Here is the opening scene of a murder mystery: Detective Jameson arrived at the mansion in the morning darkness. The air was crisp with a hint of autumn dew. Fresh footprints crisscrossed the driveway, leading to the entrance. Uniformed officers stood at the door, their faces stone-cold. A sleek black car was parked at the entrance corner. Vines crawled up the facade like skeletal fingers grasping. A woman in a crimson gown lay on the floor. Her eyes were open, frozen in a permanent scream. A faint scent of lavender wafted from the victim. Police photographers snapped pictures, their flashes illuminating the scene.