"Welcome to Shipwreck Island"
As the rain fell around them the group of guests looked at the sodden grounds, the windswept hills, and glanced amongst themselves with unimpressed expressions upon their faces. Isaac Morris continued.
"It is unfortunate that it is not a nicer day that you could be introduced to the place where you will be spending the next few days, however I assure you the house is a much nicer prospect than the surrounding environment, especially in these conditions. Please follow me."
The rain-drenched party trudged up the hill behind the small Jewish man who had met them on the boat. A few among them began to talk.
"This U. N. Owen chap certainly has a strange idea of what a relaxing and comfortable few days are" one said.
"Yes, I must agree when I got the invite I certainly had something else in mind when I heard we'd be staying on an Island" another replied.
"You know I can't remember for the life of me where I've met the Owens before."
There was a pause.
"That's funny. I can't recall them either."
No one else talked the rest of the way to the house.
---
After drying themselves off the guests settled in to the various comfortable looking chairs and lounges assorted around the living room. A few remained standing beside the fire.
"I see you are relieved to be in from the cold. Luckily there are a few servants that tend to this place and keep the fire going. Now our hosts haven't arrived yet but I am assured they will soon. In the meantime you will have to excuse me. My gastrial juices are playing up I'm afraid."
The guests milled about for a few minutes before one piped up.
"Well I frankly don't really care if Mr. and Mrs. Owen haven't arrived yet, I'm famished."
"Yes, quite. I say we get the servants to get the meal started" another agreed.
"Mr. Morris, can you call for the servants."
"Mr. Morris?"
A guest went into the room that Isacc Morris had retreated to and cried out as soon as they were through the door.
"He's dead!"
The other guests rushed into the room. One bent down to check his pulse.
"He's dead alright" he said.
"But how?"
"It looks like he was poisoned? If anyone else has gastrial problems I suggest you don't take his pills."
"But who would do this?"
One of the other guests stepped forward.
"I've been thinking about the identity of our mysterious guests. And I've come to the conclusion they don't exist."
The others looked at him with apprehension. "What?"
"No one can remember actually meeting them can they?'
They shook their heads.
"And think about their names. U. N. Owen. Unknown."
"My God, you're right!"
"I fear we might have been lead into some sort of trap. And I fear our killer may be among us."
It is now day one.