Recap / Criminal Case: Grimsborough - Case 22: To Die or Not to Die

Chief King: Ah, the Historical Center! Its little streets, its famous museums, its theater, its people... People here are a little... well, you'll see for yourself!

After being promoted to the Historical Center, the player is tasked with solving the murder of actor Jacob Dawks, crushed by a sandbag on a theater stage.

Tropes:

• Alliterative Name: The Play's Director and the killer, Phineas Fine.
• Asshole Victim: Jacob both cheated on his girlfriend and tried to blackmail two of his coworkers with embarrassing pictures. As such, no one is saddened by his death.
• Bad "Bad Acting": According to everyone, Jacob was a terrible actor who had been ruining the theater company with his terrible plays. It's the reason why Phineas killed him, since Jacob wouldn't leave and he was about to leave everyone without a job.
• Big Eater: This case shows what a big appetite Jones has thanks to the work of Margaret, eating her cookies, apple pie, and muffins throughout the case.
• Blackmail: Jacob had a picture of Nellie and Phineas together despite the latter being married, which he used to blackmail them for money.
• Caustic Critic: Desmond Galloway, an antique shop owner who also writes reviews for plays in very harsh manner.
• Cool Old Lady: Margaret Littlewood, who involves herself in the investigation to help you and gifts Jones some cookies. Ramirez even calls her a nice old lady.
• Death from Above: Phineas killed Jacob by dropping a sandbag onto him.
• Dressed to Plunder: Jones dresses like a pirate after you investigate a box of theater props.
• Drowning My Sorrows: After you stop his play, Phineas is seen drinking wine from a bottle.
  Phineas: What do you want? Can't you let a man drink himself to death?
• Sharp-Dressed Man: Ramirez has a surprisingly nice suit he uses for formal events.
• Shout-Out:
  • The case´s title is an obvious reference to Hamlet.
  • Chapter 2's cover image features a portrait of William Shakespeare.
  • After the killer's motivation's are revealed, Jones exclaims, "This is madness!" In response, the killer says, "This is theater!"
• The Show Must Go On: Phineas Fine, the stage director, intends to continue with the play even if his theater stage has been converted into a crime scene. It probably helps that he was the one who killed Jacob in the first place.
  Phineas: My work is everything to me, Officers. I wouldn't gamble my career on such a mad scheme. But I have to make the most of the situation I am given. The show must go on!
• Spanner in the Works: Hadn't it been for Ramirez telling you he was planning to attend the play at the theater where the victim was killed, Phineas would've disposed of important evidence before you could find it.
• Suspiciously Specific Denial
  Jones: Have you tried one of Miss Littlewood's cookies? They're delicious! I could eat them all day!
  Which is something that I'm NOT gonna do because we're in the middle of an investigation, of course!
• Tempting Fate: Once again, Jones finds out that he's prone to announcing disaster seconds before it happens.
  Jones: Finally! We really needed a change of scenery! We'll live the quiet life here, don't you think?
  Ramirez: Sorry to interrupt, but something happened at the Grimsborough Theater! The main actor is dead!
  Jones: So much for peace and quiet...
• Too Much Information: Sheila tells you that Chief King used to be... good with his hands too after you repair her mask.
  Jones: Good with-