Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases

DeductionMurder / MysteryLicensed / Adapted
Players
1-8
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
2 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
120 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
13+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
2.7 / 5
Year
1981

About the game

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective drops players into Victorian London as amateur sleuths racing to solve a mystery before Holmes himself. Using a city directory, newspaper archives, and a map, you visit suspects and locations in any order you choose, gathering clues and piecing together the truth. There are no dice and no luck involved: only careful reading, deduction, and discussion stand between you and the solution.

Hobbli's Notes

This is a genuinely immersive detective experience that rewards careful thinking rather than random chance. It works beautifully solo or as a cooperative group activity, and the meticulous period detail makes London feel alive. Just be ready to take notes.

What we like

  • Deeply immersive Victorian London setting and atmosphere.
  • Genuine deduction challenge with no randomness involved.
  • Fully cooperative and equally enjoyable solo.
  • Each case tells a satisfying, self-contained story.
  • Multiple included cases offer solid replay value.

Keep in mind

  • Each case can only be solved once per group.
  • Success depends heavily on careful reading and note-taking.
  • Pacing can feel slow for players who prefer more active gameplay.

Who it's for

Perfect for mystery lovers ages 13 and up playing cooperatively or solo, especially those who enjoy reading and logical deduction over dice-driven luck.

Mechanics

Cooperative GameDeductionNarrative Choice / ParagraphSolo / Solitaire GameStorytelling

Games similar to Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases