Pencil & Motive
Printable murder mystery puzzles

6,000 suspects.
12 clues. One killer.

Read the evidence. Cross out names with a pencil. Find the one person who did it. Print at home or play on a tablet.

12clues each
PDFinstant download
Who Killed the Christmas Neighbor? coverWho Killed the Parking Officer? coverChristmas Parcel 2412 cover
How it works

You only need a pencil

Every case is a PDF book with real-looking evidence and a long list of suspects at the back.

1

Read the evidence

Each case has 12 exhibits: a torn ticket, a camera photo, a note, a receipt. Each one gives you a clue.

2

Cross out names

Use the clue to cross out suspects in the list at the back of the book.

Cross out everyone whose CAR is not VAN.
3

One name is left

After clue 12, only the killer is left. Check your answer on this page and read what really happened.

The cases

Pick your case

Each case comes in US Letter and A4. Instant download from our Etsy shop.

NewCover of Who Killed the Parking Officer?

Who Killed the Parking Officer?

He never let anyone off. Then someone hit him with a wheel clamp.

6,000 drivers · 12 clues

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ChristmasCover of Who Killed the Christmas Neighbor?

Who Killed the Christmas Neighbor?

300,000 lights, one angry street, and a body in the snow.

6,000 drivers · 12 clues

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Cover of Who Killed the Dentist?

Who Killed the Dentist?

Found in his own chair, with the laughing gas turned all the way up.

6,000 patients · 12 clues

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Cover of Who Killed the HOA President?

Who Killed the HOA President?

She fined people for the wrong shade of white. Someone hit back.

6,000 residents · 12 clues

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Cover of Who Killed the Landlord?

Who Killed the Landlord?

He raised the rent every year and fixed nothing. Someone pushed him.

5,920 tenants · 12 clues

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ChristmasCover of Christmas Parcel 2412

Christmas Parcel 2412

A box of chocolates on Christmas Eve. She ate two.

6,000 senders · 12 clues

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ThanksgivingCover of Thanksgiving Order 1126

Thanksgiving Order 1126

A turkey farmer is locked in his own freezer.

5,760 customers · 12 clues

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Cover of Murder at Plot 1147

Murder at Plot 1147

The garden inspector is found dead in his own shed.

5,640 plot holders · 12 clues

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Bundles

More cases, better price

Get several cases in one download and save.

Ultimate Mystery Puzzle Bundle

6 cases · save money

Ultimate Mystery Puzzle Bundle

Parcel 2412, Plot 1147, Order 1126, the Landlord, the HOA President and the Dentist.

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Who Killed the...? Bundle

5 cases · save money

Who Killed the...? Bundle

The Landlord, the HOA President, the Dentist, the Christmas Neighbor and the Parking Officer.

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Holiday Bundle

2 cases · save money

Holiday Bundle

Thanksgiving Order 1126 and Christmas Parcel 2412.

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Neighbors Bundle

2 cases · save money

Neighbors Bundle

Who Killed the Landlord? and Who Killed the HOA President?

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Finished a case?

Check your answer

No spoilers until you get it right.

Did you catch the killer?

Stuck or found a mistake? Message us on Etsy.

Questions

Good to know

What do I get?

A PDF book with the story, 12 exhibits and the full list of suspects. You get it in two sizes: US Letter and A4. Print the one that fits your paper.

Do I have to print it?

No. It works on a tablet too. On the contents page, tap a line to jump to any exhibit or list page.

Can I play with friends?

Yes. Play alone, or read the exhibits together and split the list.

How do I get the files?

Buy on Etsy and download right away from your Etsy account. Nothing is shipped.

Where do I check my answer?

Right here, in the Check your answer box. Type the name, or the number from the list. If you're right, you'll read the full story of what happened.