detectiveThe central character in the book, who solves mysteries.
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A person, especially a police officer, who investigates crimes."'The detective arrived at the scene of the crime.'"
murderA significant event in the book, which sets the plot in motion.
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The unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another."'The brutal murder left the town in shock.'"
investigateA process the central character undertakes to solve the mystery.
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Carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth."'The detective decided to investigate the strange occurrence.'"
alibiAn explanation often used in investigations to prove innocence.
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A claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, typically a criminal one, is alleged to have taken place."'He had a solid alibi for the night of the murder.'"
culpritThe person responsible for the crime.
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A person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed."'The detective was getting closer to catching the culprit.'"
forensicA method used in investigations to find evidence.
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Relating to or denoting the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime."'Forensic evidence was crucial in solving the case.'"
incriminateWhat evidence does to a suspect in a crime.
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Make (someone) appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing."'The evidence found at the scene could incriminate the suspect.'"
circumstantialA type of evidence in a crime.
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Pointing indirectly toward someone's guilt but not conclusively proving it."'The circumstantial evidence was not enough to prove his guilt.'"
red herringA misleading clue in a mystery story.
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Something, especially a clue, that is or is intended to be misleading or distracting."'The detective realized that the clue was a red herring.'"
motiveThe reason for committing a crime.
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A reason for doing something."'The detective was trying to understand the criminal's motive.'"