Help! My friend sent me this game and I can't even get past the first scene! I'm a reasonably intelligent person but must be missing something. I have no experience with these types of games but want to give it a go! I have been stopped by the two elderly ladies in the market area, one of whom has lost her parasol. I have searched everywhere I possibly can and have attempted to speak to every person encountered - all to no avail. I'm about to throw this game away! Can anyone give me a tip or two on how I am supposed to proceed? Of course, there are no instructions or tips with the game itself. I thank you all in advance.

Hi Inkysquid, and to GameBoomers!

Have you seen the goat yet? Try tempting it away with a handful of something tasty, and you might then find what you're looking for.

Thanks Rushes!

Inkysquid be sure to pick up or handle anything that might have a hotspot on it.
You have lots of time so be slow and methodical about looking at the things around you.
If you want a w/t to help you out, we'll be happy to show you where those are. If you only wants hints and nudges, we'll be happy to do that also.

Sue

Thank you both - SO MUCH. I fed the goat some grain, which I initially thought was sand... so I never put the two together. I've advanced in the plot and poor Mr. Ratchett is now dead. I've gathered many objects but am stuck again. Poirot is recuperating in bed while I investigate and the window sill is "quite interesting". I see the footprints in the snow outside the window and have tried ALL of my objects on the window sill. Nothing seems to be right. I have a feeling I am being urged to get fingerprints but the ashes from the cigar butt and the sellotape are of no use (LOL). Can I be nudged - or kicked....? I will accept any help. At this point I am unable to explore any part of the train. I can only go from murder scene to Poirot's room/berth.
Again! THANK YOU

Inky for the time being, just remember where you are finding fingerprints, you don't have the supplies necessary to lift them yet.
Did you search the body thoroughly. Did you search any clothing in the room? Did you look under his pillow? Did you pester the doctor with tons of questions?
You can always pop back into Poirot's room and update him on your progress too.

Sue

I did all of that.... numerously. At this point, the doctor won't answer any more questions and Poirot keeps telling me the investigation is to continue and I shouldn't be afraid of checking areas already checked. I have checked the body so much that the doctor is stopping just short of accusing me of necrophilia (*insert chuckle here*). I have the gun from under pillow, the watch from pocket, all the items on nightstand (including his teeth - yuck), etc.

Isn't there a hat in that room too Inky? Did you find a match stick, drinking glass, handkerchief, piece of burned paper and bottle of pills?
This game is terribly picky about collecting and examining evidence.
Please be sure to look at all items in your inventory with the magnifying glass.

Sue

I found all you listed, plus a pipe cleaner. I don't think I have the pills - I'll check. I've looked at the items I have under the glass and can see writing on the burned paper but can't make it out yet. I feel like I'm clicking on EVERYTHING but it's obvious that I've missed something. Thanks for your time and patience. I'll go back and hopefully report back with success. I wish I could minimize the game so I can pop back and forth. Again, thanks.

Inky you can find some of the answers you may need by consulting this
The game runs easier once you are able to get out of this loop with Poirot.
Good luck

Sue

Thanks, it's a good resource to have. I think this Poirot loop is going to be the death of me. I'm giving up for the night; I'll try again tomorrow. Thanks, again.

Grrrrr. The doc and Poirot will no longer speak to me about anything else. I've checked the entire murder scene, collected everything possible and am unable to go anywhere else on the train. Does anyone have a word of advice? I've gone through the resource that TL gave me and it says that when I've reached this point, I should be able to converse with Poirot about reading the burned note with the spirit lamp (which I have) but Poirot won't talk about anything except that I should continue to investigate. I am REALLY trying to like this game. LOL.

Inky are you able to wander around on the train yet?

Sue

I can go nowhere but Poirot's cabin and the murder scene next door. That's it.

Okay, couldn't figure out if you had a spirit lamp or just knew you'd need one.
Have you looked at every piece of evidence in your inventory? Is there a print on the drinking glass or maybe some sediment in the glass.
Did you find anything in the hat?

Sue

i've looked at everything with the mag. glass. I know there is a biblical reference inside the brim but the mag. glass does not tell me that. The mag. only says it's a hat. I know about the biblical reference from the link you gave me. The tumbler is supposed to have a smudge on it but the mag. glass just says it's a heavier glass... no mention of prints or smudges.

Inky it's fine to use a w/t to give you a nudge but you have to actually find the clues. Look inside the hat brim and find the writing inside please. Use the magnifying glass

Sue