Clue Style Guide

The ***Clue Style Guide*** is a document written by game designer Stephen Baker, the manager of Design Team at Hasbro, as part of the franchise's rebranding in the early to mid-2000s. Some other known contributors were Rob Daviau and Michelle Duval.

The style guide contains character biographies and additional details based on the 2002 edition of *Clue* and its related spin-off games.

## History and development

Back in the early to mid-2000s, Stephen Baker was the manager of the design team at Hasbro. He had previously worked for the European Design Team in the UK before moving to the US in 2000. As manager, Baker was responsible for initiating significant refreshes and brand extensions for established games, such and The Game of Life, Risk, Sorry, and Clue/Cluedo.

As part of Clue's refresh for the 2000s, Baker created a style guide for the purpose of establishing a narrative universe. Previous maternal of the Clue franchise were used for some of the characters histories and storylines.

## Character biographies

The following are the official biographies of the 2000s incarnations of the Clue characters. Some of the biographies were shown on the Case File section of the old Clue webpage of Hasbro's official website, with mild changes.

***DISCLAIMER: Some of the details are inconsistent from information found the games and other related media.***

### Sir Hugh Black

Date of Birth: 24th April 1864

Date of Death: 11th November 1918

Nationality: English

Place of Birth: Hampshire, England

Personality: Solitary, serious and greedy

Profession: Investor, Businessman

Height: 5ft 10”

Weight: 210 pounds

Color of Eyes: Dark brown

Color of Hair: Gray

Props: Last Will and Testament

Phrases: “A friend in need is no friend of mine”

Biography
Hugh Black and his only sister Margaret were lonely children. They grew up within the shadowy confines of the family estate–Tudor Mansion. Raised by nannies and educated by private tutors, they had little chance to experience the joys of childhood. Only rarely, did they get the opportunity to play with other children. In fact, young Black’s only joy in life was swimming laps in the family’s luxurious outdoor pool. It was there that Sir Hugh spent many hours fantasizing about a future where he would be in control of everything.

Sir Hugh’s mother and father spent considerable time bickering with each other. Both children plotted and schemed for the meager attention dolled out by their parents, yet neither was very successful. Over time, Hugh and Margaret grew to resent each other as much as they resented their dour lives. Sir Hugh's parents divorced when he was 22 years old. His mother left England quite suddenly, never to be heard from again. Several years later, Sir Hugh accompanied his father on a trip to Africa. It was there that Hugh’s father died mysteriously while on safari. Hugh and his sister found little to bring them joy in their inherited estate.

Margaret, in 1892, finally married an American named Samuel Boddy. Shortly thereafter, the newlyweds went to live in the United States. Margaret was only too glad to be away from her domineering, grumpy brother. Margaret’s husband Samuel was raised in an orphanage. He had worked his way through college and become a popular correspondent for a leading Boston Newspaper. Samuel had also written several moderately successful books. Sir Hugh, on the other hand, never married. He had no real friends, only business acquaintances. Many owed him considerable sums of money, loaned to them at high interest rates. Sir Hugh’s harsh, self-serving business practices and underhanded methods earned him considerable cash and numerous enemies.

In 1904, Sir Hugh’s sister and her husband disappeared without a trace while traveling in Egypt. Their only son, John, had no other family, so he came to live with Sir Hugh. But Black hadn’t a clue how to raise a child. So, he sent young John off to boarding school. He paid for the finest education, and during holidays insisted that his housekeeper, Mrs. White, take full responsibly for the child. Despite being a strong swimmer, Sir Hugh drowned, at age fifty, while on a fishing trip in Scotland shortly before the outbreak of World War I. The details of his Will were not entirely disclosed. Sir Hugh left most of his estate in Trust, to be inherited by his nephew John when

### Mr. John Boddy, a.k.a. Dr. Black

Date of Birth: 18th  June 1896

Nationality: American

Place of Birth: Boston, MA

Personality: Independent, intelligent, shrewd and gregarious – yet very private

Profession: Doctor of Anthropology

Height: 6ft 1”

Weight: 195 pounds

Color of Eyes: Green

Color of Hair Dark brown

Props: Pocket watch

Phrases: “Silent as the grave”

John Boddy was 29 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on the 8th August 1925. He was 29 years old when he was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
John Boddy is the nephew of Sir Hugh Black, the previous owner of Tudor Mansion. John’s mother, Margaret, was Sir Hugh’s sister.  Margaret (Black) Boddy was a peculiar sort, sometimes lavishing John with attention, and other times distant and withdrawn. John’s father, a respected reporter, was often away for weeks at a time.

When John was only eight years old, his parents mysteriously disappeared while traveling in Egypt. Since John had no other family, he was sent to live with Sir Hugh, who shortly thereafter sent the boy off to boarding school. Sir Hugh provided his nephew with the finest education money could buy, but spent little time with the boy. During holidays, Sir Hugh insisted that his housekeeper, Mrs. White, take full responsibly for John.

Years later, when John was away at college studying Anthropology, Sir Hugh drowned while on a fishing trip in Scotland. Sir Hugh left most of his estate in Trust, to be inherited by John when he reached the age of thirty.

After earning his doctorate at St. Hugh’s College, Oxford, Boddy returned to Tudor Mansion and took it as his permanent residence. At that time, he let go most of Sir Hugh’s extensive domestic staff–with the exception of three long-time employees. Remaining at Tudor Mansion are Mrs. White–the Housekeeper and Cook, Rusty Nayler–the Groundskeeper, and Reginald Cyngen Ash–the Butler.

Although he is known in proper society as “Mr. John Boddy,” many locals address their neighbor as “Dr. Black,” after his uncle. But Boddy is more gregarious than his uncle was, and has already become acquainted with those who knew his uncle, including the following:

* Colonel Mustard - who served with Sir Hugh in the Army.
* Mrs. Peacock - the one person for whom Sir Hugh ever showed any real affection. Some say they had an affair shortly before her first marriage in 1900.
* Miss Scarlet - daughter of Mrs. Peacock, aspiring (woefully untalented) actress. Rumored by some to be daughter of the late Sir Hugh Black.
* Professor Plum - whose archeological expeditions to Egypt had been financed by Sir Hugh on a number of occasions.
* Reverend Green - an infrequent acquaintance of Sir Hugh who claimed to spend most of his time preaching throughout America.
* Mrs. White – Sir Hugh’s Housekeeper and John Boddy’s Nanny, whose years of service have left her with little to grow old on.

### Mrs. Blanche White

Date of Birth: 1st November 1862

Nationality: Scottish

Place of Birth: Edinburgh, Scotland

Personality: Efficient and polite. Dislikes those who cause disorder.

Profession: Housekeeper, Cook, Nanny

Height: 5ft  8”

Weight: 155 pounds

Color of Eyes: Sea green

Color of Hair White

Props: Keys, Platter and Duster

Phrases: “You are what you eat”
“Cleanliness is next to Godliness”
“There’s none so blind as those that won’t see”
“One man’s meat is another man’s poison”
“Lips, however rosy, must be fed” (Scottish proverb)

Mrs. White was 62 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on 8th August 1925. She was 63 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
Mrs. Blanche White has spent most of her life looking after others. Born Blanche Chaulkley, her parents died when she was only sixteen, leaving her to care for three younger brothers and sisters. As soon as her youngest sibling came of age, Blanche took what was left of her meager inheritance, and left for England. Before her arrival at Tudor Mansion, she worked as a housekeeper for a number of high-profile families where her discretion was valued more highly than her modest domestic skills. Although Blanche devoted many hours to culinary experimentation, dinner guests usually viewed her daily menus with apprehension.

Blanche’s husband, Winslow White, had been Sir Hugh Black's chauffeur. Poor Winslow passed away suddenly in 1903, shortly after enjoying a birthday feast prepared by his beloved wife. The following year, Sir Hugh’s orphaned young nephew, John Boddy, came to live at Tudor Mansion. Mrs. White was given the additional task of serving as Nanny to the child, but with no increase in pay. Yet she met the challenge with efficiency and patience.

According to a gossipy neighbor named Jane Meadow-Brook, there was once talk of a possible romantic link between Mrs. White and Sir Hugh. This is unlikely, however, because Mrs. White scarcely hid her dislike of him during the last few years of his life. Mrs. White has remained at Tudor Mansion, and now works for her former charge, John Boddy. Getting on in years, she appears to have little, if anything, to show for her years of service. Yet she continues to takes her domestic responsibilities most seriously, resenting disorder or disruption of any kind.

### Professor Peter Plum

Date of Birth: 15th January 1888

Nationality: English

Place of Birth: Cairo, Egypt

Personality: Intelligent, intense and sometimes vacant or distracted

Profession: Employee at the British Museum

Height: 5ft 11”

Weight: 178 pounds

Color of Eyes: Blue

Color of Hair Ginger

Props: Book and Spectacles

Phrases:

“QED, Quod erat demonstrandum” – which was to be demonstrated

“QEI, Quod erat inveniendum” – which was to be found out

“Mmmm . . .fascinating . . “

Professor Plum was 37 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on 8th August 1925. He was 38 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
Born to a proper Bostonian father and an elegant English mother, Peter Plum spent the first few years of his life in Cairo, Egypt.  His father, Chauncey Plum, was a self-made businessman who imported precious herbs, teas and spices. Sadly, the elder Plumb was lost at sea while traveling on business. Peter’s mother, Celeste, then returned to England, only to discover that her husband’s finances were in ruin and the family was bankrupt.

Mrs. Plum was forced to enter the workforce, but did so with relish. She eventually took on three jobs as she struggled to support her son, who excelled at school. Having won a scholarship to Oxford, Peter Plum graduated with high honors. Following a university appointment as Professor of Ancient Mid-Eastern Culture, Plum settled into academic life.

Although quite popular with his students, especially the young ladies, Plum longed for adventure of another kind. During a summer hiatus, he traveled to Egypt hoping to track down one of his late father's business partners. Plum discovered that the man had died some years earlier, and had sold all his interests to a Sir Hugh Black shortly before his death. Professor Plum visited Sir Hugh upon his return to England. The two allegedly argued behind closed doors, yet shortly thereafter, Sir Hugh began funding several archeological expeditions for Plum in Egypt.

After leaving university life behind, Plum secured a position with the British Museum in 1923.  Following the publication of his controversial paper on the dynasties of ancient Egypt, rumor has it that Plum was accused of plagiarism and is summarily dismissed.  Supposedly, much of Plum’s writings had been “lifted” from the notes of a former colleague who had been killed by falling masonry while on an archeological dig. The British Museum has remained silent about the exact circumstances surrounding Professor Plum’s dismissal.

### Colonel Michael Mustard

Date of Birth: 3rd October 1864

Nationality: English

Place of Birth: Lahore, India

Personality: Usually brusque but can be quite debonair and charming when in the company of a young lady

Profession: Retired Colonel

Height: 6ft 4”

Weight: 245 pounds

Color of Eyes: Sea blue

Color of Hair White

Props: Riding Crop and Pistol

Phrases:

“Ability is nothing without opportunity” (Napoleon)

“Fortune favors the bold” (Juvenal)

“What – what!”

“Steady-on old boy!”

Col. Mustard was 61 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on 8th August 1925. He was 62 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
Michael Mustard was born in India. His father, a Captain in the British Army, was stationed near the city of Lahore at the time. An army brat, at age eight young Mustard’s carefree days ended abruptly after engaging in fisticuffs with the commanding General’s son.  Mustard was shipped off to military school in England to be educated and disciplined. The lad was not a remarkable student, so it was expected that after his schooling was completed, he would follow in his father's footsteps.

Unfortunately, those footsteps were stopped short. The elder Mustard was returning to the barracks late one evening, when he was accidentally shot and killed by a nervous sentry.

Several officers, who had served with his father, helped young Mustard gain his first commission in 1888. He proudly joined the Hampshire Regiment known as the “Tigers.”  It was during this stint that he got to know fellow officer Hugh Black. However, Mustard was not to remain a fighting “Tiger” for long. An unfortunate incident – in which an enlisted man was shot – resulted in Mustard being transferred to a signals unit in the Royal Engineers.

In spite of this incident Mustard's military career was not undistinguished. He served mainly in Africa and the Middle East, from the Sudan to South Africa, Egypt and Syria. He was decorated several times and had, on two occasions, been the only surviving member of his detachment. Mustard was promoted to Colonel in 1914 and then assigned to Military Intelligence where he worked in the cartographic division.

Mustard retired from the Army after World War I, and later convinced a publisher that his military tales would make good reading. With little modesty, he likens much of his military thinking to the maxims of Napoleon. He has received several advanced payments from his exasperated publisher, but has produced only one chapter.

Often living well beyond his means, collection agencies – in search of payments due – continually hound Mustard. He often retreats to the quiet of his London Club, where he revels in recounting his past.

### Mrs. Patricia Peacock

Date of Birth: 5th January 1877

Nationality: English

Place of Birth: Capri, Italy

Personality: Graceful, stylish, “drama queen”

Profession: Socialite

Height: 5ft 7”

Weight: 142 pounds

Color of Eyes: Blue

Color of Hair Ginger

Props: Peacock Feather

Phrases: “Accidents will happen”
“All the world’s a stage”
“Break a leg”

Mrs. Peacock was 48 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on 8th August 1925. She was 49 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
Born to an Italian/French father and an English mother, the young Patricia Gobelin first came to London in 1889 at the age of 12. She was accompanied by her mother only, as her father had met an unfortunate end while climbing in the Pyrenees.

Miss Gobelin attended all the best schools and became one of London's most sought after débutantes. For a brief time, she also dabbled in the theater and hoped for a career on the stage.  Her involvement in a messy romantic triangle with two opposing political figures forced her to leave England. Fleeing to America in 1898, she became fodder for the newspapers, reporting on her alleged affair with a married businessman who was mysteriously murdered.

While in the United States, she met and befriended Margaret Boddy, sister of Sir Hugh Black. Upon Patricia’s return to England in 1900, she was introduced to Sir Hugh. The two were rumored to have been briefly involved. But within weeks, Patricia met and married her first husband, James Scarlet. Mr. Scarlet was a dashing young man who fell head over heals in love with his young damsel. Eight months later, their beautiful daughter Josephine was born. Regrettably, James died in 1903, after stumbling down the stairs at their country house.

Since that time, Patricia married two more times. First to Ernest Zaffer in 1910, who died a year later after falling from a hotel balcony in Italy. In 1915, she married her third and last husband, Sir Matthew Peacock, a prominent London Barrister. Again misfortune followed, as Sir Matthew fell overboard and drowned while aqua boarding in the Lake District.

Mrs. Peacock had no offspring from her second or third marriage. Her last husband's once-sizable estate has been nearly exhausted because of her lavish life style.

### Miss Josephine Scarlet

Date of Birth: 16th July 1901

Nationality: English

Place of Birth: Cambridge, England

Personality: Vivacious and gregarious. She can also be cold and cruel toward her rivals and her mother.

Profession: Self-proclaimed actress

Height: 5ft 8”

Weight: 137 pounds

Color of Eyes: Hazel

Color of Hair Dark Brown / Black

Props: Letter, Earrings

Phrases: “The name’s Scarlet Miss, Scarlet”
“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”

Miss Scarlet was 25 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on 8th August 1925. She was 25 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
Seductive Josephine Scarlet is the daughter of Mrs. Patricia (Scarlet) Peacock and the late James Scarlet. Miss Scarlet and her mother have been estranged for many years.

Since the day Josephine was born, Mrs. Peacock resented the attention her daughter received from her doting father. The young Josephine bore little resemblance to James Scarlet, but did, oddly, have the dark eyes of Sir Hugh Black.

When Josephine was only two years of age, her father was killed in an unfortunate accident. Since that time, Mrs. Peacock has largely ignored her only daughter. Miss Scarlet, on the other hand, is envious of the perceived wealth she thinks her mother selfishly hoards.

After her sudden expulsion from Madame Puce’s School for Girls, young Miss Scarlet decided to become an actress. She took small roles in a number of West End plays, but landed those parts only because of her good looks. Her lack of any real talent resulted in a rather short tenure with each production.

In 1924, Miss Scarlet met a young movie director while traveling in the United States with a group of amateur thespians. Using her considerable charms, Scarlet persuaded him to take her to Hollywood and cast her in a new movie. Scarlet’s shot at stardom ended abruptly, however, when the director grew weary of her tantrums, tardiness on the set, and her constant demand for expensive gifts.

Scarlet returned to England in 1925 and quickly endeared herself to a succession of wealthy and eligible bachelors. She became a frequent subject for the society columns in London's popular papers, and delighted in the attention. Lately, however, the tabloids have poked fun at her new interest -- rich old widowers. To avoid further bad publicity, she has reluctantly joined her mother for an extended holiday in the Hampshire countryside at Tudor Mansion.  Sir Hugh, upon meeting Scarlet for the first time, was taken aback by her uncanny resemblance to his late mother.

### Mr. John Green - a.k.a. Reverend Green

Date of Birth: 12th August 1871

Nationality: American

Place of Birth: Greenbush, Georgia

Personality: Usually friendly and outgoing, but has an unexpectedly fierce temper.

Profession: Jack of many trades. Man of the cloth. Con artist

Height: 5ft 8”

Weight: 220 pounds

Color of Eyes: Green

Color of Hair Gray

Props: Satchel, Black Book (Bible)

Phrases: “God helps those who help themselves”
“Good Lord!”
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance”

Mr. Green was 53 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on 8th August 1925. He was 54 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
Very little is known about John Green’s past, but one thing is for certain. He seems to have had many of them! In fact, he has told a different story to almost everyone he knows.

According to some accounts, he was raised by poor tenant farmers on a rundown farm in Georgia. His father was jailed for stealing money from the collection plate at a local house of worship. To make ends meet, his mother took in laundry and told fortunes at a seedy hotel.

Young John was a likable sort and was able to “charm the birds right out of the trees.”  He took his gift of gab and began preaching on the revival circuit.  He later took to calling himself Reverend Green.

Rumor has it that Green was spreading his own version of “stealing from the rich, and giving to the poor.”  For a time, he operated a traveling “tent revival” and encouraged his audiences to donate money to help others less fortunate (like him).

Over the past decade, Green has been questioned by police on numerous occasions. Allegations include everything from racketeering to bribery and fraud - not to mention smuggling and money laundering. Although authorities have never been able to prove anything, they suspect Green may be an international swindler of sizable proportions.

When traveling in England, on the continent, or Africa, Green often assumes the guise of a preacher. It was during one of these trips abroad that the “Reverend” first made the acquaintance of Sir Hugh Black. The two seemed to have had dealings over a long period of time, unlikely spiritual in nature.

### Lord Alfred Gray

Date of Birth: 16th May 1881

Nationality: English

Place of Birth: Cheshire, England

Personality: A friendly, agreeable bachelor, but occasionally displays intense anger and stubbornness.

Profession: Designer, Landscape Architect

Height: 5ft 10”

Weight: 186 pounds

Color of Eyes: Blue

Color of Hair Gray

Props: Sketchbook, Pencil

Phrases: “It’s all folly!”
“Pretty as a picture”
"From little acorns do great oaks grow”

Lord Gray was 44 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on 8th August 1925. He was 45 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
It was a joyous occasion when Earl Benjamin Gray and Lady Hermione Gray announced the arrival of their new son, Lord Freddie. Little Freddie was a much-loved and doted upon child. When his parents fell victims to an unexplained train accident while traveling in India, the boy was quite devastated.  Lord Freddie’s care and well being was left to his Great Aunt Agnes, who resided in Hampshire, a half-mile from the Black estate known as Tudor Mansion.

While dear Aunt Agnes had precious little experience with children she did offer great comfort to the boy.  Under her care Freddie proved to be a most agreeable and pleasant lad.  He took an early interest in drawing, and entertained himself by sketching cottages, designing elaborate gardens, and creating imaginative home interiors. At age 16, he even earned a commission from Sir Hugh Black to design a gazebo for Tudor Mansion’s south gardens.

After his beloved Aunt Agnes passed away in her sleep, Lord Freddie enrolled in the Royal Art Institute, and commenced his studies in earnest. Regrettably, during his sophomore year Freddie’s fiery temper and bullheadedness got him expelled. Shortly thereafter, World War I commenced. Lord Freddie enlisted and served admirably as a cartographer. In 1920, he returned to his Aunt’s home where he remains a charming bachelor, and makes a modest living designing water gardens for wealthy clients.

### Miss Amelia Peach

Date of Birth: 11th February 1903

Nationality: American

Place of Birth: Charleston, South Carolina

Personality: A charming Southern belle with a bitter jealous streak

Profession: Secretary in a law firm

Height: 5 ft 6”

Weight: 135 pounds

Color of Eyes: Blue

Color of Hair Strawberry blonde

Props: Parasol, Hat

Phrases: “See yawl later”
“Hi sweet pea”

Miss Peach was 22 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on 8th August 1925. Miss Peach was 23 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
Miss Amelia Peach was born and raised in the exclusive East Battery section of Charleston, South Carolina. Her father, Jerome Peach, was a wealthy importer who lavished his only daughter with attention and gifts. Amelia’s mother, Sarah, was a respected British actress in the Elizabethan Theater.

Amelia had a very happy childhood, and was an exceptional student. At age 17, she enrolled in college with hopes of becoming a lawyer. She was an inquisitive young woman, and enjoyed interrogating friends and family on every conceivable subject.

In the summer of 1924, Amelia visited her mother at a play rehearsal. While chatting backstage, she was introduced to the new understudy; a young actress named Josephine Scarlet. Being close in age, Amelia and Josephine struck up an immediate, but short-lived friendship. Soon after their meeting, tragedy occurred when Amelia’s mother was struck by falling scenery and could no longer remember her lines.

Misfortune continued. Amelia was forced to leave graduate school after her father’s extensive agricultural investments in the West Indies were wiped out during a devastating hurricane. Her boyfriend Roddy grew increasingly tired of her constant questioning concerning his whereabouts, and he eloped with Amelia’s best friend Trudy.

By the spring of 1925 Amelia was ready for a change. Her Uncle Reginald Madden, a successful lawyer in England, offered her a position as secretary to his law partner Nathaniel Seine. She eagerly accepted the job with Madden and Seine, and has enjoyed meeting several of her uncle’s wealthy clients–including John Boddy.

[reference to this law firm also in Jane Meadow-Brook bio]

### Mrs. Jane Meadow-Brook

Date of Birth: 15th March 1881

Nationality: English

Place of Birth: Blackpool, England

Personality: Chatty, gossipy, but a very good listener. Vindictive - don’t cross her.

Profession: Busybody

Height: 5 ft. 7”

Weight: 152 pounds

Color of Eyes: Green

Color of Hair Brown

Props: HandBag, Address Book and Fountain Pen

Phrases: “Cat got your tongue?”
“A penny for your thoughts”
“My lips are sealed”
“Don’t keep me in the dark”

Mrs. Meadow-Brook was 44 years old when her husband was murdered on 8th August 1925. She was 45 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
Mrs. Meadow-Brook is a local busybody who lives near Tudor Mansion. Her late, but not so lamented, husband was Miles Meadow-Brook, an attorney employed by Sir Hugh Black, and later John Boddy. (After Mr. Meadow-Brook’s sudden death, Boddy transferred his legal affairs to the Hampshire law firm of Madden and Seine.)

Mrs. Meadow-Brook has long been a “collector” of information. An astute snoop, she has a keen ear, and gathers gossip in every conceivable way.  Why, she was even known to grill her Sunday school class for the latest in domestic gossip!

Born Jane McWhooter, her parents both worked in British Foreign Service. At the age of eight, she became a newspaper hawker–not because she needed the money, but because she so enjoyed delivering the news. Before marrying, she also worked as a clerk in the local telegraph office.

  After her marriage to Miles Meadow-Brook, Jane’s obsessive need to know everything about everybody was an increasingly unpleasant topic of conversation between the couple.  It eventually caused quite a rift in their otherwise happy domestic life.

Mrs. Meadow-Brook has lived in Hampshire County her entire adult life, and knows just about everyone. Her snooping, as well as her embellishment of neighborhood “news,” had lead to several angry confrontations with the locals.

### Miles Meadow-Brook

Date of Birth: 1st January 1880

Nationality: English

Place of Birth: Egremont, England

Personality: Analytical mind. Quick-thinker. Sometimes impatient and outspoken, but kind-hearted.

Profession: Lawyer

Height: 5 ft. 10”

Weight: 198 pounds

Color of Eyes: Light brown

Color of Hair Brown

Props: Briefcase, Powdered wig

Phrases: “The devil’s in the details”

Miles Meadow-Brook was 45 years old when he was murdered on 8th August 1925.

Biography
Miles Meadow-Brook was born in the market town of Egremont, Cumbria. His father worked in the local iron mine.  Miles enjoyed a pleasant, uneventful childhood.  That was until his father ran off with a gypsy fortune-teller during the September Crab Apple Fair. Poor Miles was devastated, but his mother made the best of an unfortunate situation. She later married the editor of the local newspaper and shipped Miles off to boarding school in Hampshire.

Upon graduation, Meadow-Brook studied law under the watchful eye of a prominent Hampshire magistrate. He was a good student and studied hard. He soon realized the importance of making the acquaintance of rich and powerful locals, and therefore took every opportunity to do so.  He joined a local law firm and soon became a partner.

One day, while sending an urgent message by wire, Meadow-Brook was charmed by Jane McWhooter, the local telegraph operator.  A whirlwind courtship quickly led to marriage, and Jane proved to be a valuable resource for her husband. Having grown up in Hampshire, she knew just about everyone. In fact, it was Jane who first introduced her husband to Sir Hugh Black and his nephew, John Boddy. It turned out to be a very lucrative meeting for the young lawyer.

At Sir Hugh’s request, Meadow-Brook placed his client’s entire estate in a special Trust. Upon Sir Hugh’s death, the estate would be inherited by his nephew, John Boddy -- but only after Boddy reached the age of thirty. Until then, several mysterious allowances are being paid to persons unknown. These covert payments were a concern to Meadow-Brook, but he has always followed his client’s orders to the letter.

### Prince Philippe Azure

Date of Birth: 1st June 1892

Nationality: French

Place of Birth: Sahara, Africa

Personality: Polite, charismatic, mysterious

Profession: Arms dealer

Height: 6 ft. 2”

Weight: 195 pounds

Color of Eyes: Dark brown

Color of Hair Black

Props: Jeweled Turban, Ceremonial Dagger

Phrases: “Dead men tell no tales”
“C’est la guere!”
“Bonjour”

Prince Azure was 33 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on 8th August 1925. He was 34 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
The handsome and charismatic Azure was born of Tuareg nomads in middle Niger. Orphaned at two, he was rescued by a French soldier at Timbukto in 1894, and brought to Paris. Christened Philippe, the boy grew up listening to tales of his rumored “royal” lineage.  He attended the finest schools in France, and learned the trade of his guardian, a savvy dealer in armaments, and part-time “gun-runner.”

Philippe quickly exploited his supposed regal bloodlines, as well as his natural ability to turn weapons into profits. Taking on the title of “Prince” proved to be quite the door opener as he discovered irresistible benefits from the buying and selling of stolen paintings, artifacts and antiquities. While on a business trip in 1912, the Prince met Sir Hugh Black, an avid collector of vintage firearms. Prince Azure profited from their meeting, selling Sir Hugh a small fortune in rare weaponry. The Prince has also had several less successful dealings with a former associate of Sir Hugh – gun collector Colonel Michael Mustard.

No doubt Prince Azure was saddened to learn of Sir Hugh’s untimely death in 1914. Since then, he has keep in touch with Sir Hugh’s former associate – Professor Peter Plum, also a connoisseur of fine objects d’art. The two have also traveled to Tudor Mansion on occasion to meet with Sir Hugh’s nephew, John Boddy.

### Lady Su Sian Lavender

Date of Birth: 4 July 1897

Nationality: Chinese

Place of Birth: Hong Kong

Personality: Courteous, demure and devious

Profession: Herbalist

Height: 5 ft. 3”

Weight: 115 pounds

Color of Eyes: Dark brown

Color of Hair Black

Props: Bottle of Elixir

Phrases: “Curiosity killed the cat”

Lady Lavender was 29 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on 8th August 1925. She was 29 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
Su Sian met her future husband, Sir Laurence Lavender, when he happened upon her small herbal shop in Hong Kong. He was a dashing explorer and botanist who hoped to learn more about her rare Chinese herb collection. After sampling a few of her special concoctions, Sir Laurence became totally enraptured with Su Sian and her considerable charms. Three months later, he asked for her hand in marriage.

Upon their return to England, the newlyweds settled into Sir Laurence’s handsome home on the outskirts of London. Lady Su enjoyed meeting the social and academic elite, and deftly charmed her way into their good graces. Before long, she was offering her herbal recipes to appreciative acquaintances that suffered from both real and imagined health issues. Apparently, John Boddy of Tudor Mansion was such a client, as he was seen visiting Lady Su on several occasions.

Sir Laurence had long felt a restless urge to explore New Guinea and he repeatedly urged his wife to join him.  She refused and on the eve of his departure, Sir Laurence fell ill.  Even Lady Su’s remedies failed to save him. Since her husband’s passing, the widow Lady Su has continued as a much sought after herbalist to her many wealthy clients.

### Russell Nayler - a.k.a. “Rusty”

Date of Birth: 28 January 1864

Nationality: Welsh

Place of Birth: Lyme Regis, Cotswolds

Personality: Dry-witted, weary and cynical

Profession: Groundskeeper at Tudor Mansion

Height: 5 ft. 11”

Weight: 152 pounds

Color of Eyes: Green

Color of Hair Red

Props: Secateurs

Phrases: “The early bird catches the worm”
“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today”

Rusty was 61 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on 8th August 1925. He was 62 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
Rusty has been employed at Tudor Mansion for 38 of his 62 years. Born in the West Country, he set out at the age of 16 to make his way in the world. He joined the Hampshire Regiment where he served under Sir. Hugh Black.  Upon leaving the regiment, Sir Hugh offered Rusty a position as a field laborer at Tudor Mansion. There, his green thumb came to the attention of Sir Hugh’s father, Squire Sedgwick Black.

When Sir Hugh later inherited control of Tudor Mansion, he appointed Rusty head groundskeeper. Rusty set about transforming the rather stark surroundings into beautiful gardens, handsome hedgerows and lush lawns. When John Boddy, nephew of Sir Hugh, became heir to Tudor Mansion, he retained Rusty’s services.  In recent years, Rusty has labored many long hours to implement the impressive water garden designs created by Boddy’s gentleman-gardener neighbor, Lord Alfred Gray.

For all his efforts, Rusty has been rewarded with meager wages and a rent-free bungalow. Now weary and somewhat cynical, he tends to his planting and wonders what will happen to him when he is no longer able to keep up with the demands of such a vast estate.

### Winfield Brown - “The Inspector”

Date of Birth: October 31, 1884

Nationality: English

Place of Birth: Victoria Embankment, London

Personality: Concise, straightforward and businesslike

Profession: Police Inspector

Height: Six ft 2”

Weight: 203 pounds

Color of Eyes: hazel

Color of Hair light brown

Props: Magnifying Glass

Phrases: “He who knows nothing doubts nothing”

The Inspector was 41 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on 8th August 1925. He was 42 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
*The Inspector is a facilitator to the story and game. He is never the villain.*

He is an observant, helpful fellow who may provide useful information to the reader or player.

Dapper in appearance and thoughtful in manner, Inspector Brown points out important details and shares his knowledge with you. He may appear disarmingly friendly to his suspects, but he never loses sight of his goal–helping you catch the murderer.

### Reginald Cyngen Ash - “The Butler”

Date of Birth: 12 September 1865

Nationality: English

Place of Birth: Windsor, England

Personality: A tad stuffy, quite efficient

Profession: House Stewart of Tudor Mansion

Height: 6 ft. 2”

Weight: 168

Color of Eyes: sea green

Color of Hair gray

Props: White Gloves

Phrases: “You rang, sir”
“Dinner is served”

The Butler was 59 years old when Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered on 8th August 1925. He was 60 years old when John Boddy was murdered on 5th June 1926.

Biography
*Reginald Cyngen Ash is a facilitator to the story and game. He is never the villain.*

His role is to impart information to the reader or player. Because of his occasionally stuffy manner, he also provides comic relief from time to time.

Mr. Ash is the archetypal English Butler–neat, tidy, and proper. He insists on being addressed as Mr. Ash, but much to his dismay, Rusty the Groundskeeper calls him Reggie.

Mr. Ash is an astute judge of character, and would likely have warned John Boddy of imminent danger on the night of the murder. Unfortunately, the good butler was away visiting his elderly mother when the crime occurred.

## Circumstances Relating To The Murder

The following are details about the murders of Miles Meadow-Brook (in *Clue FX*) and John Boddy (*Clue - 2002 Edition*).

### Circumstances Relating To The Murder of Miles Meadow-Brook

**The Date**: Saturday 8th August 1925
**The Occasion**: Dr. John Boddy invites all of his Uncles colorful associates to an evening Garden Party at Tudor Mansion
**The Place**: Tudor Mansion, the ancestral home of the Black family and now John Boddy’s country mansion on Rainbow Road in Hampshire

**Those present on the night of the murder . . .**

Weapons found near the scene of the crime...
* The Tennis Racquet
* Horse Shoe
* The Lawn Gnome
* Water Bucket
* Hammer
* Garden Shears

Details pertaining to the Crime...
Miles Meadow-Brook (John Boddy’s Lawyer) phones John Boddy and insists he must meet to discuss new details he has uncovered pertaining to Sir Hugh’s Will. He arrives and the two talk in the Library. John Boddy leaves Miles to go to the Study to get some documents. The Butler, Ash, witnesses Miles lave the Library and wander into the gardens. When John Boddy returns from the Study Miles is nowhere to be seen. Some time later Miles is found dead outside at the foot of the stairs leading down into the basement and wine cellar. The body has been moved from somewhere else in the grounds . . .

WHO murdered Miles Meadow-Brook? WHERE did they murder him? WHAT did they murder him with?

### Circumstances Relating To The Murder of John Boddy

The Date: Saturday 5th June 1926

The Occasion: Premature celebration of John Boddy’s (Dr. Black’s) forthcoming 30th birthday, as he plans to be away on the 18th June.

The Place: Tudor Mansion, the ancestral home of the Black family and now John Boddy’s country mansion on Rainbow Road in Hampshire

Those present on the night of the murder . . .

Weapons found near the scene of the crime . . .
* The Candlestick - Early Victorian
* Rope - Made of heavy Indian jute
* Revolver - American
* Lead Pipe
* Knife/Dagger - Oriental origin
* Wrench/Spanner

Details pertaining to the Crime...
John Boddy invites six of his late Uncle’s most dubious associates to stay for a few days. He suspects some, or all of them, have been profiting from Sir Hugh’s Will. However, in 13 days John Boddy will be thirty and he will inherit full rights over his late uncle’s affairs. The Butler, Ash is not present on the night of the murder, as he is away in Scotland making preparations for Mr. Boddy’s planned vacation in the Highlands. On Saturday evening, a short while before dinner, around 8pm, John Boddy is found dead at the foot of the stairs leading down into the basement and wine cellar. The body has been moved from somewhere else in the mansion . . .

WHO murdered John Boddy? WHERE did they murder him? WHAT did they murder him with?

## Newspaper articles

### Newspaper article - Monday 10th August 1925

Murder at Tudor Mansion!
HAMPSHIRE: The well-known Barrister Miles Meadow-Brook was found dead Saturday night at Tudor Mansion, the palatial Rainbow Road estate of John Boddy. The cause of death is not known, but police are treating it as a homicide.

BODY FOUND
Police rushed to the Boddy estate after receiving an emergency phone call from Reginald Cyngen Ash, the Butler at the mansion.

According to Ash, an elaborate dinner party in the south garden of the estate ended abruptly after a guest discovered Meadow-Brook’s Body.

A reliable source close to the investigation stated that Meadow-Brook’s name was not on the party guest list. Although his body was found at the bottom of the cellar stairs, early indications suggest that the deceased was moved there from another location in or near the house.

MANSION GROUNDS SEARCHED
According to police, an extensive search of the mansion, gardens, stable, and pool area is being conducted. Leading the investigation is Inspector Winfield Brown who refused to confirm that a murder weapon had been recovered.

GUESTS AND STAFF QUESTIONED
Mr. Boddy, also referred to locally as Dr. Black, and five other witnesses at the scene have already been questioned and dismissed.

According to an unconfirmed report, those held for further questioning include retired Colonel Michael Mustard; Mrs. Patricia Peacock and her daughter, actress Josephine Scarlet; Professor Peter Plum of the British Museum; the Reverend John Green of the United States; Mrs. Jane Meadow-Brown, the estranged wife of the deceased; Mrs. Blanche White, Tudor Mansion house-keeper; and Russell “Rusty” Naylor, head groundskeeper for the estate.

MISSING WEAPON
During a statement to journalists Inspector Brown would neither confirm nor deny that a murder weapon had been recovered. Though he did add six items had been removed for further investigation.

DETECTIVES ASK WHO? WHAT? & WHERE?
Detectives will resume their search of the house tomorrow and will question each of

### Newspaper article - Monday 7th June 1926

**Murder at Tudor Mansion!**

The eminent anthropologist and man of letters Dr Black was found dead Saturday night at his Hampshire home on Rainbow Road. The cause of death is as yet unknown, but Police are treating it as highly suspicious.

BODY FOUND
Police rushed to Tudor Mansion after a telephone call from one of Dr. Black’s guests alerted them as to his misfortune.  Dr. Black was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 8.15pm. The guests at have all been detained for questioning along with the house staff. Initial reports as to what may have happened at the Mansion on Saturday evening are somewhat confusing. It appears the Doctor's body was found at the bottom of the stairs leading to the cellar, but early indications are that the body was moved there from another location in the house.

HOUSE SEARCHED
Early inspection of the house revealed no obvious evidence of a break-in.  Indeed, Police report that doors were locked and bolted and had been all evening at Dr Black's request. Officers carried out an initial room-by-room search of the premises, which revealed little.

MISSING WEAPON
During a statement to journalists Inspector Brown, leading the investigation, would neither confirm nor deny that a murder weapon had been recovered. Though he did add six items had been removed for further investigation.

GUESTS QUESTIONED
The whereabouts of Dr. Black Saturday afternoon are not known. Dr. Black’s Butler, Reginald Cyngen Ash, told us,

“I last saw Dr Black walking his dogs shortly after lunch. He often did so. I did not begin to suspect anything until later that evening. Dr. Black had requested dinner for 8pm. Yet at 7.45pm his dinner attire was still laid out in the bedroom where I had left it an hour before.”

Police have identified Dr. Black’s guests as Col. Mustard, age 62, retired, Mrs. White, age 63, Housekeeper and Cook, Mrs. Peacock and her daughter, the London actress Miss Josephine Scarlet, also present were Professor Peter Plum, age 38, of the British Museum and Reverend John Green, age 54.

DETECTIVES ASK WHO? WHAT? & WHERE?
Detectives will resume their search of the house tomorrow and will question each of

## Story

**Based on Narrative in US and European CLUE 50th Anniversary Edition**

How I happened to be at the scene of the crime...
I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I had been hinting at Boddy for months at the Club, and he finally gave in and invited me to spend a few days at his country place, Tudor Mansion. Unfortunately, I had already made plans for Saturday afternoon, none-the-less I was thrilled to be able to join him and his friends for a couple of days.

I was the last guest to arrive, at around six Thursday evening. By the time I had introduced myself to the others, unpacked and changed for dinner, and joined the other guests for cocktails in the Lounge, I'd already gotten a funny feeling about this weekend I had long dreamed of.

Something was definitely amiss. The other guests were all acting strange--furtive, and suspicious. While there was the usual idle chatter between this one and that one, they all seemed preoccupied. And, while Boddy was the grandest chap and had a reputation for holding positively smashing parties, our host avoided all the other guests and spent time only with me. He wasn't himself…the lovable man I played snooker with at the Club was nervous.

Just before eight, when dinner would be served, Boddy beckoned me into the Hall.

"A word in private, old chap." He picked a coil of Rope off the hat rack and nervously looped and re-looped it as he spoke.

I was relieved at the chance to speak to him alone. "Right. Now will you tell me what the blaze is going on here, Boddy? These friends of yours are about the rummest bunch I've ever met. What gives?"

He hesitated. I thought he would tell me what was going on. "Can't say, old man," he replied. "But I have my own suspicions, and you'd be a lifesaver if you'd keep your eyes and ears open and let me know what you can find out about my guests."

"But they're your friends, Boddy, I've never met them before. What makes you suspicious?"

I would not really call them my friends ... they were more associates of my late uncle, but I do have my reasons for asking them down. Here, take a look at these."

He took a bulky envelope filled with newspaper clips from his inside jacket pocket and waited while I skimmed the headlines. If the people mentioned in the clips were Boddy's colorful guests, they certainly had high profiles in the tabloids: a shady deal, a suspicious discovery ... a broken contract, a stolen heirloom ... a squandered inheritance, a contested will.

I handed him the clippings. He put them back and patted his pocket. "I'll put these in a safe place after dinner. What do you say, old chap. Will you help me out?"

I agreed to keep a watch on the other guests at Tudor Mansion for the weekend, and to let Mr. Boddy know if I spotted anything of a suspicious nature. I told him I would collect clues and give him a written report of anything that looked "funny" before I left the Mansion on Monday morning.

"Thanks, old chap." Boddy sighed, momentarily relieved. "You are a lifesaver." He patted me on the shoulder, and we walked in to dinner together.

Friday was pleasant enough ... a bit of riding in the morning, a positively hideous luncheon at the hands of Mrs. White, a few games of bridge after dinner, an early evening. I had picked up a few items of interest around the Mansion-possible clues to the guests' mysterious behavior. And I couldn't forget those newspaper clippings ... were they related to the clues I'd picked up?

Saturday a few of the guests played tennis before lunch. Another group wandered the beautiful grounds. It was a peaceful day, however as I prepared to leave in the afternoon the skies grew darker and it began to drizzle. I said my goodbyes to Boddy and agreed to meet him in the Club later that week to discuss what I had discovered . . . little did I know it would be the last time I saw him alive.

I was shocked to read of his murder in Monday’s Newspaper. Those newspaper articles! The items I'd found around the mansion! Why, any one of the guests could have done in Mr. Boddy. There were motives and modi operandi in every room, for every Suspect. Poor chap: His suspicion had been well founded, after all. I shook myself back to reality and asked myself:

"Who did it? Where? What was the Weapon?"

I thought to myself  "The least I can do for Boddy is figure it out myself."

But I never did. ***Can you?***

***What I found at Boddy Mansion in the Lounge...***

My first evening at the Mansion, I caught Colonel Mustard snoozing under the Evening Standard in the Lounge. I coughed discreetly and he harrumphed himself awake, with a verbal string of Old Chaps and Forty Winks. I remarked that I'd missed him at the station that evening. "What-what?" He was surprised. "Boddy had told me the two of us would be coming down on the same train, so we could share a taxi to the Mansion," I explained. "But I didn't see you in any compartment, I’d waited for everyone to alight from First Class. Where were you?" Harrumph, harrumph, he mumbled... "Quite a crowd. Never saw you, old chap." With a sheepish look, he left the Lounge. But before he was out of sight, I saw him surreptitiously shift something from his jacket pocket into the waistband of his trousers. It was early in the weekend, so I wasn't particularly surprised that a retired military man and renowned target shooter would be carrying a Revolver.

As I took Mustard's seat on the divan and picked up the newspaper, I noticed a tiny slip of white between the cushions. A bus ticket ... with the same day's date. Surely a man of Mustard's rank hadn't had to resort to traveling by bus ... or had he?

***What I found in the Library...***

Professor Plum was in the Library Saturday morning, taking down one book after another from the shelves, riffling through the pages, then putting each back. From the doorway, I asked what he was looking for. He whirled around, stuffing what looked like small length of cord or rope into his pocket. He gave me a positively filthy look. I mumbled something like, "Nothing like a good book." He mumbled something about Alexander the Great and his relic of the Gordian Knot.

After lunch Plum went upstairs for a nap, and I returned to the library. I started with the shelf below the one he had been working on. Skimming over the titles, something caught my eye. Sticking up between the pages of one book, titled “Ancient Assassins”, was the corner of a Gentleman’s calling card. It was clear this was what Plum had been reading, for the card read “Professor Peter Plum – British Museum” The chapter he had marked was titled “The Thugs” reading on it said they had also been known as the Phansigars otherwise known in English as the stranglers!

***What I found in the Kitchen ...***

I couldn't get over the disastrous luncheon and decided a cup of tea wouldn't kill me. Mrs. White looked like she'd been doing a bit of Kitchen plumbing repair. She put down the Lead Pipe and fetched the teapot. "And how did you enjoy the Stewed Eels?" she asked, fishing for a compliment. I blanched at the memory. To avoid answering, I changed the subject, and asked what she would serve if she could concoct her Dream Dinner. "Ah, I've dreamed of that for years. I've even prepared the Bill of Fare." She scrabbled around in the drawer of the kitchen table, and produced it. Dream Dinner! I felt ill just hearing her recite these.

While she had her back turned pouring the tea, I spotted something else in the table drawer: Mrs. White's bankbook. Quickly I flipped to the last page: How could a Cook cook up a balance that high? Boddy had told me she was in charge of the household accounts. Maybe she was skimming more than the gravy!

***What I found in the Conservatory...***

At dusk on Friday, Mrs. Peacock was in the Conservatory furiously cutting every leaf off one of Boddy's African violets with a Knife. Before I could speak, she rushed out the door to the lawn and hailed Colonel Mustard, who was strolling the grounds with one of Boddy's Borzoi hounds at his heel. The plant tag stuck in the pot read "Saintpaulia 'Sailor's Girl."' Odd name for a plant, I thought, but what had that little violet ever done to make her so angry?

I also couldn't help but notice that Mrs. Peacock had left her handbag on the wicker couch. And I couldn't help but notice the clasp was open, and it would only take a tick to see what was inside. (Boddy had told me to look around, after all.) Inside was a fiver-not much money to have on you for a whole weekend in the country--and a pawn ticket, dated the day before. It was for a strand of pearls--and it was for a bundle. What did Mrs. Peacock need that kind of money for? And where was the money now?

***What I found in the Study…***

After two days I thought I had figured out why Miss Scarlet spent most of her time in the Study. With its huge windows overlooking the gardens, she could always be sure of catching her own reflection whenever she wanted to admire herself. She stood and stared for hours, folding and refolding the same dove gray piece of stationery she held in her hands. I could see a heraldic crest on the paper, but that's all I could make out, until late Sunday afternoon...

She was seated at Boddy's tilt-front secretary, concentrating, writing, scratching out and re-writing by the light from the candle in the Candlestick. I caught only a glimpse of what she wrote before she looked up and saw my reflection. Hurriedly she covered both letters with the blotter, but not before I read the crested letter's nine-word message: I saw you do it and I will tell.

Poor, distraught Scarlet ... what had she done?

***What I found in the Billiard Room…***

Green and I had agreed to a game of Billiards after Friday’s dinner. I must have arrived earlier than he expected because when I walked in he quickly hid something behind his back. Knowing I'd seen it, he held out the Wrench and tried to cover up: "Uhhhh ... had to tighten the leg bolts before we played." Well, that was hard to swallow. The table weighed close to half a ton and tightening those massive legs would take more than a plumber's Wrench.

We racked the balls and started our first game. I was playing badly, and Green got a greedy look in his eye.

"Let's make this interesting, shall we?" he challenged, pulling a wad of cash from his pocket. "Nothing like a little green on the green to heighten the excitement,"

"Oh, no!" I replied. "Your stakes would be too rich for my blood."

He kept after me, but I stood my ground. The way he pushed, I got the distinct impression he was interested in more than the heightened challenge. This man needs the money, I said to myself.

## External links

Clue Style Guide on Internet Archive (archive.org)