Petawawa library mystery goes unsolved

Petawawa library mystery goes unsolved

Most would-be puzzle solvers share

a common mistake, says the author of

Petawawa's "Mystery at the Library"

riddle, Don Shade.

"They seize one clue, then bend all

other clues to suit their premature

assumption", says Shade, who

laboriously devised all 16 clues to the

library's contest, held as part of Civic

Centre Days.

The clues, a blend of factual and

riddle-types, included teasers such as

"So complex it took three to do", "A

horned helmet may twice be of help to

you" and "Some horsey terms blended

with fruit."

No one managed to solve the

mystery, but a draw was made and a

winner, Michelle Dumas, 9, was

found.

Michelle's mother, Jenny, who

puzzled over the clues with her

daughter, admits they, too, were guilty

of setting their sights on one clue and

making the others fit in.

"We thought it was a Commodore

computer", says Michelle, but adds she

is quite pleased with her prize, the

mystery object, which turned out to be

a book,"The Story of English", published by

Viking Penguin Inc.

Shade says the clues " weren't meant

to be easy"- they were aimed at those of

high school level education-

but he concedes the contest would

probably be made a bit easier if it was

done again.

The Petawawa Library would

appreciate feedback concerning the

contest, and for those interested in boning up on their puzzle-solving skills, Shade

recommends the book, "The Search for

the Golden Hare", which is available at

the Petawawa Library.

Michelle Dumas receives her prize, the book "The Story of English" from Petawawa Library board

member, Don Shade. Although Michelle was unable to solve the Mystery at the Library riddle, her name

was chosen in the draw.