[Spoilers] Room 402 Question

[GinaMarieOynohs]

I finished Room 402, however, I have no idea how I am supposed to have the answer that I did.

How am I supposed to know that the killer was Carol? I understood where everyone was sitting, but it looked as if Carol didn't even show up considering her entire area (chair, placemat, wine glass, and plate) was completely untouched, unless I missed something at her area. I checked up and down the apartment but I didn't see anything about Carol. I only figured out it was her through process of elimination.

I'd really appreciate the help in understanding the answer!

[Lyzion]

to be honest I have no clear cut answer for you either, but here are my 2 cents
Carol was pretty much what was left after everyone else... James did not even come, her Cousin had no reason, he actually thanked her for helping him through some dark times and the AA program, and there are absolutely ZERO hints there are any issues in the relationship.... also she sat close to her glass, there is no card from her (no even a card for the birthday?! srsly?) so it pretty much has been a game of "who did NOT do it" and Carol was left

[Legato Bluesummers]

you have to follow the dates, this one is a big leap of intuition but basically husband Ronnie and friend Carol were having an affair as evidence by them spending time at the restaurant getaway. This is pretty hard to find because there's only a matchstick in the purse and we can see that the lipstick tube says it leaves no marks or smears, which tells us which seat she is in. Then you read the book of restaurants and see where Ronnie was at from his wallet. We can infer then they were having an affair.

[epsilon828]

Originally posted by Legato Bluesummers:

you have to follow the dates, this one is a big leap of intuition but basically husband Ronnie and friend Carol were having an affair as evidence by them spending time at the restaurant getaway. This is pretty hard to find because there's only a matchstick in the purse and we can see that the lipstick tube says it leaves no marks or smears, which tells us which seat she is in. Then you read the book of restaurants and see where Ronnie was at from his wallet. We can infer then they were having an affair.

I'd only add that another piece to this is that Jessica is out of town during that time, visiting her mother in LA (from both the calendar and the letter from her mother in the table beside the sofa.) That letter does indicate that Ronnie and Jessica did have some problems, but the evidence against Carol is definitely stronger. But yeah, it really mostly all boils down to the receipt in Ronnie's wallet and the matchbook in Carol's purse.

[Arcquites]

Originally posted by Lyzion:

to be honest I have no clear cut answer for you either, but here are my 2 cents
Carol was pretty much what was left after everyone else... James did not even come, her Cousin had no reason, he actually thanked her for helping him through some dark times and the AA program, and there are absolutely ZERO hints there are any issues in the relationship.... also she sat close to her glass, there is no card from her (no even a card for the birthday?! srsly?) so it pretty much has been a game of "who did NOT do it" and Carol was left

Carol was having an affair with Ronnie. We can find an abortion's clinic card in Ronnie's wallet that indicates that she was pregnant and he wanted her to make an abortion. If that isn't a clear reason, I don't know what could be.

[Dourado]

Carol didn't drink wine because she is pregnant (wine glass is still full). Note that Ronnie wanted to abort the child, so Carol thought that killing Jessica would allow she raise the child with Ronnie.