24 Days to Catch a Killer: Christmas Whodunit Advent Book

Name: 24 Days to Catch a Killer
Author: Forgotten Mystery

2 mysteries, 24 days eachA short puzzle every day, 10 to 25 minutesAbout 500 names to rule outTwo hints a day and a sealed solution

December 1, heavy snow, and a death. At a village inn cut off by the weather, a guest has been poisoned. On a sleeper train stopped in the drifts, a passenger has died. Those are the openings of Silent Night at Hollybrook and Last Train to Edelweiss, and you run each investigation yourself over 24 days. Crack the day's puzzle, read the clue it gives you and start thinning out a register that begins with about 500 names. On December 24 you reach the last person on the list, then turn to the sealed solution to see if you got it right.

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Rather print at home? Last Train to Edelweiss is also a PDF

24 Days to Catch a Killer: the rules page from Silent Night at Hollybrook

24 Days to Catch a Killer: the Day 1 code puzzle

24 Days to Catch a Killer: the Day 5 word search

At a glance

Runs: December 1 to 24
Players: Solo, as a family or in two teams
Age: 12 and up
Time per puzzle: 10 to 25 minutes
Pages: 98, 8.5 x 11 in
Language: English
Author: Forgotten Mystery

What you get

Two stand-alone stories: Silent Night at Hollybrook and Last Train to Edelweiss
A new puzzle for each date of the countdown, from Caesar and pigpen ciphers to mazes, anagrams, word searches, logic grids, letter sudoku, mirror writing, spot the difference, Morse and tap code
About 500 people in each story's register
Progress checks that show how many names you should have left
Two hints plus the solution to each day's puzzle at the back of the book
A sealed solution to close each story
Big pages (8.5 x 11 in) with room to work

How it works

Choose which of the two stories to begin with and read its opening.
Starting on December 1, turn to that date only and solve the puzzle waiting there.
Use the clue you earn to rule people out of the register with your pencil.
Compare your running total with the progress check printed on the page.
If you stall, the back of the book gives two hints and then the answer for that day.
On December 24 a single person remains. Only then turn to the sealed solution and find out whether you named the right one.

Who will love it

A good fit for anyone 12 and up who enjoys a small daily ritual in the run-up to Christmas. At 10 to 25 minutes a puzzle, it slots in around work and family. You can solve alone, pass the book across the table or split into two rival teams, and younger children can help hunt through the register once the clue is known. There is nothing to download and no app, just a pencil. If you are giving it as a present, make sure it reaches them before December 1.

Questions

Is this the PDF or a real book?

It is a real paperback, printed and delivered by Amazon. Last Train to Edelweiss is also sold on its own as a printable PDF in our Printables section.

Do the two stories connect?

No. Each one stands alone with its own register, hints and solution, so begin with whichever appeals to you.

I missed a day. Is the game ruined?

Not at all. The dates are only a guide. Do two puzzles next time and carry on.

What if a puzzle beats me?

Go to the hints at the back. Each day has two hints and its answer, and none of them gives away a later day.

Can teenagers play?

Yes. It is made for ages 12 and up. Younger children can join in by finding and crossing off rows once someone has worked out the clue.

Where can I buy it?

On Amazon in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Japan, Canada and Australia. Pick your country above the button. Everywhere else, choose Other countries to order from Amazon.com.

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Sold on Amazon in the US, UK, Europe, Japan, Canada and Australia

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