Murder mystery sudoku — the daily cases for 22 August 2026

Every detective in the world got these same crime scenes on 2026-08-22 — each difficulty published twice, once untimed and once as time attack. Each case is procedurally generated and then proved to have exactly one logical solution before it is published, including the cases where somebody is lying. You place every suspect back on the map using only their testimony: exactly one person per row, never two in a column. Whoever is left alone with the victim did it.

Beginner — The Theatre Royal

A 5×5 grid across 4 rooms: Bar, Dressing, Workshop, Stage. Seven statements, eight squares nobody could stand on, and enough testimony that the surplus is what pins the last two down.

Cracked by 46 detectives so far.

How this case was cracked — the full solution to this board, step by step

Every step below is the solver’s own — the same one that proved this board has exactly one answer. The counts are real: you can check them against the grid.

Lettered squares are objects. Most take the square out of play — which is why the counts above are of free squares, not of all of them — but the ones marked below do not: their square is still in play. C — chest · D — desk · F — floor lamp · H — harp · P — painting (square stays free) · S — sofa (square stays free) · W — window (square stays free)

The testimony

What each person said, and how much of the board it rules out.

Hilda was on the stage. leaves 6 of 20 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Hilda: 6 of 20.
Hilda was in the top row. leaves 2 of 20 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Hilda: 2 of 20.
Wilfred was in row 3. leaves 4 of 20 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Wilfred: 4 of 20.
Gaspar was on the stage. leaves 6 of 20 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Gaspar: 6 of 20.
Gaspar was in the bottom row. leaves 1 of 20 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Gaspar: 1 of 20.
Bianca was in the dressing room. leaves 6 of 20 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Bianca: 6 of 20.
Bianca was in column 4. leaves 1 of 20 squares

Show the squares Hilda had left

The squares still open to Hilda once their own statements are taken into account — 2 of 20.

What the testimony settles on its own

Nobody shares a row or a column, so each placement narrows everyone else. Before a single guess:

Hilda can only be in Stage (row 1, column 2) — down from 2 possible squares.
Dante can only be in Workshop (row 2, column 3) — down from 20 possible squares.
Wilfred can only be in Workshop (row 3, column 5) — down from 4 possible squares.

The answer

That leaves one arrangement, and one person who could have done it: Wilfred, in Workshop (row 3, column 5).

Show the solved board

The only arrangement the testimony allows. Wilfred is ringed in red.

Beginner · time attack — The Old Harbor

A 5×5 grid across 3 rooms: Dock, Boathouse, Breakwater. Seven statements, seven squares nobody could stand on, and enough testimony that the surplus is what pins the last two down.

Cracked by 4 detectives so far.

How this case was cracked — the full solution to this board, step by step

Every step below is the solver’s own — the same one that proved this board has exactly one answer. The counts are real: you can check them against the grid.

The testimony

What each person said, and how much of the board it rules out.

Nora was in the dock. leaves 5 of 20 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Nora: 5 of 20.
Nora was in column 4. leaves 2 of 20 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Nora: 2 of 20.
Horacio was in the leftmost column. leaves 3 of 20 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Horacio: 3 of 20.
Tobias was in the dock. leaves 5 of 20 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Tobias: 5 of 20.
Tobias was in row 3. leaves 2 of 20 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Tobias: 2 of 20.
Paloma was in the bottom row. leaves 4 of 20 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Paloma: 4 of 20.
Paloma was in the breakwater. leaves 2 of 20 squares

Show the squares Nora had left

The squares still open to Nora once their own statements are taken into account — 2 of 20.

What the testimony settles on its own

Nobody shares a row or a column, so each placement narrows everyone else. Before a single guess:

Nora can only be in Dock (row 1, column 4) — down from 2 possible squares.
Sol can only be in Boathouse (row 4, column 2) — down from 20 possible squares.
Horacio can only be in Boathouse (row 2, column 1) — down from 3 possible squares.
Tobias can only be in Dock (row 3, column 5) — down from 2 possible squares.
Paloma can only be in Breakwater (row 5, column 3) — down from 2 possible squares.

The answer

That leaves one arrangement, and one person who could have done it: Horacio, in Boathouse (row 2, column 1).

Show the solved board

The only arrangement the testimony allows. Horacio is ringed in red.

Easy — Movie Night

A 6×6 grid across 4 rooms: Kitchen, TV Den, Study, Living room. Seven statements, ten squares nobody could stand on, and no assumption anywhere: elimination alone closes it.

Cracked by 32 detectives so far.

How this case was cracked — the full solution to this board, step by step

Every step below is the solver’s own — the same one that proved this board has exactly one answer. The counts are real: you can check them against the grid.

Lettered squares are objects. Most take the square out of play — which is why the counts above are of free squares, not of all of them — but the ones marked below do not: their square is still in play. A — armchair (square stays free) · CA — carpet (square stays free) · CO — computer · P — potted plant · R — radio · T — television · W — window (square stays free)

The testimony

What each person said, and how much of the board it rules out.

Yolanda was in the top row. leaves 5 of 29 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Yolanda: 5 of 29.
Yolanda was in the leftmost column. leaves 1 of 29 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Yolanda: 1 of 29.
Kaspar was beside the carpet. leaves 3 of 29 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Kaspar: 3 of 29.
Sofia was beside the potted plant. leaves 1 of 29 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Sofia: 1 of 29.
Rufus was in row 5. leaves 4 of 29 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Rufus: 4 of 29.
Rufus was beside the carpet. leaves 1 of 29 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Rufus: 1 of 29.
Lorenzo was in the TV den. leaves 12 of 29 squares

Show the squares Kaspar had left

The squares still open to Kaspar once their own statements are taken into account — 3 of 29.

What the testimony settles on its own

Nobody shares a row or a column, so each placement narrows everyone else. Before a single guess:

Queralt can only be in Living room (row 2, column 6) — down from 29 possible squares.
Kaspar can only be in TV Den (row 3, column 4) — down from 3 possible squares.
Lorenzo can only be in TV Den (row 6, column 2) — down from 12 possible squares.

The answer

That leaves one arrangement, and one person who could have done it: Sofia, in Living room (row 4, column 5).

Show the solved board

The only arrangement the testimony allows. Sofia is ringed in red.

Easy · time attack — The Mystery Island

A 6×6 grid across 4 rooms: Beach, Wreck, Cliffs, Lookout. Six statements, nine squares nobody could stand on, and no assumption anywhere: elimination alone closes it.

Cracked by 4 detectives so far.

How this case was cracked — the full solution to this board, step by step

Every step below is the solver’s own — the same one that proved this board has exactly one answer. The counts are real: you can check them against the grid.

Lettered squares are objects. Nobody can stand on one, which is why the counts above are of free squares, not of all of them. BE — bench · BO — boulder · CA — campfire · CO — crocodile · CR — crate · F — floor lamp · P — palm tree · T — tent

The testimony

What each person said, and how much of the board it rules out.

Luna was beside the bench. leaves 2 of 26 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Luna: 2 of 26.
Yolanda was in column 4. leaves 3 of 26 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Yolanda: 3 of 26.
Yolanda was in the shipwreck. leaves 2 of 26 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Yolanda: 2 of 26.
Alistair was beside the palm tree. leaves 2 of 26 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Alistair: 2 of 26.
Elena was beside the tent. leaves 1 of 26 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Elena: 1 of 26.
Rita was in column 5. leaves 4 of 26 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Rita: 4 of 26.

Show the squares Luna had left

The squares still open to Luna once their own statements are taken into account — 2 of 26.

What the testimony settles on its own

Nobody shares a row or a column, so each placement narrows everyone else. Before a single guess:

Luna can only be in Cliffs (row 4, column 1) — down from 2 possible squares.
Yolanda can only be in Wreck (row 1, column 4) — down from 2 possible squares.
Alistair can only be in Beach (row 2, column 6) — down from 2 possible squares.
Wanda can only be in Wreck (row 3, column 2) — down from 26 possible squares.
Rita can only be in Beach (row 6, column 5) — down from 4 possible squares.

The answer

That leaves one arrangement, and one person who could have done it: Yolanda, in Wreck (row 1, column 4).

Show the solved board

The only arrangement the testimony allows. Yolanda is ringed in red.

Medium · time attack — The Theatre Royal

A 7×7 grid across 6 rooms: Workshop, Pit, Wings, Balcony, Office, Dressing. Eight statements, sixteen squares nobody could stand on, almost as many rooms as suspects, so a room claim nearly names a square, and no assumption anywhere: elimination alone closes it.

Cracked by 4 detectives so far.

How this case was cracked — the full solution to this board, step by step

Every step below is the solver’s own — the same one that proved this board has exactly one answer. The counts are real: you can check them against the grid.

Lettered squares are objects. Most take the square out of play — which is why the counts above are of free squares, not of all of them — but the ones marked below do not: their square is still in play. A — armchair (square stays free) · CA — carpet (square stays free) · CH — chest · CR — crate · D — desk · F — floor lamp · H — harp · P — piano · S — sofa (square stays free) · W — window (square stays free)

The testimony

What each person said, and how much of the board it rules out.

Octavio was in the same row as the armchair. leaves 7 of 38 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Octavio: 7 of 38.
Octavio was beside the armchair. leaves 1 of 38 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Octavio: 1 of 38.
Hilda was in the same room as Milo.
Hilda was beside the armchair. leaves 2 of 38 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Hilda: 2 of 38.
Paloma was in the workshop or in the wings. leaves 14 of 38 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Paloma: 14 of 38.
Milo was in the same row as a window. leaves 15 of 38 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Milo: 15 of 38.
Rita was in the same row as the piano. leaves 5 of 38 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Rita: 5 of 38.
Tristan was in the orchestra pit or in the wings. leaves 14 of 38 squares

Show the squares Hilda had left

The squares still open to Hilda once their own statements are taken into account — 2 of 38.

What the testimony settles on its own

Nobody shares a row or a column, so each placement narrows everyone else. Before a single guess:

Hilda can only be in Wings (row 7, column 3) — down from 2 possible squares.
Paloma can only be in Workshop (row 5, column 7) — down from 14 possible squares.
Elias can only be in Dressing (row 3, column 4) — down from 38 possible squares.
Milo can only be in Wings (row 4, column 1) — down from 15 possible squares.
Rita can only be in Dressing (row 2, column 5) — down from 5 possible squares.
Tristan can only be in Pit (row 1, column 6) — down from 14 possible squares.

The answer

That leaves one arrangement, and one person who could have done it: Rita, in Dressing (row 2, column 5).

Show the solved board

The only arrangement the testimony allows. Rita is ringed in red.

Medium — A Walk in the Park

A 7×7 grid across 6 rooms: Picnic area, Bandstand, Kiosk, Lawn, Rose garden, Playground. Eight statements, thirteen squares nobody could stand on, almost as many rooms as suspects, so a room claim nearly names a square, and no assumption anywhere: elimination alone closes it.

Cracked by 20 detectives so far.

How this case was cracked — the full solution to this board, step by step

Every step below is the solver’s own — the same one that proved this board has exactly one answer. The counts are real: you can check them against the grid.

Lettered squares are objects. Most take the square out of play — which is why the counts above are of free squares, not of all of them — but the ones marked below do not: their square is still in play. BE — bench · BO — boulder · CA — carpet (square stays free) · CR — crate · FL — floor lamp · FO — flower bush · FU — fountain · S — shrub · T — tree · W — window (square stays free)

The testimony

What each person said, and how much of the board it rules out.

Yago was somewhere east of Rosa.
Yago was in the same room as the Doctor.
Rosa was in the same room as Wilfred.
Wilfred was in the same row as the carpet. leaves 5 of 38 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Wilfred: 5 of 38.
Quentin was beside the tree. leaves 3 of 38 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Quentin: 3 of 38.
Petra was beside the window. leaves 2 of 38 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Petra: 2 of 38.
Estela was in the same row as the bench. leaves 5 of 38 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Estela: 5 of 38.
Estela was not touching the outer wall. leaves 3 of 38 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Estela: 3 of 38.

Show the squares Petra had left

The squares still open to Petra once their own statements are taken into account — 2 of 38.

What the testimony settles on its own

Nobody shares a row or a column, so each placement narrows everyone else. Before a single guess:

Yago can only be in Picnic area (row 3, column 7) — down from 38 possible squares.
Rosa can only be in Picnic area (row 5, column 4) — down from 38 possible squares.
Helena can only be in Playground (row 2, column 1) — down from 38 possible squares.
Wilfred can only be in Picnic area (row 7, column 6) — down from 5 possible squares.
Quentin can only be in Lawn (row 1, column 5) — down from 3 possible squares.
Petra can only be in Kiosk (row 6, column 3) — down from 2 possible squares.
Estela can only be in Playground (row 4, column 2) — down from 3 possible squares.

The answer

That leaves one arrangement, and one person who could have done it: Estela, in Playground (row 4, column 2).

Show the solved board

The only arrangement the testimony allows. Estela is ringed in red.

Hard — The Old Harbor

An 8×8 grid across 6 rooms: Pier, Cold Store, Boathouse, Marina, Fish Market, Harbormaster's. Eighteen statements, seventeen squares nobody could stand on, and one round of assume-and-test after elimination ran dry — and one of the eight was lying throughout.

The twist: one suspect is an accomplice — every statement they make is false.

Cracked by 6 detectives so far.

How this case was cracked — the full solution to this board, step by step

Every step below is the solver’s own — the same one that proved this board has exactly one answer. The counts are real: you can check them against the grid.

Lettered squares are objects. Most take the square out of play — which is why the counts above are of free squares, not of all of them — but the ones marked below do not: their square is still in play. B — boat · CA — cabinet · CH — chest · CO — computer · CR — crate · F — floor lamp · R — radio · S — shark · W — window (square stays free)

The testimony

What each person said. One of these 8 is the killer's accomplice and every word they said is false — but not which one, not yet.

Luna was not in the pier. if true, leaves 39 of 48
Luna was in the same column as a window. if true, leaves 10 of 48
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Luna: 10 of 48.
Luna was in the same row as the radio. if true, leaves 1 of 48
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Luna: 1 of 48.
Luna was in the northern half of the scene.
Walter was not beside the crate. if true, leaves 47 of 48
Walter was in the same column as the crate. if true, leaves 6 of 48
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Walter: 6 of 48.
Rita was in the same row as a window. if true, leaves 17 of 48
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Rita: 17 of 48.
Rita was not in the fish market. if true, leaves 10 of 48
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Rita: 10 of 48.
Rita was in the same column as a floor lamp. if true, leaves 2 of 48
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Rita: 2 of 48.
Beatrix was beside the computer. if true, leaves 2 of 48
Beatrix was not beside the radio.
Beatrix was in the same column as a floor lamp. if true, leaves 1 of 48
Jonas was not beside the radio. if true, leaves 47 of 48
Jonas was beside the boat. if true, leaves 3 of 48
Alistair was in the same column as the computer. if true, leaves 42 of 48
Alistair was not in the boathouse. if true, leaves 6 of 48
Dorian was not beside the crate. if true, leaves 47 of 48
Dorian was beside a floor lamp. if true, leaves 2 of 48

Show the squares Rita had left

The squares still open to Rita once their own statements are taken into account — 2 of 48.

Unmasking the liar

One of these 8 people is the killer's accomplice, and every word they said is false — but you are not told which. Take each in turn: read their statements backwards and ask whether the rest of the testimony can still be satisfied.

If Luna were the one lying, no arrangement satisfies the rest. Not them.
If Walter were the one lying, no arrangement satisfies the rest. Not them.
If Rita were the one lying, no arrangement satisfies the rest. Not them.
If Beatrix were the one lying, no arrangement satisfies the rest. Not them.

Another 2 candidates collapse the same way.

Alistair is the accomplice. Placement alone leaves 2 readings standing here, so it is the accusation itself that settles which — but everything Alistair said is read backwards from now on.

Read backwards, Alistair actually told you:

Alistair was NOT in the same column as the computer.
Alistair WAS in the boathouse.

What the testimony settles on its own

Nobody shares a row or a column, so each placement narrows everyone else. Before a single guess:

Fabio can only be in Pier (row 2, column 3) — down from 48 possible squares.
Walter can only be in Pier (row 4, column 1) — down from 6 possible squares.
Rita can only be in Marina (row 3, column 6) — down from 2 possible squares.
Jonas can only be in Fish Market (row 6, column 7) — down from 3 possible squares.
Alistair can only be in Boathouse (row 7, column 4) — down from 6 possible squares.
Dorian can only be in Boathouse (row 8, column 5) — down from 2 possible squares.

The answer

That leaves one arrangement, and one person who could have done it: Walter, in Pier (row 4, column 1). Alistair lied throughout and was never charged.

Show the solved board

The only arrangement the testimony allows. Walter is ringed in red.

Hard · time attack — The Museum of Curiosities

An 8×8 grid across 6 rooms: Gallery, Vault, Archive, Library, Atrium, Garden. Eleven statements, nineteen squares nobody could stand on, and one round of assume-and-test after elimination ran dry.

Cracked by 4 detectives so far.

How this case was cracked — the full solution to this board, step by step

Every step below is the solver’s own — the same one that proved this board has exactly one answer. The counts are real: you can check them against the grid.

Lettered squares are objects. Most take the square out of play — which is why the counts above are of free squares, not of all of them — but the ones marked below do not: their square is still in play. B — bookshelf · CA — carpet (square stays free) · CH — chest · CR — crate · D — desk · FL — floor lamp · FO — flower bush · G — grandfather clock · P — potted plant · SO — sofa (square stays free) · ST — statue · T — tree · W — window (square stays free)

The testimony

What each person said, and how much of the board it rules out.

Olivia was in the same column as the chest. leaves 6 of 50 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Olivia: 6 of 50.
Olivia was in the same row as the crate. leaves 1 of 50 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Olivia: 1 of 50.
Paloma was somewhere west of Elias.
Kurt was exactly 3 columns east of Tesa.
Kurt was exactly 1 row north of the Journalist.
Kurt was all alone in a room.
Tesa was in the same row as the grandfather clock. leaves 7 of 50 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Tesa: 7 of 50.
Bruno was in the same room as Dora.
Dora was beside the bookshelf. leaves 2 of 50 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Dora: 2 of 50.
Elias was in the same row as the statue. leaves 6 of 50 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Elias: 6 of 50.
Elias was in the same column as the potted plant. leaves 1 of 50 squares
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Elias: 1 of 50.

Show the squares Dora had left

The squares still open to Dora once their own statements are taken into account — 2 of 50.

The squares that had to be tested

The rest does not fall out on its own. It takes 52 eliminations of the same move: put someone on a square, follow the consequences, and watch the board contradict itself.

Had Ignacio stood in Garden (row 1, column 1), Dora would have had nowhere left to stand. So not there.
Had Paloma stood in Gallery (row 2, column 4), Dora would have had nowhere left to stand. So not there.
Had Kurt stood in Gallery (row 1, column 4), Dora would have had nowhere left to stand. So not there.
Had Tesa stood in Archive (row 4, column 1), Dora would have had nowhere left to stand. So not there.

Show what goes wrong

Suppose Ignacio stood on the dashed square. Dora then has nowhere left to stand: every square still open to them is shaded out.

Another 48 squares fell the same way.

The answer

That leaves one arrangement, and one person who could have done it: Olivia, in Library (row 8, column 6).

Show the solved board

The only arrangement the testimony allows. Olivia is ringed in red.

Expert — Movie Night

A 9×9 grid across 7 rooms: Laundry, Living room, Study, TV Den, Balcony, Guest Room, Kitchen. Seventeen statements, 21 squares nobody could stand on, and two rounds of assume-and-test after elimination ran dry — and one of the nine was lying throughout.

The twist: one suspect is an accomplice — every statement they make is false; the accusation also demands the motive, not just the name.

Cracked by 3 detectives so far.

How this case was cracked — the full solution to this board, step by step

Every step below is the solver’s own — the same one that proved this board has exactly one answer. The counts are real: you can check them against the grid.

Lettered squares are objects. Most take the square out of play — which is why the counts above are of free squares, not of all of them — but the ones marked below do not: their square is still in play. A — armchair (square stays free) · B — bookshelf · CA — carpet (square stays free) · CO — computer · F — floor lamp · PA — painting (square stays free) · PO — potted plant · R — radio · S — sofa (square stays free) · T — television · W — window (square stays free)

The testimony

What each person said. One of these 9 is the killer's accomplice and every word they said is false — but not which one, not yet.

Rosa was in the same row as the carpet. if true, leaves 50 of 67
Rosa was not touching the outer wall. if true, leaves 19 of 67
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Rosa: 19 of 67.
Kaspar was in row 7. if true, leaves 9 of 67
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Kaspar: 9 of 67.
Elena was in the same row as a floor lamp. if true, leaves 13 of 67
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Elena: 13 of 67.
Horacio was in the same column as the carpet. if true, leaves 16 of 67
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Horacio: 16 of 67.
Sol was in the same column as the bookshelf. if true, leaves 8 of 67
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Sol: 8 of 67.
Sol was in the same row as the radio. if true, leaves 1 of 67
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Sol: 1 of 67.
Margot was in the same column as an armchair. if true, leaves 11 of 67
Margot was not beside a window.
Margot was in the same row as the sofa. if true, leaves 4 of 67
Walter was not beside the radio. if true, leaves 66 of 67
Walter was in column 7. if true, leaves 9 of 67
Walter was in the same row as the carpet. if true, leaves 2 of 67
Bruno was in the same row as the bookshelf. if true, leaves 8 of 67
Exactly 2 people were in the balcony.
Exactly 2 people were in the study.
Exactly 2 people were in the laundry.

Show the squares Walter had left

The squares still open to Walter once their own statements are taken into account — 2 of 67.

Unmasking the liar

One of these 9 people is the killer's accomplice, and every word they said is false — but you are not told which. Take each in turn: read their statements backwards and ask whether the rest of the testimony can still be satisfied.

If Kaspar were the one lying, no arrangement satisfies the rest. Not them.
If Elena were the one lying, no arrangement satisfies the rest. Not them.
If Horacio were the one lying, no arrangement satisfies the rest. Not them.
If Sol were the one lying, no arrangement satisfies the rest. Not them.

Another 4 candidates collapse the same way.

Only Rosa survives the test. That is the accomplice, and everything they said is now read backwards.

Read backwards, Rosa actually told you:

Rosa was NOT in the same row as the carpet.
Rosa WAS touching the outer wall.

The squares that had to be tested

The rest does not fall out on its own. It takes 48 eliminations of the same move: put someone on a square, follow the consequences, and watch the board contradict itself.

Had Rosa stood in Balcony (row 2, column 1), Elena would have had nowhere left to stand. So not there.
Had Kaspar stood in TV Den (row 7, column 3), Margot would have had nowhere left to stand. So not there.
Had Elena stood in Study (row 2, column 4), Margot would have had nowhere left to stand. So not there.
Put Horacio in Laundry (row 2, column 6) and the testimony cannot be satisfied at all. So not there.

Show what goes wrong

Suppose Rosa stood on the dashed square. Elena then has nowhere left to stand: every square still open to them is shaded out.

Another 44 squares fell the same way.

The motive

This case demands the why as well as the who: naming the killer without proving the motive counts for nothing. 8 motives are in play, and these statements narrow them.

Rosa's motive would have been obsession.
Walter's motive would have been inheritance.
Horacio's motive would have been ambition.
Kaspar's motive would have been debts.
Bruno's motive would have been jealousy.
Whoever did it was not driven by revenge.
Whoever did it was not driven by buried secrets.

The answer

That leaves one arrangement, and one person who could have done it: Elena, in Study (row 2, column 3). Rosa lied throughout and was never charged.

The only motive left standing for Elena is blackmail.

Show the solved board

The only arrangement the testimony allows. Elena is ringed in red.

Expert · time attack — The Repair Shop

A 9×9 grid across 8 rooms: Office, Parts Room, Storeroom, Car Lift, Waiting Room, Repair Bay, Paint Booth, Yard. Eighteen statements, 23 squares nobody could stand on, almost as many rooms as suspects, so a room claim nearly names a square, and two rounds of assume-and-test after elimination ran dry — and one of the nine was lying throughout.

The twist: one suspect is an accomplice — every statement they make is false.

How this case was cracked — the full solution to this board, step by step

Every step below is the solver’s own — the same one that proved this board has exactly one answer. The counts are real: you can check them against the grid.

Lettered squares are objects. Most take the square out of play — which is why the counts above are of free squares, not of all of them — but the ones marked below do not: their square is still in play. CA — cabinet · CO — computer · CR — car · CT — crate · F — floor lamp · O — oil slick (square stays free) · P — potted plant · R — radio · T — television · W — window (square stays free)

The testimony

What each person said. One of these 9 is the killer's accomplice and every word they said is false — but not which one, not yet.

Victor was in the western half of the scene. if true, leaves 25 of 62
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Victor: 25 of 62.
Gaspar was in the same row as the car. if true, leaves 13 of 62
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Gaspar: 13 of 62.
Gaspar was in the same column as the radio. if true, leaves 1 of 62
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Gaspar: 1 of 62.
Jimena was in column 8. if true, leaves 9 of 62
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Jimena: 9 of 62.
Jimena was in the same row as an oil slick. if true, leaves 3 of 62
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Jimena: 3 of 62.
Wren was beside a potted plant. if true, leaves 3 of 62
Show it on the board
The squares this one statement leaves Wren: 3 of 62.
Tamara was in the same column as the cabinet. if true, leaves 4 of 62
Tamara was in the same row as the television. if true, leaves 1 of 62
Elena was not beside an oil slick. if true, leaves 56 of 62
Elena was in the same column as a window. if true, leaves 17 of 62
Elena was not beside a potted plant.
Elena was in the same row as a potted plant. if true, leaves 3 of 62
Milo was not beside the radio. if true, leaves 60 of 62
Milo was in the same column as the television. if true, leaves 6 of 62
Dora was in the same row as a window. if true, leaves 30 of 62
Dora was in the same column as a window. if true, leaves 20 of 62
Exactly 2 people were in the parts room.
Exactly 2 people were in the office.

Show the squares Jimena had left

The squares still open to Jimena once their own statements are taken into account — 3 of 62.

Unmasking the liar

If Victor were the one lying, no arrangement satisfies the rest. Not them.
If Gaspar were the one lying, no arrangement satisfies the rest. Not them.
If Jimena were the one lying, no arrangement satisfies the rest. Not them.
If Wren were the one lying, no arrangement satisfies the rest. Not them.

Another 4 candidates collapse the same way.

Only Dora survives the test. That is the accomplice, and everything they said is now read backwards.

Read backwards, Dora actually told you:

Dora was NOT in the same row as a window.
Dora was NOT in the same column as a window.

The squares that had to be tested

The rest does not fall out on its own. It takes 75 eliminations of the same move: put someone on a square, follow the consequences, and watch the board contradict itself.

Had Victor stood in Yard (row 1, column 3), Wren would have had nowhere left to stand. So not there.
Had Jimena stood in Car Lift (row 8, column 8), Elena would have had nowhere left to stand. So not there.
Had Wren stood in Repair Bay (row 8, column 3), Milo would have had nowhere left to stand. So not there.
Put Sol in Yard (row 1, column 3) and the testimony cannot be satisfied at all. So not there.

Show what goes wrong

Suppose Victor stood on the dashed square. Wren then has nowhere left to stand: every square still open to them is shaded out.

Another 71 squares fell the same way.

Victor can only be in Parts Room (row 3, column 4) — down from 2 possible squares.

The answer

That leaves one arrangement, and one person who could have done it: Jimena, in Office (row 7, column 8). Dora lied throughout and was never charged.

Show the solved board

The only arrangement the testimony allows. Jimena is ringed in red.

How to read a case above

The grid size is the size of the crime scene, so a 10×9 expert case is a far larger search than a 5×5 beginner one — but the difficulty is really carried by the clues, not the square count. A beginner case tells you almost directly where somebody stood. An expert case tells you where somebody was not, three times, and expects you to do the rest — and on half of them one of those statements is a lie told to protect the killer. If a case lists a motive, naming the right person is not enough on its own; you have to prove why.

How to play · Solving cases with a liar · Techniques

The day in review

The day presented ten distinct investigations for 22 August 2026. Across the standard untimed inquiries, 111 investigators visited The Theatre Royal, where a guest detective closed the 5x5 board in 0m 20s. A 6x6 Movie Night saw 31 solutions out of 46 attempts, led by a guest detective in 0m 39s, while 18 solvers untangled A Walk in the Park, topped by a guest detective at 1m 35s. Deeper waters brought heavier complications. The Old Harbor introduced a liar across its 8x8 grid, solved by five detectives with a guest detective posting the quickest time of 8m 07s. The 9x9 standard Movie Night proved the most demanding, requiring both a motive and the identification of a liar; only two of three attempts succeeded, led by a guest detective in 5m 08s.

The time attack docket saw far sparser traffic. A guest detective took the honors at The Old Harbor in 0m 24s, The Mystery Island in 0m 26s, The Theatre Royal in 0m 55s, and The Museum of Curiosities in 1m 13s. The final case, an 8-room, 9x9 puzzle set at The Repair Shop featuring a liar, drew zero plays, remaining entirely untouched against the clock.

Fastest detectives of the day

Beginner: a guest detective — 0m 20s · Easy: a guest detective — 0m 39s · Medium: a guest detective — 1m 35s · Hard: a guest detective — 8m 07s · Expert: a guest detective — 5m 08s · Beginner · time attack: a guest detective — 0m 24s · Easy · time attack: a guest detective — 0m 26s · Medium · time attack: a guest detective — 0m 55s · Hard · time attack: a guest detective — 1m 13s

The solutions

The solved boards — spoilers for every case of 22 August 2026

Key: red ring = the murderer · amber dashes = the lying accomplice · ✕ = the victim · initials mark where each suspect was proved to stand.

Beginner — The Theatre Royal

Wilfred (gardener) is in custody — the case was closed by 45 detectives.

Easy — Movie Night

Sofia (journalist) ended the day behind bars — convicted by 31 detectives.

Medium — A Walk in the Park

Estela (professor) was named and charged; 18 detectives closed this one.

Hard — The Old Harbor

The cell door shut on Walter (chauffeur), on the evidence of 5 detectives. Alistair lied for them and was never charged.

Expert — Movie Night

2 detectives put Elena (doctor) away before the day was out. The motive — blackmail — was proved along with the name. Rosa lied for them and was never charged.

Beginner · time attack — The Old Harbor

Horacio (curator) is in custody — the case was closed by 4 detectives.

Easy · time attack — The Mystery Island

Yolanda (doctor) ended the day behind bars — convicted by 4 detectives.

Medium · time attack — The Theatre Royal

Rita (journalist) was named and charged; 4 detectives closed this one.

Hard · time attack — The Museum of Curiosities

The cell door shut on Olivia (diva), on the evidence of 4 detectives.

Expert · time attack — The Repair Shop

Jimena (diva) slipped away — no detective cracked this board. The morning mail brought a postcard with no signature and a foreign stamp. Dora lied for them and was never charged.

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Every day's cases — the calendar · ← the cases for 21 August

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