Case #2 · Easy
The Blackout at Craigmhor Light
Craigmhor Lighthouse, Outer Hebrides, Scotland · November 12, 1936
A fierce November gale cuts off the isolated Craigmhor rock lighthouse from the Scottish mainland. At twenty past ten, the apprentice keeper rushes down from the lantern tower shouting that Principal Keeper Angus MacKinley lies dead on the watch-room floor, his skull fractured.
The victim
Angus MacKinley
58. Principal Lightkeeper. A stern, uncompromising taskmaster who ran the station with rigid naval discipline and kept strict oversight of all supplies.
- Scene of the crime
- Watch room
- Estimated time of death
- between 21:40 and 22:15
The suspects
Callum Brodie
Second Lightkeeper and mechanic
46. Taciturn, weathered, and fiercely defensive of his mechanical domain. Has maintained the station's diesel generators and fuel valves for twelve years.
“I was down in the oil vault from half past nine until after ten, cleaning fuel filters and checking pressure valves for the storm. In a gale like that, the mechanics need constant tending or the light fails. I never went up to the watch-room until Donald raised the alarm.”
Donald Fraser
Assistant Lightkeeper
27. Restless, high-strung, and frequently reprimanded by Angus for neglect of duty. Scheduled for the graveyard watch at midnight.
“I turned in early to get some sleep before taking over the midnight watch. I was in my bunk the entire evening from a quarter past nine until Kenneth came pounding on the doors. I didn't touch Angus's logs or anything else.”
Alistair MacKean
Lighthouse Board Inspector
52. Fastidious, formal, and visiting from Edinburgh to conduct the station's quarterly audit. Trapped on the rock when the supply tender had to put to sea.
“I remained in the kitchen by the stove from half past nine onwards, reviewing inventory vouchers and waiting out the tempest. Angus was on watch above. I expected him down for tea at ten, but when he didn't appear, I assumed duty kept him at the lantern.”
Kenneth MacKinley
Apprentice keeper
22. The victim's nephew. Eager to earn his keep but intimidated by his uncle's temper. Assigned to monitor coastal wireless reports.
“Uncle Angus ordered me to stay by the wireless set to log gale warnings from Oban. I stayed at my desk with the earphones clamped on all evening. The static was dreadful, but I didn't leave my post until after ten.”