Why, it's a murder!

A storied chapter from La Conner's past, often spoken in hushed tones, was revisited with screaming headlines on March 23.

This year's La Conner Chamber of Commerce Murder Mystery, set during the Prohibition Era of rumrunning and bootlegging, spelled out details of the event in a special March 23, 1924, edition of the "La Conner Territorial News," one of the resources used by aspiring sleuths to solve a fictional homicide case.

Mother-daughter duo Chris and Nicole Jennings crafted the engaging story line, featuring several plot twists and nine suspects donning period costumes. Nicole Jennings is a former Weekly News reporter who now serves as Seattle University law school's assistant director for communications and public relations.

Participants braved the day's steady rain to crack the case of the Bumped-off Bootlegger.

Zach and Kayla White and 9-year-old daughter Hanna, of Mount Vernon, were among the eager detectives.

"We did it last year and Hanna absolutely loved it," Kayla White said. "When we saw they were doing it again this year we were all super excited."

The Johnson family of Oak Harbor likewise had the La Conner Murder Mystery event on its radar again.

"A friend from Langley came up last year and saw it and told us about it," said April Johnson, accompanied by children Elliott, 11, and Jax, 14, and adult Jenyfer Rosen. "So, it was kind of a fluke that we were here. It was fun, and we solved the mystery but didn't win the grand prize."

That was more than enough to draw them back. And they brought with them a strategy for success.

"We get all the clues, study the suspect profiles, go to the clue locations and ask questions of all the characters," Johnson said.

Others, including 2024 grand prize winner Jason Rogers, employed similar strategies.

Rogers deduced that Maise Buchanan (portrayed by Gina Torpey) was the murderer of reputed rumrunner Jack Danielson. According to the Territorial News, his body was discovered in his schooner moored at the end of Morris Street.

It was Sheriff Sully (Chamber Director Mark Hulst) who identified the deceased as Danielson, said to have often plied the waters around La Conner and the San Juans as he delivered illegal alcohol to clubs and speakeasies.

Sully told the Territorial News that with an investigation under way he couldn't comment other than to say the cause of death appeared to be blunt force trauma to the head.

As the afternoon unfolded, it became clearer why Sully was so tight-lipped. Turns out, he was being investigated by the FBI for corruption, and like Buchanan, was arrested.

Chris Jennings, in her surprise role as a special agent, made the collar. She also pressed the case for Buchanan's guilt.

"She actually had two motives," Jennings said of Buchanan. "Jack was competition with her boyfriend, Al (Malone), and she was afraid Jack was going to tell Al about their fling."

Malone was portrayed by Ernie Gomez. Rounding out the deft cast were Kim Broadhead as shopkeeper Rhea Taylor, Lisa Judy as temperance leader Carrie Nation, Rebecca Strong as speakeasy owner Millie Green, Bob Jacobson as Danielson's partner Roy Olmstead, Greg Whiting as Mayor Theo Mayer and Nicole Jennings as Bonnie McClyde.

Their costumes were a highlight. Whiting, for example, wore a vintage tie that had been his grandfather's. Nicole Jennings looked every bit the Roaring 20s flapper.

The daylong event was sponsored by Stompin' Grounds Coffee, The Living Room, Santo Coyote, Wayfinder Market Cafe. Skagit Crest, Seaport Books, La Conner Artists' Gallery, Jennings Yarn & Needlecrafts, Walking Mod, Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Museum, Beaver Tales Coffee, Vintage La Conner, Nasty Jack's Antiques, Mystic Art Supply, Skagit Cellars, Raven's Cup Coffee, B.U.tiful, Mo's Eclectic Gifts & Apparel and Bunnies By the Bay.

Hulst said turnout for the event was good despite the weather.

"Our online sales were equivalent to last year," he said. "And we've seen quite a few walk-ins since there's no wind and just a little drizzle."

The conditions, in fact, proved ideal for solving a murder.