Review: Can You Solve The Murder by Antony Johnston

An interactive crime novel where you are the detective and every path you take can lead to disaster.

---

Dates read: 08/07/25 to 22/07/25

Word to describe: Playful

Star rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Murder Mystery, Puzzle Fiction

A few months back I visited Waterstones in Newcastle for an author event that included a murder mystery game. I hadn't heard of the author but my ever-love for Cluedo won me over and I bought tickets to attend the event and gain a signed copy of the book. Little did I know that this event would lead me to discovering a new found love for puzzle fiction.

Can You Solve The Murder? is an interactive book that follows a tell-your-own adventure format that has you flicking between pages as you follow on the quest to solve the murder at a luxury day spa. With many twists and turns to lead your astray this is not an easy case to crack. As the reader follows the story they collect codes to help them on their journey, some are true to the case and others will have you standing on the sidelines watching the murderer get away. The premise is genius and the interactive nature is fun and an easy way to relax after work.

I loved this book, the playful format, the tricky case to solve and of course the code deciphering that leads to big murder clues. I found it a little difficult - you'd think a uni degree in forensic science would help! For several days I hunkered down, writing notes in my phone and keeping track of character links led to me not solving the case, dying, getting fired, and then eventually I cheated my way to the answer (oops). Nevertheless, the premise of a murder mystery in this format still intrigues me, and even in the author event Antony Johnston told eager fans that the mind-map to craft such a complicated story took place over months. My attention span could never!

Now that I've solved the case I know I'll be reaching for this one again soon. As each decision leads to different outcomes I might uncover paths I never took the first time. Can You Solve The Murder? is one a kind and it just so happens a sequel is making its way onto shelves soon. So look out for the newest mystery by Antony Johnston!