Learning to Sleuth

When I teased my imminent LinkedIn renaissance, I didn’t expect it to lead me into a world of paper samples, Victorian etiquette guides, and debates over print bleed. Yet, here we are.

Actually, as someone preparing to expose truth-twisters, I should stop my false narrative and confess the real genesis of this production - a chap with a lot of time suddenly on his hands.

In 2002, I moved to Japan to teach English. My arrival was treated like a galáctico footballer’s signing—the whole school came to greet me off the train. Less exciting was my two-hour-a-week teaching schedule. With 40 hours to pass and a school boasting one shared internet connection, I turned to dividing my time wrestling with the beastly Japanese alphabets, and aimlessly walking the school

One day, I stumbled upon an unmarked room where my fellow sensei Mr. Nabako had discreetly embarked on the staggering task of translating every Sherlock Holmes story into Japanese—a labour of love he’d been toiling over for years. Enthralled, I offered to help untangle the occasional peculiar phrase. In return, he let me sink days there devouring, at least thrice the four novels and fifty-six short stories that had been penned.

My Japanese skills have long since faded, but my obsession with Sherlock Holmes lingered in the recesses of my mind, waiting for its moment. That moment arrived when I found myself with time on my hands and a whimsical urge to write a pastiche. One innocent idea later, the devil whispered: “Make it a game.”

So, I spent 500 hours crafting a Sherlock Holmes-themed murder mystery board game. I rewrote the story so many times that even Conan Doyle might have raised an eyebrow. Along the way, I learned more about paper stock and Victorian stationery than I care to admit.

Some of my acquaintances dragooned into becoming part of the game lie below…

The result is a game where you and your friends step into Watson’s shoes, piecing together 40-odd exhibits, debating wild theories, and, if all goes well, solving the case. Early players— most of them unknown to me — have kindly called it immersive, challenging, and steeped in Conan Doyle’s spirit. Whether that’s true or just the result of late-night group hysteria, I leave to you.

You can explore the game (or buy it) at www.sherlockinvestigates.com.

And yes, I now consider myself a self-certified prime investigator. Should I add that to my LinkedIn?

Now for the Grifters…