The plot thickens in this final issue, as the inspector delves into the history and motivations of this dysfunctional family.

Merry delights in trying to solve the case for the inspector which only irritates him more. Sam’s interview comes off as sincere and somewhat hapless, but when he breaks down the crime scene in a professional manner, you’re convinced he knows what he’s talking about. It’s also revealed that Louise was supposed to inherit M. Anouilh’s fortune, but she knew, along with her father and her boyfriend, he intended to change the will with fifty percent going to Pam, his assistant. It turns out that Pam (or Pauline) was his niece. When she finally revealed who she was to M. Anouilh, Pam asked him about an old family story featuring her great great grandmother who was part of a jewel theft ring during the 1904 World’s Fair. He tried to deny it, but eventually admitted it was true, and he was looking for the jewels she had hidden inside a chair.

The next day, the inspector – in his usual Piorotesque way – gathers his suspects, convinced he has found the culprit. Sam and Merry are unconvinced he is capable of coming to the correct conclusion; however, he is smart enough to figure out that the victim didn’t die at his desk and the entire scene was staged. And he is right about one thing—the culprit always leaves something behind. In his usual pompous and overdrawn manner, he announces who the culprit is. But is he right? Or will Sam and Merry save the day?

A classic “who done it” with a terrific twist, this story was an unexpected delight that I never saw coming. Having the mysterious lady in black be a relative of one of the characters was a fun touch and a good way to work it into the story. All of the characters were so self-absorbed, it turned everyone into a prime suspect, as well as being entertaining.

The use of texture in the title page, a modified coroner’s report as the cover, and the end pages made the issue stand out. The art is fun and does an effective job of evoking the emotions of the characters.

In trying not to give away any spoilers, I do hope we see Sam and Merry again.

Creative Team: Margie Kraft Kindt (writer), Matt Kindt (writer/artist), Sophia Hilmes (letterer)
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
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