The Chinese Collection Clue by Clue

How to Play: Clue by Clue is a game that tests your thinking skills. It can be played alone or in a group. Solve the mystery below by going through the clues one at a time. Each time you reveal a new clue, stop and think about what it could mean, what you know from all the clues so far, and what you still need to know. After the last clue is revealed, you can read some hints or go straight to the solution!

The Situation

The CEO of a large company turns 50. For his birthday, he decides to invite four employees to his house for dinner: Joe Henderson from the Accounting Department, Jennifer Zhang from IT, Justine Saltzman from the Legal Department and David Houlihan, a salesperson. At dinner, all is going well until a small figurine from the boss’ art collection is found missing.

Who took it and why?

Can you figure it out in 10 clues?

Clue 1

The four employees were picked up at their homes by a limousine and traveled together. On the way, they discussed the presents they had bought for their boss.

Clue 2

Joe had bought a very expensive gift, which made the others worry their gifts were not good enough to impress the boss.

Clue 3

Jennifer had painted a handmade reproduction of a famous Chinese painting. The others were impressed by her talent at copying the artwork.

Clue 4

They were also surprised to learn about the boss’ love of Chinese art and that he had a large collection of Chinese art. Jennifer only knew because he had mentioned it to her, due to her Chinese ancestry.

Clue 5

When they arrived, Justine tried to give the boss her gift. However, David quickly interrupted by asking to see the boss’ Chinese art collection.

Clue 6

After viewing the collection, the boss had the four place their presents on a table in the entry hall. They then went to dinner.

Clue 7

David’s gift was a Chinese figurine. Everyone could see it because he hadn’t wrapped it.

Clue 8

Seeing them go into the collection reminded the maid she hadn’t cleaned it that week. Worried the boss might be upset, she went in to clean after them.

Clue 9

She noticed a gap in a row of Chinese miniatures behind some other figurines. She only because those were her favorite statues. She reported this immediately to the boss.

Clue 10

The boss knew immediately who had taken it when she told him.

You now have all the information you need to solve the mystery. Can you figure it out?

If you need hints, click the button below.

Or click here to see the solution.

Hints

Was the missing statue easy or hard to steal?
Did the thief think anyone would notice the missing statue?
Why was David’s present unwrapped instead of carefully wrapped in a box and paper?
Why didn’t David ask to see the Chinese art?

Have you figured it out?

Click here to see the solution.