The Locked Shed

When Bill Kershaw was found dead in his machinery shed outside Longford, the door was locked from the inside. He had been killed by a single blow to the head with a spanner from his own tool rack. There were no signs of a struggle.

What we know

Earlier that afternoon, Bill told his wife he was heading to the shed to work on a new project. He said he planned to lock himself in — he wanted the details kept quiet.

Four people were considered suspects in Bill's death and were in the vicinity of Bill's shed.

Alice Kershaw (wife)

Bill’s wife had no apparent motive. She stated that she had remained in the house and did not go near the sheds.

Helen Price (accountant)

Helen says she arrived as Bill was walking to the shed. She asked to come inside. Bill refused and locked the door behind him. She left shortly after.

Tom Reid (neighbour)

Tom had an ongoing boundary disagreement with Bill and their properties adjoin. Tom claimed he was nowhere near the sheds that afternoon and there were no witness to confirm or contradict this claim.

Mark Ellis (farmhand)

Mark had been working in the adjoining machinery shed, separated from Bill’s by an internal door. He was angry about being excluded from the new project — work he believed he’d largely done himself.

One detail

Investigators noted grease smears on an internal door between the two sheds. That door could only be opened from Bill’s side.

Your Challenge

Who had means, motive, and opportunity? And on that basis, who killed Bill Kershaw?

Correct entries received by 25 February 2026 will go into the draw to win a Detective Inspector Stratton eBook boxset.

The solution will be released in next month’s newsletter.