Cain’s Jawbone by Edward Powys Mathers

Over half a million copies have been sold of a unique novel that combines a murder mystery with an incredibly challenging literary puzzle. Titled “Cain’s Jawbone,” the book was written by Edward Powys Mathers, also known as Torquemada, the cryptic crossword compiler for the Observer in 1934.

The novel’s pages have been intentionally printed in a completely random order, presenting readers with the daunting task of deciphering the correct sequence. Through the application of logic and intelligent reading, it is possible to arrange the pages in the only correct order, revealing the identities of six murder victims and their respective killers.

Only three individuals have successfully unraveled the enigma of “Cain’s Jawbone” so far. Will you be among the elite few who possess the skills and persistence to join their ranks?

It’s important to note that this literary puzzle is not for the faint-hearted, as it is renowned for its extreme difficulty. Are you up for the challenge?

Cracking the Code: Solving the Cain’s Jawbone Mystery

Listen, I know what you’re thinking: “Jack, don’t you have better things to do than solve fictional murders?” Well, the answer is no, I don’t. Mind your own business. So, I came across this article actually first published in 1934. This is “Kane’s Jawbone,” a murder mystery book with a twist. The catch? The pages are all in the wrong order, and you have to rearrange them by solving clues to reveal the six murder victims and their respective murderers.

The puzzle is said to be extremely difficult and not for the faint-hearted. Only three people have ever managed to solve it. So, it’s quite bold of me to assume that I’ll be the fourth. Anyway, let’s get started. I’ve cut out all the pages and stuck them on the wall. Now, the real challenge begins.

Back in 1934, a prize of 15 pounds was offered to the first reader who could reorder the pages correctly. And now, Unbound is reviving the competition, offering a prize to anyone who can provide the names of the murdered and their murderers, the correct order of the pages, and a short explanation of how the solution was obtained. The winners will receive 250 pounds or 350 dollars. The competition ends on December 31, 2022, so time is of the essence.

But I must admit, this puzzle is incredibly challenging. I don’t even know where to begin. There are so many pages, clues, and references to literature and events. But I’m determined to give it a go and see what I can decipher. Even if I only manage to find one clue, I’ll consider it a victory.

First, I’ll start by examining how each page ends and begins, looking for patterns and connections. I’ll also pay attention to lines of poetry and try to determine if they belong to the same poem or if they’re scattered throughout. This might help me piece together the puzzle. It’s overwhelming, but I’m up for the challenge.

As I delve deeper into the book, I discover more and more references to literature, events, and characters. It’s like solving a complex riddle or uncovering hidden secrets. I find connections between pages through poetry, literary allusions, and even specific dates mentioned in the text.

I spend hours researching and searching for answers. Sometimes, I hit dead ends and can’t find the exact information I need. But I persevere, driven by the excitement of uncovering each clue and making progress. The more I find, the more addicted I become to this literary puzzle.

However, the task is not without its challenges. There are multiple narrators, and I suspect one of them might even be a dog. Yes, it sounds strange, but with each new discovery, my theories become wilder and more intricate. I feel like a detective, trying to make sense of a complex web of clues.

I divide the pages based on tense and compile lists of literary allusions. I underline references to authors, poems, and cultural events. I search for meaning in every line, every word, and every reference. It’s a meticulous process, but I’m determined to crack this puzzle.

I encounter frustrations along the way. Some references lead to dead ends or are too cryptic to decipher. But I push through, fueled by my curiosity and the exhilaration that comes with every breakthrough. I can’t let go of this puzzle just yet.

Each day, I uncover more connections and unravel more of the mystery. I’m building a web of information on my wall, linking lines of poetry, literary references, and dates. It’s a jigsaw puzzle, and I’m slowly fitting the pieces together.

However, there are still many unknowns and unanswered questions. The puzzle keeps me up at night, and my brain is constantly working, searching for clues and making connections. It’s a mental workout like no other.

Yet, despite the challenges and frustrations, I’m hooked. The satisfaction of solving even a small part of the puzzle is incomparable. I find myself driven to continue, eager to uncover the truth hidden within the pages of this book.

So, I’ll keep going, exploring each page, each line, each reference. I’ll dive deeper into the world of “Kane’s Jawbone” and try to bring order to its jumbled pages. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll be the one to crack this literary enigma.

Stay tuned for part two of my journey as I continue my quest to solve “Kane’s Jawbone.” It’s a challenging endeavor, but I’m determined to see it through. If you enjoyed my journey so far, give this article a thumbs up and subscribe to stay updated. Together, let’s unravel the mystery.