Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Baker Street Irregulars

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Baker Street Irregulars

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.
90 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
14+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
2.3 / 5
Year
2020

About the game

Step into Victorian London as one of Sherlock Holmes's street-kid informants, chasing down ten standalone mysteries in this cooperative deduction classic. Players roam a foggy map of London, visiting locations, gathering clues, and piecing together the truth before comparing their conclusions to the master detective's own. With cases ranging from gentle introductions to twisting, seasoned puzzles, it rewards careful reading and deduction over dice or cards. It's a beloved series entry for anyone who loves narrative mystery-solving.

Hobbli's Notes

The Consulting Detective series remains one of the best cooperative deduction experiences on the market, and Baker Street Irregulars is a strong standalone entry with fresh narrative hooks. There's real joy in comparing your reasoning to Holmes's own at the end of a case, win or lose. It plays best with two curious minds working closely together rather than a crowd. Just be aware the cases are one-and-done: once solved, the mystery's magic can't be replayed.

What we like

  • Ten fresh, standalone cases offer strong narrative variety.
  • Cooperative deduction encourages genuine discussion and teamwork.
  • Comparing your solution to Holmes's own adds a satisfying capstone to each case.
  • Works well solo or in small groups.

Keep in mind

  • Cases are one-time experiences with no replayability once solved.
  • No mechanical scoring beyond accuracy, which won't appeal to competitive gamers.
  • Can feel slow-paced for players wanting more interactive game mechanisms.

Who it's for

Ideal for mystery lovers and cooperative puzzle fans aged 14+, especially pairs or small groups who enjoy reading and deduction over combat or competition.

Mechanics