I also don't know Hardcase (and Brindlewood bay just by name). I tried to apply my limited experience with solo games with what I read and have this doubt: what happens if a struck of bad luck locks me out of several clues? I may never solve it? There are some "fail-forward" mechanics to help me?
By the way I really liked the immediate emotional stakes at the beginning, by forcing the player to define their history with the deceased and the details you really picked my interest.