The puzzle consists of 17 Japanese-style logic puzzles. They are presented without instructions, but they are familiar puzzle types and/or can be found online. In addition, the quasi-instructions for each set of puzzles forms an acrostic spelling the puzzle type.
Specifically, there are two Hotaru Beam puzzles, four Akari puzzles, four Hashi puzzles, and seven Masyu puzzles. They each involve connecting lines (“circuits”) or lighting lights.
Each solved puzzle reveals a word which contains an extra letter (puzzles are presented in order by length of answer). The extractions for these words differ with each puzzle, and are described below. (A full set of solved logic puzzles is presented at the end of this document.)
HOTARU BEAM - Enclosed sections of the line contain relevant letters, read in row-major order:
- N(G)YPD
- FOLKS(O)
AKARI - Locations of lights highlight relevant letters, read in row-major order:
- D(P)EVOY
- OCEANE(L)ERS
- WAITST(U)AFF
- BUCKIN(G)GHAM
HASHI - Letters crossed by double lines reveal message, read in row-major order:
- (I)ELEIONOMAE
- IMMA(N)CULATE
- MATRONY(T)MIC
- THE LI(O)TURGY
MASYU - Unused letters reveal message, read in row-major order:
- AREND-RO(G)LAND
- INTERREGN(I)UM
- MINE THAT BI(L)RD
- PROBATE (B)JUDGE
- PA(E)UL ZATKOVICH
- W(R)OMAN OF THE STREET
- THE (T)WASHDAY MIRACLE
The extra letters spell the message GO PLUG INTO GILBERT.
At this point solvers need to make the connection between James Joyce’s Ulysses (mentioned significantly in the flavortext) and the schema given to Stuart Gilbert (known as the Gilbert Schema). Joyce gave Gilbert the schema in order to help him better understand the novel, providing connections between each chapter and various elements (organ, art/science, scene from the Odyssey, time of day, symbol, etc.).
The schema can be viewed here, in its original form, and here. The important elements for this puzzle are the order of the chapters, the time at which they occur, and the symbol associated with each one. (Molly’s chapter, known as “Penelope,” is not used because it takes place in the infinite subconscious of the character.)
Each of the answer words or phrases from the logic puzzles can be associated with the symbol for a chapter in Gilbert schema. Solvers then index into the answer word or phrase using the time associated with the chapter, then read those letters in chapter order to spell the clue phrase JIMMY MCNULTY ACTOR.
Jimmy McNulty is a character on the TV show The Wire, and he was played by DOMINIC WEST.
Solved logic puzzles:
