The Nighttime Kidnapping 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

Richard Byrne, CEO of Synergy Solutions, was woken up by his wife in the middle of the night. Mrs. Byrne told police she heard strange noises downstairs and wanted him to investigate. She says that when he didn’t return, she called the police who arrived to find Mr. Byrne missing.

Who kidnapped Mr. Byrne?

Can you figure it out in 12 clues?

Clue 1

When police came, they found the side door broken and Mr. Byrne missing. They called out, and Mrs. Byrne came downstairs saying she had been too scared to leave her bedroom.

Clue 2

There was a note on the living room table asking for Mrs. Byrne to pay $4,694,331.00 within 16 business days to a South American bank account.

Clue 3

The glass door on the side of the house had a broken pane near the knob and there was a glass all over the garden path outside the door.

Clue 4

Mrs. Byrne said that she thought the kidnappers could have been hired by Wayne Sterling, a big investor in Synergy Solutions. She said that Mr. Sterling was complaining the company was badly run and would go bankrupt soon. $4,694,331 is exactly the same as Sterling’s share in the company.

Clue 5

Mrs. Byrne said that Mr. Sterling had spent time in prison in his early 20s and could have met violent criminals there.

Clue 6

Mrs. Byrne did not have enough money to pay the ransom, so she had to get a power of attorney from the bank to use Mr. Byrne’s personal accounts. The court said it would take about 14 business days.

Clue 7

Police confronted Mr. Sterling who denied he was angry at Mr. Byrne. He showed police financial records proving the company was in good shape.

Clue 8

Mr. Sterling did admit that his share of the company was the same as the ransom amount, though.

Clue 9

The only other person who lived at the Byrnes’ house was the nanny. She said there were rumors Mrs. Byrne was having an affair with the accountant for Synergy Solutions.

Clue 10

The nanny also said she admired Mr. Sterling because he had worked for the Peace Corps after college.

Clue 11

The police talked to the accountant. He refused to say how the company was doing and denied the affair. Police noticed two airline tickets to Venezuela on his desk leaving 17 days after the kidnapping.

Clue 12

Photos of the crime scene right when the police arrived show Mrs. Byrne’s cellphone on the bottom of the stairs.

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

Does Mr. Sterling really have a motive to kidnap Mr. Byrne and get his money back?
Who said that he did?
Who benefits from Mr. Byrne disappearing?
How did the kidnappers know it would take almost 16 days to get the money?
Is there anything odd about the glass door and Mrs. Byrne’s cellphone?
Do you think it’s fair to hire or not hire someone based on gender?

Have you figured it out?

Click here to see the solution.