Case Closed: The Murder of Max Sinclair

The Murder of Max Sinclair is not an escape room. Or, at least, it is not like other escape rooms. It is an escape room++. Or, perhaps it is an example of what an escape room could (and, IMO, should) be.

Escape rooms sell us a dream - for an hour or so, they promise to transport us to another place or time, to be the hero in our own story. Yet, all too often, they fail to deliver on that promise. The Murder of Max Sinclair is perhaps the best room I have ever played in terms of actually delivering the fantasy it promises.

You will feel like a detective. You will have to act like a detective. You will solve the crime the way a detective would (or, at least, the way a detective would as portrayed in a TV murder mystery). So forget about 4-digit codes, or placing statuettes in a particular order, or blowing out candles. Instead, pour yourself a whisky, put on that trenchcoat, light up a cigarette and step out into the foggy air underneath the flickering streetlight, and you will love this.

In terms of real-world logistics, I should mention that Ronan was very accommodating of our team's requests, an absolutely superb host all the way through the game (including the thrilling ending!), and was a delight to talk to afterwards. There is a board game cafe on-site where we waited between games, and a geek pizza place close-by. We played as a family (2 adults, 3 kids aged between 12-17) and we all left absolutely buzzing from the experience.

It's not perfect, but as of right now I think it's one of the very best experiences available. I would recommend it to anyone.

The host encouraged us to take a bit more time to enjoy this one. We’re normally time driven by (and enjoy the rush of) trying to get out as quickly as possible! but I was glad for the pointer on this one - beautiful design, and a genuine joy to play even if it’s not the most difficult room. Would definitely recommend regardless of whether it’s your first or 100th room! 

Need to add: great hosting too (need more tags!!)

Played Case Closed today and absolutely loved it. Tom was a fantastic host, so friendly and chatty and explained the rules for us clearly and explained how it is different to the other rooms we have played. 

Probably the most story driven game I’ve ever played, you really do take on the roll of detectives! Between doing chemistry, ballistic examinations, and even the paperwork, the room was an absolute blast from start to finish with a brilliant story and ending! Definitely won’t forget this one and eager for their next rooms!

A very different, story-based room that really feels like a proper criminal investigation. The star rating for this room comes from how clever it is; don't go expecting a huge, fancy set or a wealth of tech but do expect genuine clue-solving and a unique escape experience that is the brainchild of someone who just loves escape rooms and loves thinking about things a little differently.

We could have stayed for hours chatting about all things escape with Ronan, who approaches designing escape experiences with zeal and a flair for drama, which is echoed in the finale to Case Closed. So much fun and a genuine escape from the real world.

I liked this very much. Very passionate owner/GM and a real sense of sleuthing.