The Hunt Ball Mystery

At the start of a crisp autumn evening, the Hunt Ball is set to begin at the stately Lion Hotel, where a circle of country gentry gather for dancing, hunting, and whispered gossip. Just as the festivities loom, a hurried traveler discovers his evening suitcases have vanished from the train, casting a shadow over his plans to attend the celebration. His frantic search draws the attention of detective Hugh Gifford and the irascible host Kelson, who must untangle the mix‑up before the night’s revelry can even start.

As the two men argue over a crowded carriage, a cool‑spoken stranger slips into the Lion’s lobby, offering a polite yet puzzling presence that sets everyone on edge. Soon after, a stained flower and a cryptic clue appear in the ballroom, hinting that the missing luggage may be only the first sign of something far more sinister. With the clock ticking toward the hunt’s grand waltz, Gifford must sift through false alibis, hidden motives, and an unexpected locked‑room mystery, inviting listeners to join a cleverly plotted puzzle steeped in Edwardian charm.