A baffling Mystery..who did it?

[SydneyRoverP6B]

The famous detective Hercule Poirot was called in to solve a baffling murder mystery. He determined the following facts.

(a). Lord Hazelton, the murdered man, was killed by a blow to the head with a brass candlestick.

(b). Either Lady Hazelton or a maid, Sara, was in the dining room at the time of the murder.

(c). If the cook was in the kitchen at the time of the murder, then the butler killed Lord Hazelton with a fatal dose of strychnine.

(d). If Lady Hazelton was in the dining room at the time of the murder, then the chauffeur killed Lord Hazelton.

(e). If the cook was not in the kitchen at the time of the murder, then Sara was not in the dining room at the time of the murder.

(f) If Sara was in the dining room at the time the murder was committed, then the wine steward killed Lord Hazelton.

Is it possible for the detective to deduce the identity of the murderer from the above facts? If so, who did murder Lord Hazelton? Be sure to substantiate your reasoning in either case so you can help Monsieur Poirot.

Ron.

 

[DagenhamRover]

I think he was killed when he was trying to light some candles as the sun went down. He said "can you throw me the candlestick holder please?" and someone did so, striking him accidentally and killing him.

But i am not sure.

Either way Poirot has his work cut out. This is the sort of case that can see a man neglecting to wax the tip of his moustache.

 

[quattro]

Fom b. we know that - Either Lady Hazelton or a maid, Sara, was in the dining room at the time of the murder.

And from e. - If the cook was not in the kitchen at the time of the murder, then Sara was not in the dining room at the time of the murder.

Well we know that the cook was not in the kitchen because Lord H would have died from strychnine if she was (from c) and we know from a. that he died from a blow to the head.

So Sara was NOT in the dining room and Lady H was! (one of them had to be - b)

So the Chauffer did it. (d)

I rest my case M'lud

 

[SydneyRoverP6B]

Excellent deductions Richard,

Or should that be Monsieur Poirot? The chauffeur was indeed guilty of the crime. I can tell that you are enjoying these problems.. ....great for the mind to apply logic and reason..wonderful stuff!

There is a new one above, you might like to apply your mind to that one too.

Ron.