An immersive, Sherlock-level case-file murder mystery game for one or more players. Step into the role of renowned FBI criminal psychologist Dr. Casey Gold and assist Detective Nicholas Stone with the mysterious death of Professor Theodore Hackett.
This is not a roleplaying mystery party. There are no characters to assign, costumes to wear, or scripts to perform. Players investigate the case by examining suspect profiles, interrogation videos, forensic reports, text messages, emails, social media posts, and other evidence.
No subscription is required. Solve the complete case in one setting or spread the investigation across multiple sessions.
Murder of Professor Hackett Mystery Synopsis
Detective Nicholas Stone of the Crowburn Hollow Police Department has requested urgent assistance from renowned criminal psychologist Dr. Casey Gold.
Professor Theodore Hackett, a respected art history professor at Hartford University with exclusive connections throughout the international art world, collapsed and died in the basement of his mansion in front of friends and family.
The mysterious death has attracted intense media attention and is now trending across social media. Six witnesses are under investigation, and each may be hiding information that could expose the killer.
It has been 48 hours since Professor Hackett’s death. Evidence is accumulating, the witnesses’ stories are beginning to unravel, and the murderer’s chances of escaping increase with every passing hour.
You must examine the forensic findings, analyze the witnesses, decode suspicious communications, study the basement, reconstruct the timeline, and uncover the truth buried beneath the Hackett family’s secrets.
Can you solve the murder of Professor Hackett before the killer gets away? Detective Stone is counting on you.
The Catch a Killer Case File Games will vary greatly in what is included in the case files, but the following is a summary of what could be included.
Printed Case Materials
- List of witnesses
- Video transcripts, which typically include an introductory video, a 48-hour update, and a 72-hour follow-up from the detective requesting Dr. Gold’s assistance. Some cases may also include victim vlogs; printed transcripts are provided for each.
- 48-Hour Case File Documents, packaged in a yellow envelope.
- 72-Hour Case File Documents, packaged in a black envelope and added to the investigation after the first round.
- Printed solution, sealed inside an envelope. For games that include a solution video, the printed solution may be a transcript of that video.
Within the two case file envelopes (48-Hour and 72-Hour), the exact contents may include some of the following documents:
- Autopsy and victim identification reports
- Detective narrative reports
- Preliminary crime-lab reports
- Suspect lists and headshots
- Maps, diagrams, emails, and scientific reports
- DNA test results
- Witness statements and incident reports
- News articles and social media posts
- Legal documents and special reports
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS)
- Flyers, receipts, menu excerpts, and unknown-sample reports
- Phone, text-message, card-access, CCTV, surveillance, or traffic-camera logs
- Helpful investigative worksheets and forms
- Crime-lab reports may include serology, blood-spatter analysis, fingerprints, trace evidence, footwear or other impression evidence, ballistics, toolmark analysis, and other forensic examinations.
- Some cases also include audio evidence, such as voicemails from a suspect or victim, and transcripts will also be given.
Case-file contents vary by game.
Investigation Accessories:
- Dr. Gold’s notepad for recording evidence, timelines, theories, and deductions
- Mystery investigation pen
- Highlighter
Video Evidence:
*The types of videos will vary by game. You will receive links to the videos as YouTube videos and as Vimeo videos. Some games may also have a third option. You can stream from either, or download the videos using the Vimeo links in advance of your event. Do not post these videos or transfer them to another user, per the Terms and Conditions.
- 48-hour briefing video from the detective needing Dr. Gold’s assistance.
- 72-hour follow-up video from the detective needing Dr. Gold’s assistance.
- The following types of videos may or may not be included:
Suspect interrogation videosVictim vlog videosCrime scene location videosSuspect follow-up interviewsEyewitness interview videosSolution Video
Online Evidence:
*Case File games vary, but some games have additional evidence via websites.
- Password-protected investigation website
- Additional evidence and links to the required videos
This non-roleplaying case file game may be played solo, on a date night, with a small group, or as a large investigative event. There is no fixed player limit because everyone shares access to the same case materials. However, if you did not opt to have us make additional copies for your kit and are playing with a large group of ~15 or more, you should make copies of the printed documents for each round for your party.
- Play solo as Dr. Casey Gold.
- Work together as one investigative team. Appoint one player as Dr. Gold, with the remaining players serving as Dr. Gold’s colleagues at the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). Although this is a non-roleplaying game, establishing a hierarchy can add structure to the investigation.
- Divide into smaller teams and compete to solve the case. Aim for no more than four players per document or make copies of the printed case files.
- Choose how to submit final deductions. Individual players or teams may submit separate conclusions, or everyone can collaborate in an open group discussion and agree on whodunit together.
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Order Processing Time:
Orders are usually processed within 24-48 hours after the order has been placed.
Custom or special order items may take longer to process, typically 3-5 business days.
Shipping Methods:
Standard Shipping (3-7 business days)
Expedited Shipping (2-3 business days)
Express Shipping (1-2 business days)
Packaging:
Rest assured that all items will be securely and safely packaged to prevent any damage during transit. Fragile or high-value parts will be packaged with additional protective materials, such as bubble wrap or foam padding.
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Shipping rates vary based on the size, weight, and destination of the package. You can view the estimated shipping costs for your order during the checkout process before placing your order.
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International Shipping:
We ship worldwide! Please note that international shipping rates and delivery times may vary based on destination. Customers are responsible for any customs fees, import taxes, or additional charges that may apply.
