The old mansion stood silent against the dark winter sky. Detective Sarah Mitchell arrived just as the clock struck twelve. Yellow police tape fluttered like ribbons in the cold wind. A body lay crumpled at the base of the stairs. Blood had pooled beneath the victim's head in dark crimson. The butler discovered the corpse while making his evening rounds. No one had heard a scream or any suspicious sounds. Every window in the grand estate was locked from inside. Sarah knelt beside the body and studied the pale face. She recognized the dead man as the wealthy Arthur Greene. His eyes were open wide, frozen in a final terror. A broken wine glass rested inches from his outstretched hand. The smell of bitter almonds hung faintly in the air. Sarah pulled on her gloves and examined the shattered crystal. Someone in this house had wanted Arthur Greene permanently silenced. She stood and faced the five guests gathered in shock. Each one of them had a reason to want revenge. Tonight she would find the killer hiding among the mourners.