Solo
Most of our customers play solo. A long evening, a drink, a clear table. Work the papers at your own pace. Some people read front-to-back; others scatter everything out at once and follow trails. Either works.
The full explanation From post box to verdict
How a Cosykiller
case works.
No app. No download. No dice. Just a box of paper, a sealed answer, and as much time as you care to give it.
Step one
What arrives on your doorstep
A hand-packed box, with the attention to detail you deserve. Inside, a letter from your contact at Fairhall and Brett detailing your involvement in the case. Included in each box will be the items the research team have uncovered. These could include letters, photographs, telegrams, newspaper cuttings, maps and personal effects, as well as some puzzling ciphers and codes.
Every box is different. With longer cases, you may need to cross reference items from different episodes to fully solve the puzzle elements of the case.
We present the case, your job is to solve it.
- 1. Read everything in the order you prefer.
- 2. Take notes. It helps.
- 3. Don't break the final seal until you think you know the answer.
Step two
Three ways to work a case
However many investigators are around the table — and whether that's one, three, or four — the case bends to you, not the other way around.
With others
Two to four players is the sweet spot. Divide the paperwork – read through the contents together and discuss theories over a glass of wine. For longer cases, pass around the boxes as they arrive, so when you gather you've all read the components and can discuss progress.
With remote friends
These cases lend themselves to partnerships long distance. Receive your own case files and get together regularly to discuss the case online. Perfect for long distance family connections or long distance relationships. It's a great way to stay in touch and solve a case together.
Step three
The puzzles inside
We assume some level of cipher solving ability – if you are new to ciphers and codes, we suggest you pick up our helpful guide on solving ciphers.
Reading-led cases
Enjoy a narrative fiction like no other. Solve each case by cross referencing all the details within the case, looking for alibis, opportunities, means and motives.
Puzzle it out
Enjoy the ciphers and other puzzle clues as you review each box, some are important to the case, others are a fun distraction. Keep an eye out for layered puzzles, and hidden easter eggs.
The reveal
Break the final seal
when you think you've got it.
When you think you know who did it — and why — open the final solution. Inside you'll find a short narrative explanation of whodunnit that is in keeping with the rest of the case.
If you got it wrong, it's still satisfying. If you got it right, it's quietly triumphant.
If you get stuck
Join our Detectives Forum or go it Solo.
Hints and tips are available on our inheritance hunters website. As each story's print run is limited, and contents sometimes change between editions, do make sure you are looking at the correct edition of a game for your hints.
If you'd rather not use a website, then email us at hello@cosykiller.com with your case number and the document you're stuck on, and we'll write back.
Time commitment
From two hours to eleven.
We stock a range of games. Our single box case file mysteries take 2-4 hours to puzzle through. Our longer form stories can take 6-11 hours or more.
Most groups spread games out across several sittings. Pour a drink, clear a table, and give it the time it deserves. These games aren't solved by puzzles, but require narrative attention and detailed cross referencing which takes time.
Ready?
Pick a case.
Four unsolved murders on the shelf. One of them has your name on it.
Browse the cases