Perfectly Done

"Almost Perfect Crimes" mysteries. It has a unique format for solving the mysteries. The first part of the book is the mini-mysteries themselves, which are usually two pages long. There are questions at the end of the puzzle that the reader is supposed to answer after solving the puzzle. Conrad also tells you how many clues are needed to solve the puzzle. The next section is the Evidence Section, which has clues to help solve the case. Each puzzle will have clues in some, but not all of the Evidence Section. The Evidence Section itself is divided into several parts: Affidavit file; Autopsy Reports; Crime Scene Reports; Lab and Hospital Reports; Miscellaneous Examinations; Miscellaneous Searches; Research; and Wills and Insurance. After the Evidence Section is an "Analysis of Evidence" Section that helps sort out the evidence and gives even more clues. Finally, there is the Solution Section, which answers the questions asked in the puzzles and gives very detailed explanations as to how the crime was committed.

"Almost Perfect Crimes" is one of the best book of mini-mysteries that I've read. The puzzles range from easy ("The Bearded Lady", "The Flighty Freshman" and "Accidents will Happen" to the clever but difficult ("Checking Out", "Swallowing the Gun" and "The Show Girl Murders"). The Clue Section is well done, with the clues to each puzzle nicely scattered. What I liked best about the Clue Section is that it's in alphabetical order plotted and well thought out.

Highly recommended.

"Almost Perfect Crimes"

A Kid's Review

This collection of mini-mysteries is just superb! They are by no means easy, but are great fun nonetheless. The way the evidence is organized into autopsies, CSI reports etc. makes the reader feel like a real detective. Very good, though kinda short.

Great "solve-them-yourself" mini-mysteries book!

For only a few dollars, you can challenge yourself and your friends
in solving 15 fiendishly clever whodunits. Great for parties.

Note that some of the stories in this book have also
appeared in a slightly altered form at "The Case" website.
Buyer beware!