Case Files–With the Detective

About a Minute with Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes explains everything you need to know to play Case Files–With The Detective in about a minute.

How to Play: Your Journey from Puzzled to Brilliant

The Story Unfolds

Each case begins with a mystery adapted from golden age detective fiction. You'll read the story in sections—perhaps starting with a perplexing crime scene, then meeting suspicious characters, discovering hidden clues, and witnessing revealing confrontations. Take your time. Read carefully. The devil, as Holmes would say, is in the details.

Your Detective Partnership

After each story section, return to your chat with the detective. This isn't a scripted conversation—you're free to:

Ask for clarification: "What did you make of the mud on her shoes?"

Float theories: "I think the nephew did it for the inheritance"

React naturally: "That butler is definitely hiding something!"

Request focus: "Should we investigate the timeline more carefully?"

The detective responds in character. Holmes might dismiss your wilder theories with withering logic. Father Brown could gently redirect your assumptions about human nature. Dupin may challenge you to think more analytically. They're helpful, but they won't solve it for you.

The Deduction Challenge

Before unlocking the story's conclusion, you must convince the detective you've truly solved their case. Each mystery poses its own unique challenge:

Some detectives demand you name the culprit and unravel their ingenious methods. Others need you to locate a crucial hidden object or explain an impossible disappearance. A few require you to decode cryptic clues or reveal the one piece of evidence that ties everything together.

Get it wrong? The detective will point out the flaws in your reasoning—with gentle guidance if you prefer a collaborative investigation, or with the sharp wit of literary legends if you're ready for their full intellectual prowess. Overlooked that telling detail? Misread the psychology of a suspect? They'll guide you back to reconsider.

But don't worry—you can refine your deduction and try again. After all, even the best detectives occasionally need to revisit their theories.

The Revelation

Only when your solution satisfies the detective's standards will they unlock the final section. Here, the master detective reveals all—walking through each clue you should have noticed, every deduction you might have made. Compare your solution to theirs. Did you catch the significance of that torn envelope? Notice the impossible timeline? Spot the telling contradiction?

Difficulty Modes

Presumption of Insight (Supportive Mode)

• The detective offers more hints and gentle guidance
• They'll highlight important clues you might have missed
• More attempts allowed before they grow impatient
• Perfect for mystery newcomers or relaxed enjoyment

Exacting Standards (Hard Mode)

• Minimal hints—the detective expects sharp thinking
• Miss obvious clues at your peril
• Time matters: What time is it in London?
• For seasoned mystery readers who want authentic challenge

Pro Tips from Beta Players

• Keep notes! That offhand comment in Section 2 might be crucial
• Read the detective's messages carefully—they drop subtle hints
• Don't overthink the obvious (but don't underthink it either)
• When stuck, reread earlier sections with fresh eyes
• Trust the fair-play promise: every clue you need is there

Start Your First Case Free

Meet Sherlock Holmes in "The Red-Headed League" free to play with no registration, no payment info, no interruptions. Just you, a mystery, and the world's greatest detective waiting to see if you're as clever as you think you are.

Ready to prove your deductive brilliance?