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A piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving of a mystery. In context: Each clue they uncovered pointed towards a different suspect, complicating the investigation.

A complex, plot-driven variety of a detective story in which the audience is given the task of determining the perpetrator of the crime. In context: The novel was an engaging whodunit with twists and turns that kept the reader guessing until the very end.

The use of science and technology to investigate and establish facts in criminal or civil courts of law. In context: Forensics experts were called to analyze fingerprints and DNA evidence found at the crime scene.

A detective or investigator, often used to describe an amateur or private individual rather than a professional. In context: The amateur sleuth outsmarted the police and solved the mystery of the missing heirloom.

A misleading clue or piece of information that diverts attention away from the actual issue or culprit. In context: The detective realized the left-behind glove was a red herring designed to mislead the investigation.

A defense claim that someone accused of a crime was elsewhere when the crime was committed. In context: The suspect's alibi was confirmed by video footage showing him in another city at the time of the robbery.

A reason for doing something, especially a reason for committing a crime. In context: The prosecution argued that the accused had a clear motive for the murder, rooted in jealousy and greed.

The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid. In context: The evidence against the suspect was overwhelming, including fingerprints and a DNA match.

A person thought to be guilty of a crime or offense. In context: The police interviewed several suspects before arresting the one with the strongest motive and opportunity.

A person who helps another commit a crime. In context: The detective discovered that the thief had an accomplice who drove the getaway car.

The action of forging a copy or imitation of a document, signature, banknote, or work of art. In context: The art dealer was arrested after it was discovered that he was selling forgeries of famous paintings.

To ask questions of (a suspect or a witness) closely, aggressively, or formally. In context: The officers decided to interrogate the suspect after inconsistencies appeared in his statement.

Involving secret work within a community or organization, especially for the purposes of police investigation or espionage. In context: The undercover agent spent years infiltrating the crime syndicate.

To make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing; to implicate. In context: The stolen goods found in her car served to incriminate her in the robbery.

A decision on an issue of fact in a civil or criminal case or an inquest. In context: After hours of deliberation, the jury returned with a unanimous verdict of guilty.

A document issued by a legal or government official authorizing the police to make an arrest, search premises, or carry out some other action relating to the administration of justice. In context: The police obtained a warrant to search the premises, where they found incriminating evidence hidden in the basement.

A surprising and previously unknown fact that has been disclosed to others. In context: The revelation that the primary witness was lying changed the entire course of the trial.

A period of secret surveillance of a building or an area by police in order to observe someone's activities. In context: The detectives conducted a stakeout outside the suspect's house, hoping to catch them in the act.

A person, especially a police officer, whose occupation is to investigate and solve crimes. In context: The detective worked tirelessly, piecing together the evidence to solve the complex puzzle of the murder case.

A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful. In context: The conspiracy involved high-ranking officials and was destined to shake the very foundations of the organization.

A statement made by the defendant either as an answer to a charge or as a confession of guilt. In context: The defendant entered a plea of not guilty and chose to go to trial rather than accept a plea bargain.

A criminal investigation that has not been solved after a certain amount of time and is not being actively investigated, although it may be reopened if new evidence appears. In context: The detective was renowned for reopening cold cases and finding the missing links that had been overlooked in the past.

An act of using a listening device to conduct surveillance, typically over a phone line. In context: The wiretap recorded conversations that proved the suspect was planning the crime.

A person responsible for a crime or other misdeed. In context: The culprit was finally apprehended after a chase across rooftops, bringing an end to the spree of burglaries.

A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development in a mystery or investigation. In context: The analysis of the encrypted messages led to a breakthrough in the spy case, identifying the mole within the agency.

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning. In context: Based on the inference drawn from the clues, the detective deduced that the butler had to be the killer.

Not openly acknowledged or displayed, often referring to concealed operations or actions. In context: The covert surveillance of the suspect led to critical evidence being gathered without his knowledge.

The deliberate and unlawful killing of one person by another; murder. In context: The homicide case was assigned to the best detective in the precinct, due to its high profile and complexity.

A person, device, or event meant as a distraction, to conceal what an individual or group is actually doing. In context: A decoy was used to distract the guard, allowing the thief to steal the painting undetected.