I've been using this in a few decks, and I've found it to be pretty handy. It's like a cheaper Flashlight, with some different restrictions.
I guess solo shouldn't mean you're empty of clues any more than in multiplayer games, but it does somehow feel that way, and the fact that Newspaper is cheaper, and not limited in the number of uses like Flashlight is great. It's not reducing the Shroud, though - so you can't get zero-shroud investigations (success, unless you get an auto-fail), but equally, you still get the benefit on Shroud 1 spaces.
It also seems to combo nicely with Burglary. That's an investigate action, but instead you don't get any clues - so it remains in effect for next time.
It definitely feels like an alternative, possibly improved, flashlight, and I quite like it. It seems to work well with Rex Murphy too; if he's without clues it makes the chance of him grabbing 2 with an investigation much greater.