A Detective's Novel (2016)

On a chilly November night, deep in the mountains, an innocent life was tragically lost. Surrounded only by his family and closest friends, William Goldberg, a highly controversial yet immensely successful businessman, passed away under mysterious circumstances. Goldberg was the owner of Goldberg Industries, a multi-million dollar arms company that played a significant role in providing weapons for the military during World War II. His sudden death shocked the local community and raised many questions that the police department couldn't easily answer.

The case quickly drew the attention of Detective Knox, a legendary figure in the world of criminal investigation. With a reputation for solving over a hundred cases, Knox was considered a prodigy in his field. Accompanied by Clark, a young and eager detective assigned by the Chief to monitor Knox's work, the two set off to investigate Goldberg's estate, located miles away from the nearest settlement in a secluded mansion. Given the remote location and the fact that only a handful of people were present at the time of Goldberg's death, it was clear that those individuals were likely involved in the incident.

As the investigation unfolds, players are tasked with uncovering the truth behind the mysterious death. By following clues, gathering evidence, and questioning suspects, players will gradually piece together the puzzle of who, how, and why Goldberg died. With every new discovery, the case becomes more intricate, challenging players to apply their own deduction skills to reveal the shocking truth.

The game draws inspiration from classic mystery novels by legendary authors like Arthur C. Doyle and Agatha Christie, as well as the psychological depth found in the "When They Cry" series. It combines engaging detective work with an immersive narrative that keeps players hooked until the very end.

Key Characters

• Knox (Age: 29, Profession: Senior Detective, Blood Type: B) - One of the state's most renowned detectives, Knox has never encountered a mystery he couldn't solve. Despite his impressive track record of over 100 solved cases, he tends to approach his work with a relaxed attitude, preferring to enjoy his cigarettes and coffee rather than putting in much effort. His sharp intellect and natural talent make him an invaluable asset to the investigation.
• Clark (Age: 26, Profession: Junior Detective, Blood Type: A) - A young and eager detective, Clark is working on his first major case. Eager to prove himself, he is often seen as naïve and overly idealistic. According to Knox, he is a "narrow-minded simpleton" sent by the Chief to ensure that Knox stays within the boundaries of proper procedure. Despite this, Clark's enthusiasm and determination may just prove helpful in cracking the case.
• Edward Goldberg (Age: 32, Profession: Ex-Soldier 1st Class, Blood Type: O) - The eldest son of the deceased, Edward has just returned from serving in World War II, where his bravery and intellect earned him a reputation as a capable soldier. As the first in line to inherit his father's fortune, his connection to the case is personal and complex, making him one of the primary suspects.
• Arthur Blackwood (Age: 58, Profession: Businessman, Blood Type: O) - A well-established businessman and close friend of the late William Goldberg, Arthur helped Goldberg build his financial empire during the war. Despite his short temper, Blackwood's charisma has earned him the affection of his employees. His business ties with the deceased and his volatile nature make him an intriguing figure in the investigation.
• Margaret Goldberg (Age: 35, Profession: Housewife, Blood Type: AB) - The widow of William Goldberg, Margaret's marriage to the deceased was brief, but she claims to have loved him deeply. A highly emotional individual, she is known to have a volatile temperament and can quickly change her attitude when provoked. Her grief and her actions on the night of the murder raise several questions.
• Harrison Wilkins (Age: 65, Profession: Butler, Blood Type: B) - The family butler, who has served the Goldbergs for decades, Harrison is calm, patient, and wise beyond his years. Despite his old age, he continues to work for the family instead of retiring. His long history with the Goldberg family gives him valuable insights into the family's dynamics, but his loyalty to the family may cloud his judgment.

As players dive deeper into the investigation, they will need to sift through conflicting testimonies, hidden motives, and the tangled web of relationships between the suspects. Each character has their own secrets, and it is up to the player to determine who is telling the truth and who is hiding something. The tension builds as players uncover shocking revelations and attempt to connect the dots before the killer escapes justice.

A Detective's Novel is more than just a mystery; it is an exploration of human nature, ambition, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets. With a complex narrative and unforgettable characters, this visual novel provides a thrilling experience for fans of detective stories and those looking for an engaging puzzle to solve.