CASE 005 · Art theft mystery
The cover rises at the Wren Gallery, but The Blue Orchard is gone. Meet the four suspects in a missing-painting mystery where nobody is hurt.
The story begins
The Wren Gallery is ready to reveal The Blue Orchard. The painting shows blue trees beneath a pale sky. A show and a sale have been planned around it. The art restorer and lighting technician have helped prepare the display.
The cover rises. A gold frame hangs on the wall, but the painting is gone. Nobody has been hurt. Four people stayed inside while the guests waited outside. Now they must explain what happened.
The case of the empty frame
This case centres on a theft. A painting due to be shown to guests has vanished. Its show and planned sale matter to the four people involved. Your job is to work out how the picture went missing.
The painting has already been found and is being kept elsewhere. You can read its examination report in the room. You need to explain the theft, rather than search the scene for a hidden painting. The four suspects were the people left inside before the reveal.
The four people you will question
Celia Rooke
The exhibition organiser
Built the exhibition around this borrowed painting.
Hugo Bellamy
The art dealer
Had arranged a sale of the painting.
Tessa Moreau
The art restorer
Restored the painting and prepared it for display.
Noah Price
The gallery technician
Installed the display lighting.
Find out what happened before the reveal
This is a good choice if you enjoy clues and interviews but prefer a case without a murder. Each suspect helped with the show. Their job title alone will not tell you who took the painting.
A dramatic theft can make you imagine a clever trick. Start with the facts you have. Inspect the room, read the reports and hear each person's account. Then check which explanation fits them all.
What to expect when you play
The opening shows the gallery, the people and the empty display. During play, search the scene and question all four suspects. Explain who took the painting, how and when. You also need to match a false statement to a clue.
Untimed practice gives you longer to read the reports and learn who did which job. Timed mode gives you five minutes for the same case. You do not need to know about the art market or guess the painting's value.
Choose your pace
Tap Begin investigation to start a new five-minute attempt. The clock keeps running if you leave or close the game. To play without a clock, choose Untimed practice on the case summary.
You can submit your final answer once per attempt. New to the game? Read how to play before you begin.
Content notes
This fictional story includes art theft, lies and worries about work or money. Nobody is hurt.
Useful detective skills
These guides help you check clues and statements. They do not give away this case's answer.
- Tell facts from guesses
Learn to tell what a clue shows from a story you have imagined.
- Build a timeline
Put the evening's events in order and note who gave you each time.
Other cases to explore
- The False Inheritance
Try another case without a murder, about two versions of a family's will.
- The Silent Exhibit
Visit the Bellwether Museum for a darker art mystery after its curator dies.