Autumnal Games

Puzzle No. 3: The Haunted Mill

By Jim Markus · First appeared August 1, 2026

Solve it in your head or work the clues on paper. Everyone has an alibi except one. When you’ve placed all five, check your answer below.

You and your four friends (and your smart, if cowardly, pet dog) have been investigating a supposed haunting at an old mill. Five suspects, a pile of clues, and only one culprit behind the 'ghost.' Everyone has an occupation, a place they were at 2am last Saturday, and a shoe size. Work the clues, place each suspect, and name the one who was at the mill when the ghost appeared.

The clues

  1. The ghost appeared most recently at 2am last Saturday, at the Old Mill.
  2. The caretaker was the only person at the mill that night.
  3. The suspects who were drinking at the bar wear size 7 and 8 shoes.
  4. The machinist was drinking at the bar.
  5. Amila operates the mill's machines.
  6. Orin works for Old Man Miller as a farmhand.
  7. Young Martha is only visiting the farm.
  8. The visitor was on the train.
  9. Old Man Miller owns the Old Mill.
  10. Francesca isn't a machinist or a farmhand.
  11. The caretaker wears size 9 shoes.

Your accusation