A Tactical Guide to the Newman Adventures

In the heart of Dublin, history isn’t just in the stones; it’s in the secrets they keep. From the shadowed snugs of Ireland’s oldest pub to the high-security corridors of the American West, the trail of An Irish Mystery is paved with clandestine meetings and ancient treasures. Follow the map below to see where the hunt began.

Operation 1: The Dublin Prologue

Dublin Castle: The Scene of the Crime

• ​The History: In July 1907, just days before a scheduled visit by King Edward VII, the illustrious Irish Crown Jewels were discovered missing from a supposedly "impregnable" safe in the Bedford Tower. The theft remains one of the most famous unsolved mysteries in Irish history, as the jewels—including the diamond-encrusted Star and Badge of the Order of St. Patrick—were never recovered.

The Brazen Head: A Haven for Shadows

• ​The History: Boasting a history that dates back to 1198, The Brazen Head is officially recognized as Ireland's oldest pub. Located near the Liffey, its ancient stone walls have hosted legendary figures like James Joyce and Irish revolutionaries such as Robert Emmet and Wolfe Tone.

​FCI Safford: The Price of Silence

• ​The History: Located in the high desert of southeastern Arizona, the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Safford is a low-security facility for male inmates. It is well known for its UNICOR programme, where inmates often work in industrial production—such as quality control for body armour—earning meagre wages while serving their debt to society.

Tucson: A Desert Crossroads

• ​The History: Known as the "Old Pueblo," Tucson is one of the oldest continually inhabited areas in North America, with a history that spans over 4,000 years. Nestled in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by five mountain ranges, it is famous for its unique blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Indigenous cultures. The city is also a gateway to the high desert landscapes of southeastern Arizona, including the rugged terrain near Safford.

Virginia.

​Norfolk, Virginia: The Operational Hub

• ​The History: Established in 1682, Norfolk is a historic port city with deep maritime roots and is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world. Its strategic coastal position on the Chesapeake Bay has made it a vital hub for international trade and military operations for centuries.

Dover, Delaware: The Meeting That Sparks Answers

• ​The History: As the capital of the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Dover is steeped in American revolutionary history. However, its modern skyline is also defined by landmarks like Bally's Dover (formerly Dover Downs), a major hub for entertainment and luxury that stands in sharp contrast to the city's colonial roots.

​Boston: The Gilded Cage

• ​The History: As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston is a tapestry of American history, from the cobblestones of Beacon Hill to the lush expanse of the Boston Common. The Four Seasons Hotel, overlooking the Public Garden, is a landmark of modern luxury, offering views of the gold-domed State House—the historic seat of the Massachusetts government since 1798.

Nantucket: A Private Oasis for Secrets

• ​The History: Once the whaling capital of the world, Nantucket is now a tranquil island retreat known for its dune-backed beaches and historic cedar-shingled homes. Accessible only by air or ferry—such as the M/V Eagle from Hyannis—the island has long served as a secluded haven for the world's most affluent families.

​Las Vegas: A Glittering Den of Secrets

• ​The History: Originally founded as a small desert oasis in 1905, Las Vegas was transformed by the 1931 legalisation of gambling and the nearby construction of the Hoover Dam. By the mid-20th century, it became a legendary hub for both high-society entertainment and underworld influence. The Bellagio, inspired by the Lake Como resort in Italy, is famed for its iconic dancing fountains and remains a pinnacle of modern Vegas opulence.

MacDonald Highlands: The Fortress of the Elite

• ​The History: Nestled in the foothills of the McCullough Mountains south of Las Vegas, MacDonald Highlands is an ultra-exclusive, gated community known for its "Life at the Top" lifestyle. It offers panoramic views of the entire Las Vegas valley and the DragonRidge Golf Course. Its high walls and strict security protocols make it a preferred sanctuary for Nevada’s most affluent and influential residents.

From the ancient walls of the Brazen Head to the exclusive heights of MacDonald Highlands, these locations are the silent witnesses to Hans’s quest for the truth. Do you have a favourite fact or a personal photo from any of these spots? Join the conversation and tell me which setting felt the most real to you."