This is a genuine review and not a PR invite or paid promotion. However, please note that this post contains link to items sold on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases.

Date nights—and how we spend quality time together—have definitely changed since the small people came along. Don’t get me wrong, Michelin-worthy dinners and divine cocktails still feature, just not quite as frequently as they once did. That said, I’m very lucky to have a husband who’s an excellent cook, so we’re not doing too badly!

With more time spent around our dining table than the Chef’s Table, we’re always on the lookout for things we can do together. Something co-operative rather than competitive always gets bonus marks. During COVID, we were introduced to Pandemic*—which we both really enjoyed. (We were gifted it well before the global health crisis, I promise—just a weird coincidence!)

Now that we are firmly back in the ‘real world’ and travelling once again, I’m always happy to find something fun, a little different, but ultimately easy to slip into hand luggage.

A few months ago, someone sent us a Cryptic Killers* case file to try out, and we finally unsealed the envelope this weekend. In short: a really fun and intriguing puzzle to unravel together over dinner and a glass of wine (or two).

We lost track of time a little, but across two evenings, I’d say the 2–3.5 hour playtime estimate was pretty spot on. There are a range of difficulties, from 3/5 up to 5/5, so there’s definitely variety depending on what kind of challenge you’re in the mood for. A great option for when the small people are in bed (at home or abroad!).

As you’d hope with any good mystery game, the attention to detail was impressive—the mix of evidence types, the quality of the materials, and the depth of the storytelling all helped it feel really immersive. We correctly identified the killer on our first go, and the ending was a highlight for me—it tied up loose ends and answered the little questions that had cropped up during our “investigation.”

Murder of a Millionaire* was our first case file, but there are nine other Unsolved Murder Files* available. We’re already looking forward to cracking open the next one!

For £19.99 per case, these are a fantastic option for a stay at home date night, friendly dinner party, or something to slip into your suitcase for some holiday entertainment. You need nothing more than your wits and some internet connection. I would recommend pen and paper as well.

A top 5/5 review from us on all aspects. I honestly cannot think of anything to improve.

I’ve deliberately kept this light on specifics—I wouldn’t want to spoil the fun. But if you’re curious or have a murder mystery recommendation of your own, I’d love to hear from you!

Now, which one to try next?

* Sarah @ Sarahnity Travel is an Independent Travel Agent affiliated with Inteletravel whom hold ABTA P7384. Inteletravel are appointed agents with suppliers that hold ATOL. Some promotions and links are to other Affiliate services (e.g. Amazon, Expedia, Viator and Get Your Guide) where you will make bookings directly with those platforms and I may receive a small commission for any purchases or bookings made through those links. Please note that all prices quoted are generated from a live booking system and are therefore subject to change until deposit/payment is received and booking confirmed.