Many of you will have read our ‘Solve it Yourself’ story from January’s issue, concerning the mysterious murder of Mr Kippering at a fancy soiree. The inspector promised to reveal Mr Phipps’s modus operandi to the assembled guests. Here is the solution:
Mr Kippering was poisoned following the consumption of the wild mushroom soup. The mushrooms contained in the soup were of the variety known as the common inkcap.
This funghi is mostly harmless, except when eaten in combination with alcohol (Mr Phipps had given Mr Kippering a snifter of Brandy prior to the meal). In these circumstances, and if the consumer happens to have a pre-existing heart condition, as was the case for Mr Kippering, the results could prove fatal.
The remainder of the assembled guests, having consumed the same meal from the same platters and tureens would remain unharmed on account of not having consumed any alcohol that evening, or being afflicted with any pre-existing health condition that would put them at risk.
