I saw this Thinkfun cold case game at the thrift store and just had to pick it up, and I’m so glad I did! If you or your kids enjoy logic, deductive reasoning, and whodunnits, then you should definitely check out A Pinch of Murder!
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Paper Evidence Included in A Pinch of Murder
At first, I wasn’t sure about this mystery game because it comes in a very thin box (almost an envelope). However, inside are 30 pieces of evidence plus an introductory letter. Some of the evidence included the crime scene and autopsy reports; witness statements, interviews, and informal comments; as well as an event flier, photographs, a parking receipt, and more. These are realistic pieces, too; actual photographs (printed on photo paper), a newspaper clipping that feels like actual newspaper, etc. The handwriting was obviously just different fonts on a computer, but that made it easier to compare them.
Not a Graphic Murder, but Murder Nonetheless
This is a (fictional; at least, near as I can tell) murder cold case. While the description is not graphic and there are no images of the body, it does describe the head wound. So, if your child is sensitive, I would avoid this one for now (or just get it for yourself!). The clues are also pretty subtle and took me a few readings through to get them. It’s recommended for 14 and up, but younger kids could probably participate if they’re not too sensitive.
Did You Solve the Case?
One of my favorite parts about A Pinch of Murder is the way you determine if you solved it correctly! There’s nothing in the box; it’s just a file folder with the introductory letter and the evidence. However, within the letter is a website for the “Royal Prosecution Service.” And when you go to the website?!? It looks like it might actually be for some sort of cold case evidence reporting thing. It has you input the case number (also included in the letter and on the evidence) and then answer the questions.
There are only four games in this line, but this one was a definite winner and I’ll be keeping my eye out for more! Plus, they’re completely re-giftable because you don’t need to do anything to any of the evidence (unlike with EXIT games, for example).
