Murdle: Volume 1

Murdle: Volume 1 is such a clever and addictive collection of puzzles. It feels like solving a mystery, a logic grid, and a game of Clue all at the same time, and I love that I get to play detective instead of just reading about one. The puzzles start out approachable and then gradually get trickier, which makes it easy to warm up and then really sink your teeth into the harder cases. The tone is light and playful, with quirky characters and fun little details that keep each mystery from feeling the same as the last. I especially appreciate that I can pick it up for a quick puzzle or spend longer working through a tougher one, so it fits into whatever kind of day I’m having. If you enjoy logic puzzles, brain teasers, or classic whodunits, this is a fantastic and satisfying way to keep your brain busy. I’m already planning to grab the next volume.

This was originally suggested as a study aid for my elementary school child to help prepare for standardized testing. (The jury is still out on that one.) He was resistant at first, but now he’ll actually pick it up and work through puzzles on his on, and sometimes just for fun. The “murders” are lighthearted and a bit cheeky, which definitely keeps kids engaged (mine gets a kick out of them). More importantly, the book does a great job teaching logic, organization of information, and deductive reasoning through process of elimination. One thing to note- some of the scenarios can spark interesting (and slightly unexpected) questions from kids, like how a cactus can be used as a murder weapon. So be prepared for a few creative conversations along the way. Also, a few puzzles use terminology more common in the UK or Canada (e.g., “vicar,” titles like “earl”), which may require a quick explanation for younger readers. The puzzles progress in difficulty, so it grows with the child and stays challenging. There are even more difficult problems that adults can enjoy, but they’re structured in a way that kids can eventually work their way up to them. Overall, it’s a clever way to build critical thinking skills without it feeling like work—for kids and adults alike.

I’ve spent hours on this book already and have really been enjoying it. I like that I’m able to follow an actual story while also using my brain to solve the mysteries, so it feels more engaging than just doing random puzzles. I wouldn’t say the mysteries are very difficult, at least not so far, but that actually makes it more fun and relaxing for me. I’m still on the first part and it’s been a good way to ease back into reading and focus without feeling overwhelmed. Overall, it’s entertaining, clever, and easy to get into.

Fun mystery puzzle book. We put it in our puzzle lover's Christmas stocking and he loved it. Sometimes it is difficult to get him to put it down and come join us but I guess that just means it is fun and engaging.

I saw Murdle Puzzles on TikTok and was intrigued. I am NOT a puzzle person, but this seem very interesting. I LOVE it! It is a lot of fun and makes you think! You want to just keep going! If you get stuck, you can google the puzzle book and # on TikTok or Youtube and chances are there is a video on how it was solved. This really helps as you are learning. I am halfway through the book and can't wait to get volume 2. It is a LOT of fun. I taught my dad (in his 80's) and at first he thought it was too hard, but he really liked it and ordered a book too. He is doing great solving and getting the hang of it.

I love this book so much I also bought Vol 2 and Vol 3. I completed Vol 1 and it was a real joy, and I'm half way through Vol 2! I love that there is a storyline go to along with the puzzles. The one-magnifying glass level (Elementary) are the easiest and should not be a problem for most people The next are the Medium difficulty. Here you are given only two clues and statements from each suspect, which could be either a truth or a lie. Hard difficulty brings not only an additional suspect, weapon and location, but you must also determine the motive. Personally, I found these easier than the Medium difficulty - but that's just me. Lastly we have the Impossible difficulty. Here we have the same number of suspects, weapons, locations and motives as the Hard difficulty, BUT with an added truth or lie statement from each of the suspects. PROS: For those not familiar with logic puzzles, there are 8 pages of excellent instructions and techniques on how to go about solving the puzzles. The grids are very adequately sized (they're large) and there's lots of room to write notes. There's a section toward the end immediately before the answer section where you can get an additional hint for every puzzle. It's nice that this is well hidden so you don't see it accidentally. The puzzles are very well designed such that you sometimes must read the detail description of the suspects, weapons, locations and motives in order to get the correct clue. The answers are actually a continuing storyline. It's fun to follow along with the mystery! CONS: Sadly there are a few. Because the paperback is not in color, the shaded areas where the locations and weapons are listed and described can be difficult to read at times. For example, Locations can be either outdoors or indoors, and that is sometimes part of a clue. The background and the print color of the words 'outdoors' and 'indoors' are too similar making it very difficult to read. This is also an issue with the Weapons. Suggestion: make it the same as the Suspects; black on white not white on gray. Once you get to the Hard and Impossible puzzles, you have the suspects, locations, weapons (and motives), clues and solving grid on FOUR pages. You're flipping back and forth from the clues, to the suspects, to the clues, to the locations, to the grid, to the weapons, to the clues.... etc. You get the idea. Overall, I'm so happy with this puzzle book. I love logic puzzles but struggle with those that include a lot of math. These are so much fun because there's actually a story to read. The descriptions are very humorous as well and quite a few 'tongue in cheek' expressions. Finally: If you want some casual fun while stressing your brain, then you'll love this group of puzzles. However, if you are looking for a hard-core, math heavy, little-to-no-clues puzzle book, this isn't for you.

Really fun!! The murder and puzzle combo is perfection. I could hardly put the book down! Absolutely perfect for a morning brain teaser or a puzzle binge during a flight.

This book is an absolute blast! So good to sit down and concentrate on and use your brain for something not behind the screen!

I’m a puzzle addict. I can’t go a day without solving something, and Murdle Volume 1 hits that sweet spot like nothing else. It’s not just a puzzle book—it’s a full-blown mystery experience. Each challenge is multidimensional, asking you to figure out who, what, and where—like playing Clue, but on steroids. The logic puzzles are brilliantly constructed, and the format is so thoughtfully designed that it feels like you're stepping into a detective’s notebook. What I especially love is how it doesn’t throw you into the deep end right away. It builds your detective muscles gradually—starting with puzzles that are approachable, then ramping up to hard, super hard, and finally, nearly impossible. It’s a workout for your brain, and the progression makes the victories feel earned. Murdle is essentially a set of murder mysteries, each one a compact case waiting to be cracked. The storytelling is sharp, the clues are layered, and the satisfaction of solving each one is unmatched. You’ll need quiet time to focus, because these puzzles demand your full attention. And once you start? Forget stopping at just one. It’s pure brain candy—addictive, satisfying, and endlessly clever. If you love deduction, storytelling, and the thrill of cracking a case, Murdle isn’t just a book—it’s your new obsession.

Im not a Book - person and it’s hard to me to stay focused and interested. Usually I start something and then keep getting distracted by my phone or tv. But this book kept me occupied for hours! Love it

Love the book. It's really nice quality and every case is really interesting. Will definitely buy 2nd one when I finish this one

Superleuk puzzelboek, love it!

This is a nice murder puzzle book. I love that it has different level of difficulty. As you get the hang of it, the faster you can solve the case.