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Things that I have found that reduce the time in preparing for "Crime" scenes, and preparing scenes that last longer than "go in, find clue, walk out". These are taken from my own experience when running Call of Cthulhu Mind Maps; for any mystery an overview of everything is essential. A simple mind map of how each NPC relates to another with a circle-line ...

I would handle this issue within the narrative of the game. First describe the alien construction aesthetics. Make the buildings based on a perfect solids other than cubes. I added an element of horror by saying that the buildings seem to be based on a combination of dodecahedrons (12 sided dice-like) and tetrahedrons (4 sided dice), but somehow 5 ...

This problem needs to be looked at from a magical and non-magical standpoint. Let's look at the easier one first. For non-magical investigations, the ability scores of both GUMSHOE and Ars Magica are comparable (although the latter tend to be higher). You could simply say that all abilities are Investigative. So that if a PC has a relevant skill, core clues ...

The answer depends mainly on the experience level of the group and their comfort level working with mysteries in the genre, format, style, and intricacy of the system and GM. New Players In the beginning, as you get used to the system, it is a good idea to help players connect the dots between the investigative skills that they have, and the clues which ...

I like the influence system in Conspiracy X and have adapted it in GUMSHOE by simply allowing investigative spends to call in favors when and where they seem appropriate. Player: Can I get a buddy to work on this encryption while we investigate the warehouse? GM: You have good Data Retrieval so it seems likely you'd know a guy... Player: Ok, I spend two ...

It never hurts to ask the group if someone has a relevant ability. But at some point you want to players offering their own skills for use. One way to do this is to provide temporary points in another rating when they come up with an idea you want reinforced. And be generous when they choose one that you haven't envisioned.