A photo of Pete the cat

Pete's Toy Box: Mystery Game

Hunt A Killer: Death At The Dive Bar, Solve a Murder at Old Scratch Tavern, Immersive Murder Mystery Game, Play Detective in Unsolved Mysteries, Great Gift For True Crime Fans, Designed for Ages 14+

By: Hunt A Killer

Pete's Expert Summary

So, my human, in a fit of intellectual ambition that rarely extends to choosing a better brand of wet food, has brought home this... box. It's called "Hunt A Killer," a title that I, a seasoned practitioner of the art, find both bold and misleading. This is not a high-tech laser array or a self-propelled feather boa. It is a collection of papers, flimsy photographs, and other assorted crinkly things that are apparently meant to distract my staff from their primary duty: me. They will spread these items across the prime napping territory of the coffee table and stare at them for an hour, making noises of false discovery. While the ephemera might offer some temporary batting and shredding potential, the entire enterprise is a monument to wasted human effort that could be better spent administering chin scratches. The box itself, however, shows some promise as a mid-afternoon snoozing receptacle.

Key Features

  • Solve the Crime and Catch a Killer: Small town bar owner, Nick Webster, is dead. His fatal fall was ruled an accident, but one of his employees suspects foul play, and she needs your help to prove it.
  • Follow the Clues: Work alone or as a team as you examine forensic files, eliminate suspects, and piece together the clues in this thrilling murder mystery. Do you have what it takes to catch a killer?
  • The Ultimate Murder Mystery Party: Hunt a Killer: Death at The Dive Bar is a surefire way to level up game night. This murder mystery game for adults and teens is rated 1/5 difficulty for ages 14+.
  • Outsmart Criminal Minds: This immersive investigation delivers 45-60 minutes of gameplay and can be played in a single sitting. Ideal for beginners, this true detective game keeps everyone on edge.
  • Want More Murder Mysteries? Turn a cold case into "case closed" with more fatal crime stories from Hunt a Killer. These gripping, narrative-driven mystery box games make any mystery party feel epic.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The box arrived on a Tuesday, a day I typically reserve for deep contemplation of the dust bunnies under the credenza. The human called it "Game Night," a term that filled me with a familiar sense of dread. The words "Hunt A Killer" were printed on the front, and for a fleeting, glorious moment, I envisioned a glorious gladiatorial combat with a worthy foe—a particularly brazen squirrel, perhaps, or a sunbeam that had long eluded my grasp. The reality was, as always, a crushing disappointment. Out came papers. So many papers. They smelled of ink and cheap cardboard, a far cry from the rich bouquet of a freshly dispatched moth. My human spread the "evidence" from the "Old Scratch Tavern" across the floor, a chaotic tableau of human folly. I observed from my perch on the armchair, a gray-furred deity judging the mortals. They mumbled about timelines and suspects, their simple minds wrestling with the flimsy narrative. I, however, saw the situation with a clarity they could never possess. I leaped down, my paws making no sound on the hardwood, and began my own, more professional, investigation. I sniffed a photograph of the victim; he smelled of nothing. Useless. I nudged a police report with my nose; it had an excellent crinkle but offered no tactical advantage. Then I saw it. A paper coaster. It was circular, sturdy, and possessed an aerodynamic profile that was simply begging to be tested. While the human babbled about a disgruntled employee, I initiated a series of controlled glides, batting the coaster from the living room into the shadowy domain beneath the dining table. It skittered beautifully, a perfect prey analog. My hunt was swift, silent, and successful. I retrieved my prize, trotting back to the "crime scene" with the coaster held delicately in my mouth. I dropped my quarry directly onto the central piece of evidence, a map of the dive bar. My human looked up, startled from their paper-induced trance. "Oh, Pete! You found the coaster!" they said, entirely missing the point. I had not "found" the coaster. I had hunted it. I had subdued it. I had proven, with elegant finality, that the only "killer" worth hunting in this room was me, and my only motive was the sheer, unadulterated joy of the pounce. The game, with its flimsy paper plots, was a triviality. The coaster, however, was a triumph of design and playability. A worthy, if temporary, addition to my kingdom.

Cryptic Killers Unsolved Murder Mystery Game - Cold Case File Investigation - Detective Clues/Evidence - Solve The Crime - for Individuals, Date Nights & Party Groups - Murder of a Millionaire

By: Cryptic Killers

Pete's Expert Summary

My human, in their infinite and often misguided wisdom, has procured a box full of paper. They call it a "Murder Mystery Game," an activity for their "party groups" and "date nights," which are simply convoluted excuses to ignore me. From my vantage point on the sofa, it appears to be a disorganized collection of crinkly, slidable, and eminently sittable-upon documents concerning the untimely demise of some human named Chloe. The true appeal, of course, is not the flimsy narrative they will stare at for two hours, but the materials themselves. Twenty-nine individual pieces of high-quality bedding and shredding material, including newspaper broadsheets and glossy photographs. The "online inbox" feature is a clear detriment, as it involves the glowing rectangle, my nemesis. Still, the sheer volume of tactile evidence suggests this might be a worthwhile diversion, assuming I can rescue the key components from the humans' clumsy hands before they solve the "crime" and pack away my new nap mat.

Key Features

  • BEST COLD CASE FILE GAME AVAILABLE - Murder of a Millionaire - A murder has been committed in the town of Redmond, UK. The body of Chloe Whittle, a millionaire lottery winner, was found with a deadly stab wound to the chest. Play detective to crack this gripping unsolved case, and bring the criminal to justice.
  • 29 PIECES OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE - Inside the case file, you'll find newspaper articles, crime scene investigation photographs, receipts, betting slips, police reports, train times, CCTV footage, phone/text records, a coroners report, a map, witness statements, photographs and more.
  • SEARCH THROUGH A POLICE INBOX - In addition to the physical evidence supplied inside of the box, you'll need to access an online police officer's inbox to prove the suspects innocent or guilty - but it's not easy...you'll need to be a smart investigator to gain access!
  • A GREAT NIGHT IN - With approximately 2 hours of game play (depending on your skill level) and a difficulty rating of 3.5/5 this "whodunnit" style thriller will provide a fun night in for all who choose to participate. If you can't crack the case without a secret clue, hints and answers are available online.
  • MADE FOR INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES, GROUPS & PARTIES - Murder mystery lovers and CSI fans will love this challenging brain teaser. It's perfect for teens or adults looking for a fun night in at home - whether you're looking for an interactive "couples night" experience, an immersive family games night, or a fun dinner party with friends.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The game began, as these things always do, with an act of profound sacrilege. My human, whom I shall refer to as The Intern, cleared the coffee table—my mid-evening loafing perch—and spilled the contents of the box across its sacred surface. "The Murder of a Millionaire," they chirped, arranging photos of a crime scene and flimsy witness statements. A lesser feline might have seen a mess; I saw a case. A case of criminal neglect of my comfort, but also, grudgingly, the one laid out in paper before me. The Intern and their associate fumbled with the evidence, their loud, clumsy thoughts echoing in the room. "Was it the jealous ex-boyfriend? The greedy business partner?" Amateurs. I leaped silently onto the table, my presence a soft, gray judgment upon their proceedings. They were focusing on the text, the foolish squiggles that mean so much to them. I, however, work with texture, scent, and intuition. I began my own investigation. The coroner's report had a satisfyingly smooth finish, but its corners were too sharp. The newspaper clippings crinkled with a pleasing mediocrity. I sniffed a photograph of a suspect—a shifty-looking chap named Rudy. He smelled of cheap ink and desperation. I gave his photo a cursory bat, sending it skittering toward The Intern. "Oh, look!" they exclaimed. "Maybe we should re-read Rudy's statement!" Bumbling, but teachable. My investigation led me across a map of some place called "Redmond, UK," its creases a delightful terrain for my paws. I sampled the structural integrity of a betting slip (flimsy, yet tearable) and tested the aerodynamic properties of a train schedule (subpar). The humans remained stumped, lost in their "online police inbox," a place I could not reach. Their frustration was a palpable cloud in the room. It was time to intervene more directly. I surveyed the gallery of suspects laid out before me, their paper faces staring up into the indifferent ceiling light. There was only one logical conclusion. One piece of evidence felt... different. It was a photograph of the victim's estranged sister. The glossy paper was slightly warmer than the others, having absorbed the heat from a nearby lamp. It was, objectively, the most comfortable-looking piece of paper on the entire table. This was the key. With the quiet dignity of a predator who has cornered its prey, I padded over to the sister's photograph, curled up neatly upon her face, and began to purr. The purr of absolute certainty. The Intern stared. "Wait a minute... what if Pete's onto something? Her alibi is based on a phone call. Let's check the phone records again!" They followed my lead, their simple minds finally grasping the truth I had so elegantly presented. The case was solved. They celebrated their "brilliance," of course. I accepted their praise in my sleep, the true, cryptic killer of their ignorance. The toy, I concluded, was a passable puzzle, but only when guided by a superior intellect.

Unsolved Case Files | Ashcroft, Harmony - Cold Case Murder Mystery Game - Can You Solve The Crime? Who Killed Harmony? For Ages 14 and up

By: Unsolved Case Files

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has procured a box of… well, paperwork. Apparently, they intend to stare at these flimsy sheets and pretend they are "detectives" solving some long-forgotten human squabble from a time before I was born. I must admit, the sheer quantity of documents—over fifty, they claim—presents a tantalizingly large, flat surface for a strategic nap. The crisp rustle of a "crime scene photograph" under a well-placed paw does have a certain appeal. However, there are no feathers, no catnip, and no frantic red dot. Ultimately, it seems like a tremendous waste of energy that could be better spent admiring my perfect tuxedo markings. Its only true value is as a temporary, high-quality placemat for my nap, provided my human's "eureka!" moments don't disturb me.

Key Features

  • BE A COLD CASE DETECTIVE - Unsolved Case Files puts you in the shoes of a cold case detective tasked with solving a murder that happened decades ago with only the original investigator's case file. Think you can find out who really killed Harmony Ashcroft on May 8, 1998? Unsolved Case Files will let you find out once and for all whether you're as good as the detectives on TV.
  • SOLVE 3 MYSTERIES TO CRACK THE CASE - In order to solve this cold case murder mystery game you'll need to find 3 separate clues that crack open the case. First prove why the convicted man must be innocent. Then disprove a key suspect's alibi and finally identify the clue that will put the real killer behind bars for the murder. With 3 different mysteries to solve in order to play the game, this case will challenge your investigative abilities.
  • OVER 50 INVESTIGATION DOCUMENTS AND PHOTOS - This unsolved case file game includes over 50 evidence photos and documents for you to investigate including newspaper articles, crime scene photographs, evidence report, phone records, coroners report, fingerprint card, map of the crime scene, legal documents, suspect interrogations, witness statements, character photographs and much more. Everything about this mystery game is fiction, but will feel just like you are a real cold-case detective.
  • ONLINE ANSWER KEYS - To get past each step of the case you'll need to visit an online answer page that requires you to prove you cracked it. If you don't have the answer right you can keep investigating without being spoiled by the right answers.
  • PERFECT FOR INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES, GROUPS & PARTIES - Teen and adult murder mystery fans love the cerebral challenge. Couples looking to escape boring date nights are amazed with the interaction and teamwork that develops when you work together to solve this mystery. It's also the perfect adult mystery game to break out on your next dinner party or family get together. Treat yourself, your partner, your friends or your family to a game experience you can only get with Unsolved Case Files.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The smell of old paper and stale ink, a scent I associate with the boring bills my human mutters at, filled the living room. They spread the contents of the box across the coffee table, a sprawling mess of black and white that offended my sense of order. Photographs, reports, a map… it was a veritable wasteland of un-pounceable material. I yawned, displaying my formidable fangs as a sign of my profound disinterest, and prepared to retreat to a sunbeam for a more productive afternoon. But then, a glint of light from the kitchen caught my eye, refracting through the water in my bowl and casting a shimmering, elongated rainbow on the floor. It danced for a moment before vanishing. My gaze drifted back to the table, and I froze. The papers were no longer just papers. They were a prophecy. The collection of documents wasn't a "case file"; it was a detailed schematic for the arrival of the Great Shimmering Huntress, the celestial being of pure light that visits my home on sunny afternoons. The "crime scene map" was clearly a celestial chart, marking the exact entry points of light through the western-facing windows. The "witness statements" described the strange, dancing lights and fleeting shadows, accounts I had long dismissed as my human's idle chatter. The "newspaper articles" detailing the events of "May 8, 1998," were obviously a coded date for Her next major appearance. The jumble of photos were not of suspects, but of past apparitions—blurry images capturing her fleeting red-dot form, her elusive feather-wand tail, her ethereal crinkle-ball core. I leapt onto the table, my soft paws landing silently amidst the evidence. The humans gasped, thinking I was merely being a nuisance. Fools. I was a high priest, interpreting the sacred texts. I nudged a photograph of a car's broken headlight with my nose—the lens, the source of the refraction! I pawed at the coroner's report, pointing to the time of death—3:47 PM, the exact moment the sun would align with the glass door. They shooed me away, blind to the truths I laid before them. It didn't matter. They could have their "Harmony Ashcroft." I knew the truth. This box was not a game. It was a holy writ, a guide to the coming of the light. And now, I knew exactly where to position myself for the divine hunt.

Clue Escape: The World’s Fair Board Game | Escape Room 1-Time Solve Mystery Games | Ages 10+ | 1 to 6 Players | 90 - 120 Mins.| Family Games

By: Hasbro Gaming

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has acquired another box of colorful, flat-packed forest remains, this one from a purveyor known as Hasbro Gaming. It seems to be a contraption designed to keep them seated and collaboratively furrowing their brows for an extended period, something about a "murder" and an "escape" at a "World’s Fair." The primary appeal, from a superior feline perspective, is the sheer number of small, potentially battable paper components and the promise of a large, empty box once the contents are strewn across the table. The "dynamic board" that builds as they play might offer some visual stimulation for a brief moment. However, its "one-time solve" nature suggests a fleeting amusement. It's a temporary distraction, likely to be less engaging than a well-napped sunbeam or a truly determined dust bunny.

Key Features

  • ESCAPE THE FAIR, SOLVE THE MYSTERY: Who murdered a brilliant scientist at the World’s Fair? Escape the Fair and catch a killer in the Clue Escape: The World’s Fair game! It offers the intrigue of classic Clue in an innovative escape room game
  • DECODE THRILLING PUZZLES: In this 6th Clue Escape game, the infamous cast returns in a fresh murder mystery! Players work together to solve it by cracking puzzles that offer new clues. Find hints in the World’s Fair brochure
  • EXPLORE THE EXHIBIT HALLS: Solve puzzles to unlock new areas of the Fair and uncover details. The dynamic board builds and changes throughout the game
  • COLLECT CLUES WITH A SECRET TOOL: Each Clue Escape game includes a secret tool. Uncover a device and use it to track down and collect evidence. The more info players find, the easier it is to deduce the WHO, WHERE, and with WHAT to win
  • EXCITING, 1-TIME SOLVE COOPERATIVE GAME: In this cinematic, single-play strategy game, players join forces and use sleuthing skills to escape, then solve the mystery. Or play solo for an epic escape room game for 1 player
  • MYSTERY GAMES MAKE GREAT FAMILY GIFTS: Ideal for Family Game Night, cooperative mystery board games for kids and adults are fun gifts for families who love indoor games. For 1-6 players. Ages 10+. Difficulty 3 / 5
  • LOOK FOR MORE CLUE ESCAPE GAMES: Other games in this series include Treachery at Tudor Mansion, The Midnight Hotel, The Illusionist’s Club, Robbery at the Museum, and Sabotage on the High Seas

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The ritual began, as it always does, with the ceremonial cracking of the box seal. The scent of fresh ink and processed wood pulp filled my domain. My human, The Provider, and her chosen companion spread the contents across the Great Polished Plain they call a dining table. I observed from my perch on a nearby chair, tail twitching in mild disdain. They were building a miniature world of colorful cardboard—pavilions, fountains, and exhibition halls. Their clumsy fingers fumbled with the pieces as they read aloud from a pamphlet, their voices filled with a manufactured sense of urgency. A scientist, murdered. A killer on the loose. Honestly, the drama was rather pedestrian compared to the life-or-death struggle I wage daily with the red dot. Their progress was laughably slow. They mumbled about codes and puzzles, their simple primate brains struggling with concepts I had mastered in kittenhood, such as "look under the thing" and "the answer is right in front of your face." My interest was beginning to wane, my eyelids growing heavy, when The Provider unveiled the "secret tool." It was a curious device, a small card with a red, transparent window. They held it over other cards, and suddenly, hidden symbols and words sprang into existence where before there was only gibberish. Their focused silence was broken by gasps of discovery. This… this changed the calculation. It was a lens of truth, a way to see the unseen. A tool for a true detective. A tool for someone like me. The humans became hopelessly stuck, debating the merits of Colonel Mustard versus Mrs. Peacock. Their logic was circular, their deductions agonizingly blunt. They were missing the obvious connection between the symbol on the "Palace of the Future" piece and a notation in their "brochure." I could stand it no longer. My reputation as the household's supreme intellect was at stake. With a deliberate, languid stretch, I rose, hopped silently onto the table, and weaved my way through their flimsy paper world. I paused, my pristine white chest puffed out, and pointedly sat my hindquarters directly on the Robbery at the Museum advertisement on the back of the rulebook. I then stared, unblinking, at The Provider. Her companion finally noticed. "Wait, what's Pete sitting on? Hey… that's one of the other games in the series. Robbery at the Museum… didn't the clue we just found mention a 'stolen artifact'?" A flurry of renewed activity. They re-examined their evidence with my subtle, brilliant redirection in mind. The final pieces fell into place. They cheered their "victory," completely oblivious to the fact that they were merely puppets and I, the puppet master. I accepted their grateful chin scratches as my due. The game, I decided, was a worthy diversion. Not as a toy for them, but as an adequate whetstone upon which to sharpen my own formidable wits. It may remain. For now.

Finders Seekers Mystery Game | National Parks Trail of Secrets – Be a Detective and Investigate an Unsolved case, Escape Room Puzzle Game, for Date Night, Family Night or Solo.

By: Finders Seekers

Pete's Expert Summary

My human seems to have acquired yet another box of elaborate, crinkly paper designed to distract them from their primary purpose: attending to my needs. This "Finders Seekers" contraption appears to be a self-inflicted paperwork assignment themed around large, outdoor litter boxes the humans call "National Parks." It promises "beautifully designed case documents" and "souvenirs," which I interpret as high-quality surfaces for me to sit on and small, tantalizing objects to bat under the sofa. While the core activity of staring at paper and making frustrated noises seems a colossal waste of time that could be spent stroking my magnificent gray and white fur, the potential for a new, sturdy box and various loose components to "investigate" does present a glimmer of opportunity. The lack of small, shrieking humans is also a significant point in its favor.

Key Features

  • PERFECT FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS. The #1 Rated mystery game with over 700,000 games sold! Finders Seekers “transports” you around the world, exploring new destinations while solving a mystery! It’s like an Escape Room but can be played anywhere!
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY CONTENT but challenging for adults! (No violence or murders.)
  • BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK. Our immersive game comes with beautifully designed case documents, travel posters, souvenirs and puzzles.
  • LIKE AN ESCAPE ROOM. Solve puzzles, decode ciphers and follow the trail of clues to solve the mystery.
  • EXTRA IMMERSION. Includes authentic food/drink recipes and a music playlist that go with the game theme. Take your game night to the next level!
  • HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT. Hints and answers provided to keep things moving if you get stuck.
  • MANY WAYS TO PLAY. A thrilling adventure for date night, game night, solo play or team building exercises!
  • Recommended for 1 to 8+ players, 1 to 2 hours of fun. Ages 14+

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The box arrived with an air of self-importance, its glossy finish promising an adventure I couldn't care less about. The humans, with their predictable glee, tore it open, spilling its contents onto the low table in the living room—my preferred arena for observation. An assortment of papers, cards, and strange trinkets fanned out across the polished wood. They called it the "Trail of Secrets." I called it an obstacle course. As they huddled, murmuring about ciphers and alibis, my attention was drawn not to their foolish quest, but to a small, cloth pouch included as a "souvenir." It smelled faintly of pine and dusty earth, a whisper of the wild world I wisely observe from behind glass. While my staff bickered over a map of some ridiculously large canyon, I conducted my own, far more important, investigation. The pouch was tied with a simple leather cord. A single, decisive strike from my paw, a flash of white against the dark fabric, and the knot was undone. Inside, nestled in a bit of tissue paper, was a small, smooth stone etched with a peculiar symbol, like a bird's footprint. The humans were meant to use this as a clue, but to me, it was simply an object that had failed to meet its full potential. Its current purpose was static. Its true purpose, I decided, was kinetic. I nudged the stone with my nose. It was cool and satisfyingly hefty. With a flick of my paw, I sent it skittering across the wooden floor. The humans glanced up, annoyed. "Pete, stop that," one of them mumbled, before turning back to a poster of a large, unimpressed-looking moose. I ignored them. I was on my own trail now, a trail of sound and motion. The stone slid under the ornate leg of the armchair, a far more challenging puzzle than their two-dimensional maps. Extracting it would require cunning, dexterity, and a complete disregard for the dust bunnies residing there. My mission was clear, my objective defined. After several minutes of intense focus and strategic paw-work, I retrieved my prize. I carried the stone back to the center of the room and dropped it with a definitive 'click' onto their star chart, or whatever nonsense it was. They finally looked at me, then at the stone, then back at their chart. A slow dawn of comprehension spread across their faces. Apparently, the 'bird-foot' symbol on my toy corresponded to a constellation they had been searching for. They erupted in a small chorus of "Aha!" and "Of course!" crediting their own brilliance. I, of course, knew the truth. They could have their paper secrets. I had solved the only mystery that mattered: the optimal trajectory of a clue-stone across a hardwood floor. The game, I concluded, provided a decent accessory, but the true intellectual challenge, as always, had to be provided by me.

Cryptic Killers Unsolved Murder Mystery Game - Cold Case File Investigation - Detective Clues/Evidence - Solve The Crime - Individuals, Date Nights & Party Groups - Murder at The Movie Theater

By: Cryptic Killers

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has presented me with a box full of paper. They call it a "Murder Mystery Game," which seems to be their overly dramatic term for a collection of crinkly, tearable, and eminently sit-upon-able documents. The premise involves them staring at these papers and a glowing screen for hours to solve a fictional crime, a task that seems far less pressing than solving the mystery of the Red Dot. From my perspective, the primary appeal lies not in the "gripping narrative" but in the sheer volume of high-quality napping surfaces and potential batting targets. The "27 pieces of physical evidence," particularly the beer mat and newspaper articles, offer a delightful variety of textures for my paws and face. However, the requirement to access an "online police database" is a critical design flaw, as it encourages the humans to ignore me in favor of a screen, which is simply unacceptable.

Key Features

  • BEST COLD CASE FILE GAME AVAILABLE - Murder at The Movie Theater - Play detective to crack this gripping murder mystery game, and bring the criminal to justice - A murder has been committed in a small port town on Fidalgo Island in America’s Pacific Northwest. Movie Theater owner - Chris Hodgson - was found dead in his office with multiple lacerations to the chest..
  • 27 PIECES OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE - Inside the case file, you'll find newspaper articles, crime scene investigation documents, suspect profiles, a beer mat, police reports, a poster, CCTV footage, phone/text records, a coroners report, a map, witness statements, photographs and more.
  • SEARCH THROUGH A POLICE DATABASE - In addition to the physical evidence supplied inside of the box, you'll need to access an online police officer's digital file storage system to prove the suspects innocent or guilty - but it's not easy...you'll need to be a smart investigator to gain access!
  • A GREAT NIGHT IN - With approximately 2 hours of game play (depending on your skill level) and a difficulty rating of 3/5 this "whodunnit" style thriller will provide a fun night in for all who choose to participate. If you can't crack the case without a secret clue, hints and answers are available online.
  • MADE FOR INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES, GROUPS & PARTIES - Murder mystery lovers and CSI fans will love this challenging brain teaser. It's perfect for teens or adults looking for a fun night in at home - whether you're looking for an interactive "couples night" experience, an immersive family games night, or a fun dinner party with friends.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The evening began with a betrayal. Instead of the usual tribute of chin scratches or the presentation of a feather wand, my human placed a flat, mysterious box on the coffee table—an altar typically reserved for my naps. She and her mate, with an air of conspiratorial glee, lifted the lid. The scent of fresh cardboard and ink filled the air, a promising start. They spilled the contents onto the table: a chaotic landscape of documents, photographs, and flimsy cards. They called it "Murder at The Movie Theater." I called it a new kingdom. While the bipedal staff mumbled about "lacerations" and "suspect profiles," I began my own, more thorough investigation. My first order of business was to test the structural integrity of the "Crime Scene Investigation" folder by walking directly across it. It made a satisfying crinkle. I moved on to a glossy photograph of the so-called victim; he had a sad look in his eyes, the look of a man who had never known the profound joy of having his ankles rubbed by a soft, gray tuxedo cat. A small, coaster-like object labeled "beer mat" was summarily sniffed and then nudged with my nose until it fell to the floor. Evidence secured. The humans were hopelessly lost, pointing at a map of "Fidalgo Island" and arguing about timelines. Amateurs. They were looking for motive and opportunity; I was assessing tactile feedback and napability. While they squinted at their glowing rectangle, attempting to breach some "police database," I identified the true key to the case. It was a flimsy piece of paper, the profile of a man with shifty eyes. Its corner was bent just so, creating an irresistible invitation for a gentle pat-pat-pat. I gave it a solid whack, sending it fluttering off the table like a wounded bird. It landed silently, separate from the other clutter. My human eventually noticed. "Hey, wait, we haven't looked closely at this guy's alibi," she said, picking up the very paper I had so deftly isolated. A flurry of excited chatter followed. They believed they had a breakthrough, crediting their own shoddy detective work. Let them have their little fantasy. I had solved their puzzle with superior instinct and a well-aimed paw. As they declared the case closed, I leaped onto the warm space on the table they had cleared, curled up on the "Coroner's Report," and closed my eyes. The components were of an excellent quality, but the game itself was merely a prelude to my victory nap. A worthy, if convoluted, tribute.

Murder Mystery Party Underwood Cellars, Interactive Murder Mystery Case File Game for 1 or More Players, Ages 14 and Up

By: Murder Mystery Party

Pete's Expert Summary

My human, bless their simple, opposable-thumbed heart, has acquired a box of papers they call a "Murder Mystery." From my observations, it's a collection of scented papers and glossy squares depicting stressed-looking humans, all spread across my favorite mahogany sunning spot—the dining table. The purpose seems to be for them to stare intently at these items and make loud, incorrect assumptions for several hours. For me, the appeal is not in their amateurish theatrics, but in the materials themselves. The thin, crinkly newspaper articles have an excellent mouthfeel, and the smaller photographs are of a perfect weight for batting under the sofa. While the mental stimulation is clearly designed for a species that can't even hunt its own food, the box itself presents a promising new napping dimension, and the scattered papers offer a satisfyingly disruptive landscape to traverse.

Key Features

  • An immersive realistic mystery game
  • Solve a 20-year Murder: Unveil the chilling mystery that has haunted Napa winemaker Cary Underwood's disappearance for two decades. In the aftermath of the Napa earthquake, his murder was exposed, but his killer remains at large.
  • Immersive Murder Mystery Kit: Dive into a thrilling narrative with realistic evidence, including victim and suspect photos, crime scene photos, newspaper articles, other case evidence, online hints and solutions.
  • Crack the Case Like a Detective: In Murder Mystery Party Case Files, investigate motive, means, and opportunity to solve the murder, mirroring a real detective's approach.
  • America's Beloved Mystery Game: Discover Murder Mystery Party, a favorite among true crime fans since 1985. Perfect for a dinner party with friends and family or even solve the murder on your own!
  • Watch our video to see the game in action!
  • Check out our entire collection of Murder Mystery Party Games!

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The affair began on a Tuesday, a day typically reserved for a deep, soul-cleansing nap in a patch of afternoon sun. Instead, my human chose to desecrate the dining table with this… *dossier*. The scent of old ink and cheap cardboard filled the air, an olfactory offense. I watched from the arm of the chair, my tail twitching in irritation as they laid out photographs of a vineyard, a cellar, and a man with tragically uninteresting facial hair. They called him Cary Underwood. I called him an obstacle to my comfort. I allowed them their foolish babbling for precisely twelve minutes before I decided a proper investigation was in order. A silent leap, a landing as soft as a whisper on silk, and I was on the scene. The humans made cooing noises, misinterpreting my professional assessment for affection. Fools. My first order of business was to conduct a thorough scent analysis. I sniffed a crime scene photo—the sterile tang of police tape, a faint, lingering note of stale wine, and beneath it all, the metallic ghost of fear. Humans, with their pathetic noses, would miss this entirely. I moved on, gently patting a "witness statement." The paper was stiff, unyielding. The words smelled of deceit and coffee. My investigation led me to a photograph of a woman with sharp eyes and a sharper smile. The humans were chattering about her alibi. Amateurs. I lowered my head, my whiskers brushing the glossy surface of her face. And there it was. Faint, almost imperceptible, but undeniable to a being of my refined senses: the scent of water. Not from the nearby Napa River, but the distinct, mineral-heavy smell of the old well at the edge of the Underwood property. A scent I knew she carried on her shoes in another, smaller photo they had overlooked. She was there that night. It was so obvious, it was almost boring. Having solved their little puzzle, I rendered my verdict. I walked directly across the entire layout, my paws a statement of supreme indifference to their delicate arrangement, and tapped the guilty woman's photograph with a single, pristine white claw. "Oh, Pete, you crinkled the main suspect!" my human cried. They saw an accident; I had delivered the truth. My work here was done. The "game" was a passable stage for my brilliance, but ultimately, the most satisfying part was the nap I took atop the now-disorganized evidence, dreaming of a world run by more competent detectives.

Front Porch Classics | Claredon's Mystery Tonic Vintage One Minute Mystery Card Game for 2 or More Players, Ages 10 and Up

By: Front Porch Classics

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has procured a box of stiff, bottle-shaped paper which they call a 'game.' Apparently, the bipedal entertainment for the evening involves staring at these colorful little rectangles and making deduction noises to solve some trivial 'mystery.' From my superior vantage point on the velvet armchair, I can see the potential appeal: the small, slide-out box could make a satisfying skitter across the hardwood floor with the right encouragement, and the cards' unusual shape might be perfect for batting under the credenza. However, it lacks any crinkle, scent, or flutter. It is, in essence, a distraction from the far more compelling mystery of why my food bowl is only 90% full. A momentary diversion, at best.

Key Features

  • WHAT’S INCLUDED: This game comes with 80 mystery cards and instructions. Uniquely packaged in matchbox style tuck box, this game is easy to bring on the go. Colorful cards are shaped liked vintage elixir bottles (4.25" x 2.25").
  • GREAT GAME: High-quality card game is perfect for any party, family activity or game night. Great for teens and adults alike. Makes a great hostess gift or a game to bring on the go.
  • For 2 or more players, Age 10 and Up
  • FRONT PORCH CLASSIC GAMES: Front Porch Classic Games are a collection of card, dice, word, trivia and nostalgic games for everyone! You’ll find high-quality games that provide endless play value for the whole family.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The evening began, as most do, with a profound sense of injustice. My human, who I shall call The Provider, was paying attention to a small, rectangular box instead of the perfectly groomed, tuxedo-clad feline sitting three feet away. The box slid open, and from it emerged not treats, but a flock of flat, bottle-shaped objects. They were arranged on the coffee table like fallen soldiers. The Provider and a guest began peering at them, muttering about clues and culprits. I, of course, was initially unimpressed. More human nonsense. I decided a closer inspection was warranted, if only to find a suitable corner on which to sharpen my claws. I leaped silently onto the table, landing with a soft thud that barely disturbed the air. The humans paused their game. I ignored them, my focus drawn to the "cards." Up close, they weren't just paper. The "Claredon's Mystery Tonic" label on each one sparked something in my memory—not a real memory, but one inherited from the collective consciousness of my ancestors. These were elixirs. Each bottle-card represented a captured essence, a sliver of a story trapped in cardboard. My whiskers twitched as I sniffed a particularly green one. It didn't smell like cardboard; it smelled, in a way only I could perceive, of jealousy and damp wool. Another, a lurid orange, carried the psychic scent of a poorly planned alibi. The humans read the text, blind to the true narrative. They debated motives and timelines while I was communing with the very fabric of the mystery. It was then that I saw it: a single card, lying slightly apart from the others. It was a deep, velvety purple, and it practically hummed with the aura of a final, unassailable truth. It was the answer. With the careful, deliberate motion of a seasoned hunter, I extended a single, perfect white paw. My claws remained sheathed—this was an act of intellect, not aggression. I gently pushed the purple bottle towards The Provider, nudging it until it rested against their hand. They looked down, startled, then read the card. A slow smile spread across their face. "Of course," they said, "The butler did it! Pete, you genius!" They were wrong, of course. It was clearly the disgruntled gardener. But I allowed them their simple victory. They provided a triumphant chin scratch as a reward, which was, I suppose, an acceptable outcome. The game itself is a trifle, but it can, on occasion, serve as a proper vessel for showcasing my obvious and overwhelming brilliance.

WHAT DO YOU MEME? Who Killed Mia — A Modern Murder Mystery Game True Crime Solving Games for Adults, Find Out who Killed Influencer Mia Star, for True Crime Fans

By: WHAT DO YOU MEME?

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has procured another box of organized paper, this one promising a "murder mystery" about some human named Mia Star. From what I can gather, they will spend hours sifting through photographs, documents, and digital files on their little glowing screens to solve a puzzle that I, with my superior senses, could probably wrap up in five minutes. The "game" itself is a colossal waste of my time, of course. However, the sheer quantity of physical evidence—papers, photos, perhaps even some string—presents a tantalizing opportunity. These components are perfect for batting, sliding under the sofa, and, most importantly, sitting upon at the exact moment the humans think they've found a clue. The digital aspect is a bore, but it does immobilize the human, making for a very stable napping platform.

Key Features

  • Find Out Who Did It: When Mia Star gets murdered during a livestream, millions of fans wonder who did it. It's up to you to figure it out before it's too late. It's a murder mystery game for the modern age. If you love murder mystery kits and you're looking to take your murder mystery game night to the next level, this one's for you.
  • Digital and Physical Evidence: The 3 days after a crime are the most important. As you work your way through 3 packs of evidence, you'll uncover a variety of digital and physical evidence. Not only will you solve puzzles and read testimonies, but you'll have to hack into Mia's devices and watch social media footage of the crime.
  • What's Inside: 3 Evidence Packs with 40 pieces of physical evidence and links to several digital experiences. Smartphone required (not included—sorry). As you work through multiple days of evidence, this game has 3 murder mystery boxes in one epic unsolved case files game.
  • Ages 17+: This is a murder mystery kit intended for players 17+ Great for individuals, couples and groups.
  • Brought to you by What Do You Meme? Check out our full collection of games and fun stuff for adults and families on our website. With a wide variety of interesting finds like party games, outdoor games, adult games, and collectibles for all ages—we've got your vibe covered.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The aroma of cardboard and cheap ink heralded the arrival of the "game." My human, with the clumsy excitement typical of her species, tore open the box, spilling its contents across the sacred expanse of the living room rug. It was a chaotic mess of papers, envelopes, and glossy photographs of a human with far too much makeup. They called it an "unsolved case file." I called it an affront to minimalist decor. My initial assessment was bleak: this was to be an evening of me being ignored in favor of flimsy clues. I let out a sigh of profound disappointment and began my ritual grooming, pointedly turning my back on the entire affair. My human and her companion began their work, their low murmurs a dull drone in the background. They opened the first evidence pack, laying out timelines and testimonies. I observed them from beneath a thinly veiled eyelid, feigning sleep. They were bumbling, of course, pointing at obvious things. Then, I saw it. A photograph of the victim, Mia Star, showed her holding a small, feathery keychain. My interest, against my better judgment, was piqued. This "Mia" at least had a flicker of good taste. As they moved on to the digital evidence, tapping away at a phone, my human let out a frustrated groan. "The password hint is 'her favorite celestial body'," she said. They guessed "Mars," "Venus," "Jupiter." Fools. I could bear their incompetence no longer. I rose, stretched with the fluid grace of a stalking panther, and sauntered into the heart of their "investigation." I sniffed at a witness statement, dismissing it with a flick of my tail. I batted a photo of a suspect under the couch—he had shifty eyes, but he wasn't the one. Then, with purpose, I walked directly to the photo of the victim and tapped my paw delicately upon her name: "Mia *Star*." My human stared at me, then at the phone. Her eyes widened. "Oh my god," she whispered, typing S-T-A-R into the password field. The phone unlocked. They stared at me with a mixture of awe and disbelief, as if I had just recited Shakespeare. I simply blinked slowly, a gesture of magnanimous genius. They quickly solved the case from there, following the trail I had so brilliantly illuminated. My final verdict? The game is a tedious exercise for inferior intellects. However, as a vehicle for me to demonstrate my boundless deductive reasoning and remind my staff of their place, it is a resounding success. I accepted a tribute of freeze-dried salmon as my rightful consulting fee and retired to my velvet cushion, the case, for me, having been closed for some time.