thought that most would shun the invitation,
Not rush to get involved in murder scenes.
In fact he'd had to find a larger venue,
Or risked a swift renaming to "sardines".
A friend, a grateful client lent his mansion,
Conveniently placed quite near the Strand.
He also lent his staff, provided supper,
Was eager to assist in what was planned.
Holmes plotted every detail of the murder,
A clever twist re who did what to whom.
A weapon well beyond their best deductions;
Quite sure that none would guess the murder room.
~0~
He handed every guest a card, handwritten,
Describing who they were and what they did;
Assigning each identity at random,
Quite certain all would act as they were bid.
A welcome glass of wine, or mug of chocolate,
Mince pies and sliced Madeira cake were served
The great, the good, the streetwise folk of London
Had gathered there, were carefully observed.
A monograph, thought Holmes, was in the offing;
A treatise based on simulated crime,
A learned text on act and motivation,
A paper for the nation, for all time.
~0~
The parlour lights are out, anticipation
Is palpable; Holmes can't suppress a grin.
He's ready to relight the many gas-lamps;
And ready for his research to begin…
~0~
to be continued…