# The Body in the Library The rain fell heavily upon the Victorian mansion, casting dark shadows across every corner of the sprawling estate grounds. Detective Sarah Mitchell stepped out of her car, examining the wet pavement with careful attention to every possible detail. Inside the grand library, beneath towering shelves of leather-bound books, lay the body of renowned philanthropist Marcus Ashford, cold. The victim's face was frozen in an expression of pure terror, his eyes still wide open in final shock and fear. A ornate letter opener protruded from between his shoulder blades, the handle decorated with intricate silver patterns and expensive jewels. Inspector Davies stood near the body, his weathered face betraying no emotion despite decades spent investigating violent deaths and terrible crimes. "Nobody leaves this house until we've interviewed everyone here today," Detective Mitchell announced loudly to the assembled group of suspects. The gathered crowd of houseguests exchanged worried glances, each one wondering who among them could possibly be the ruthless murderer.