Please read the overview and all the descriptions of the suspects before the party. Sometimes we hide clues in these descriptions.

Overview

The portly gent who dresses in red won’t be going down any chimneys this year. He is dead – possibly murdered – yes, it’s scandalous but true. It happened just before the company Christmas party being held at Chatties Restaurant. Did someone not want him to be there? Was it revenge for an unwanted present from Santa last year? Or was it just old age catching up with him?

We’re here to find out the real juicy truth. The media are also here. But this time they aren’t just reporting what happened. They are suspects too.

The suspects

The people present at the party are:

Martina Finn

My husband and I are directors of the company. I work very hard but I enjoy my job as long as everyone behaves themselves. I am careful about the way I look and work in a very professional manner. I can hold my head high in the business community. In my spare time, I like to do sign language and learn Spanish. I have pretty fingernails – see. It is my one luxury. I get them done. Dress suggestions: Wear a modern stylish suit and carry a mobile phone and an organizer. Add long colored nails.

Nick Finn

I’m also involved in the business. Martina really runs it. She has most of the control. I spend a lot of my time just making sure everyone is pulling their weight and everything is under control. I’m a bit edgy because I’ve just given up smoking. So I won’t be contributing to any smoke going up our chimney this year. Dress suggestions: Wear a suit and a jazzy tie. Add some pillows to make you look plump, wear a gray beard and act a little agitated.

Winnie Bailey

I’m the office manager at the company. I’m also a mother and a softball player. I’ve worked here ever since I left school. I’m very good at shorthand and can type 100 words a minute. I expect everyone else to be as efficient as me, but they never are. Sometimes I also kick boxes. No – I mean I do kick-boxing. But the birth of my second-child has slowed me down a bit. Dress suggestions: Wear a softball player’s outfit. Carry a softball bat.

Glenda Drake

I’m a graphic artist. I’m one of the most creative people alive today. I’m also a mother. Dress suggestions: Wear a modern t-shirt and jeans. Carry a laptop computer (or a cut-out of one in cardboard) and a pen with which to doodle on your paper napkins.

Ebony Sutherland

I’m the production manager. I have an eye for detail. I love animals. Dress suggestions: Wear a t-shirt with an animal on the front and jeans.

Josh Fraser

I am an account executive and I’m a cool dude that the ladies love. I take care of the client liaison for the organization. My good looks and charm have won many hearts and attracted clients to the business. I am a great asset but they don’t seem to realize that. Dress suggestions: Wear black clothes. Carry some weights. Add some extra padding to create fake muscles. And make sure you wear your sunglasses all the time.

Barret Norcott

I’m the “fix it” man who repairs the company’s computers and backs up all the data. I spend most of my time indoors and could do with a bit more exercise. I’m in love with Mrs Claus. Dress suggestions: Wear a t-shirt and add some pillows to make you look plump. Carry tools or a screwdriver.

Reg (short for Regina if female) Wells

I’m the President of Gas Plus More convenience stores and gas stations. I’m a great pilot and I love flying planes. I’ve been a friend of Martina and Nick for years and their company gets their gas from us. Dress suggestions: Wear some overalls as if you have dashed in from the gas station. Carry a mobile phone.

Rosemary Piper

I’m Freya’s boss at SDX TV. I’m into natural remedies but that doesn’t mean I’ve got my head in the clouds. I’m a very effective and firm boss. I just believe everybody should eat healthy natural foods and drink lots of herbal teas. My children are teenagers now. Dress suggestions: Wear a stylish modern suit and carry a mobile phone. Carry a small portable TV (or a TV guide) and some herbal tablets.

Grant Lowe

I am a disc-jockey with Radio ZZZ. The company advertises on our radio station. I’m fit and healthy and mad about music and all sports. I like reading murder mystery novels and action-packed stories. Dress suggestions: Wear a t-shirt for a new band. Wear headphones and carry a football.

Optional authorities

Ian Madden – I am a police officer. I’m a tough no-nonsense cop. I love the power that comes with my position. Dress suggestions: Wear a mock police uniform. Carry some crime scene tape (make some out of paper with masking tape attached at the ends). Carry a notepad and pencil.

Dr Rebecca Reynolds – I am a medical doctor. I have been the doctor for the Claus family for many years. I believe you can never have too many tests. I am a bit of a hypochondriac I suppose. Dress suggestions: Carry a black bag and any medical items you can obtain (eg thermometer).

Tania Trimble – I am Santa’s lawyer. I am very conservative and very well respected in my profession. I have been Santa’s lawyer for many years. Dress suggestions: Wear a suit and look very serious.