The Last Dance: Printable Valentine's Murder Mystery Game (Cold Case File, PDF and Interactive)
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Why it works
A masked ball. A bell that rang at half past ten. A gold watch stopped at 10:47.
Buy this for
- Couples who want a Valentine's date night in
- Galentine's friends who love a whodunit
- Anyone who loves chocolates and a cold case
- Instant download
Two ways to play, one purchase
- Print it: the full 41-page case file as a US Letter or A4 PDF
- Play it on screen: an interactive HTML case file for your computer. Click through the evidence, keep notes in the notepad, solve the puzzles, open the sealed envelopes and check hints, all in one file that works offline
Same case, two ways to play it. That is twice the value for one price.
The Last Dance: Death at the Starlight Pavilion is a Valentine's murder mystery for 1 to 5 detectives. No host needed. It is Ashcombe Cold Case No. 3 and it stands alone, so you do not need to play the earlier cases first.
Valentine's night, 2021. A masked ball at the end of Ashcombe Pier. At half past ten, as she had every Valentine's for forty-one years, Vivienne Marlowe stepped onto the Moon Balcony, rang the Sweetheart Bell and blew a kiss to the moon. Twenty-five minutes later she was found at the foot of the tower stair, her gold watch stopped at 10:47. The police called it an accident.
Five years later the case has been reopened, and the file is on your desk. Five suspects, every one of them in a mask. A box of chocolates with four left. And a lot of guests who swear they saw her.
What you get (instant download)
- US Letter PDF and A4 PDF, 41 pages each
- Interactive Case File: one offline HTML file for laptop or desktop
- A short guide to opening the interactive file
What is inside the case
- Briefing letter, How to Play guide, victim profile, 2021 incident report, medical examiner's summary and Pavilion floor plans
- 5 illustrated suspect profiles and 5 interview transcripts
- 25 evidence documents: witness statements, the dance program and run-sheet, receipts, records, letters, a door log and lighting cues, phone texts, newspaper photographs and a pinned noticeboard
- 4 hands-on puzzles: a fold-in love letter, the Victorian language of flowers, a box of chocolates with cut-out tokens and a set of dance cards to cut out and match
- 2 sealed evidence envelopes with a self-check, so you know you are right before you open them
- Accusation sheet with a 14-point score, tiered hints and a full solution
Details
- Play time 90 to 150 minutes. Medium difficulty. Ages 14+ (nothing gory)
- Everything you need is in the file. No internet or outside knowledge required
- Great for Valentine's Day, Galentine's, date night, an anniversary or game night with chocolates
- If you print, you will need scissors and a pencil, plus a few envelopes or paperclips. Print at 100% actual size
About the interactive file
One HTML file that works fully offline in Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox on a laptop, desktop or Android device. It includes a notepad, puzzles, sealed envelopes, hints, an accusation form and a TV mode. It does not run on iPhone or iPad. The printable PDFs work on any device.
Please note
- Digital download only. Nothing is shipped
- For personal use only. Please do not resell or share the files
- All characters, businesses and events are fictional
- Contains themes of death and a fall on a stair (no gore). Suitable for teens and adults
- Artwork designed by The Painted Wolves with the help of AI tools
- Format US Letter PDF + A4 PDF (41 pages each) + interactive case file
- Play time 90 to 150 minutes, medium difficulty
- Players 1 to 5 detectives, no host needed
- Ages 14 and up, no gore
- 4.8 from 103 shop reviews. No reviews on this item yet.
How you get it
Nothing ships. The moment you check out you get a download button on the confirmation page and a download link by email. You get a US Letter PDF, an A4 PDF and the interactive case file.
Printing it
Print at home or at any print shop. Choose Actual size or 100% in your print settings. You will need scissors, a pencil and a few envelopes or paperclips.
Downloads and refunds
Because it's a digital file you keep, we can't take it back once it's downloaded, so refunds for a change of mind aren't possible.
If it won't open or something's wrong, that's on us. Email info@thepaintedwolves.com and we'll fix it the same day or refund you in full.
Real orders, real homes
Photos from customers who sent theirs in.
What is in the case
Everything you need to solve it is in the file. No internet or outside knowledge needed.
- 41 pagesCase file in each PDF size
- 4 puzzlesCipher, torn letter, clock, receipt
- 2 sealed envelopesWith a self-check before you open
- Tiered hintsA nudge first, the answer last
- Interactive fileOffline, with a TV mode
How it works
Four steps, about 90 to 150 minutes.
- PrintPrint the 41-page PDF, or open the interactive file on a laptop.
- ReadGo through the briefing, police report, interviews and 25 evidence documents.
- SolveCrack the 4 puzzles and open the sealed envelopes when you are sure.
- AccuseFill in the accusation sheet, then check the full solution.
Works on
- Laptop or desktopOpen the interactive file in Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox. Works offline.
- TVPlug in with HDMI or cast from Chrome. The file has a TV mode.
- Android phone or tabletOpen the interactive file in Chrome.
- Any deviceThe printable PDFs open and print everywhere.
The interactive file does not run on iPhone or iPad. The printable PDFs work on any device, so you can still play.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to play?
Plan on 90 to 150 minutes. Medium difficulty. You can pause and come back, so it also works over two evenings.
How many players?
1 to 5 detectives. Play solo or share one table with friends, a date or your book club.
Do I need a host?
No. Nobody has to run the game or hold back secrets. Everyone is a detective, and the file handles the rest.
What do I need to print?
The 41-page PDF, in US Letter or A4, both included. You will also need scissors, a pencil and a few envelopes or paperclips. Prefer a screen? Use the interactive file on a laptop or desktop.
What if I get stuck?
There are tiered hints. The first only nudges you, the last gives the answer. The sealed envelopes also have a self-check, so you know you are right before you open them.
Does it work on iPhone or iPad?
The interactive file does not run on iPhone or iPad. The printable PDFs work on any device, so you can still play on paper.
Is it scary or gory?
No gore. The story involves death and poisoning, so it suits teens and adults. Ages 14 and up.
Can I get a refund?
Because it is a digital file you keep, we cannot take it back once it is downloaded, so refunds for a change of mind are not possible.
If it will not open or something is wrong, that is on us. Email info@thepaintedwolves.com and we will fix it the same day or refund you in full.
The Ashcombe Cold Case Series
Every case stands alone. Solve them in any order.
- More cold cases coming
Artwork designed by The Painted Wolves with the help of AI tools.
