Introducing: Seduction at Sea – and a new classroom murder mystery case file investigation pack for teachers

This week has seen us launch a brand new on-line case file murder mystery investigation game!

It’s perfect for solo sleuths, but we’ve also designed a pack specifically for educators too.

Built for classroom use, the pack gives teachers a ready-to-run, evidence-led investigation experience that can be reused year on year with no further payments.

Created as a lesson alternative for GSCE and A-Level pupils, Seduction at Sea is engaging to play, easy to deliver, and we hope it will become a long term classroom resource for schools everywhere.

How does the Digital Case File work?

In Seduction at Sea, students take on the role of investigators. They explore locations, review clickable evidence, and interrogate suspects to identify the murderer. The educators pack provides worksheets to support the game which teachers can use as needed.

Topics explored with the education pack include:
• Dealing with a crime scene
• Using evidence to build and testing hypotheses
• Recording and handling evidence appropriately
• Conducting and evaluating suspect interviews (credibility, contradictions, motive/means/opportunity)
• Constructing a coherent timeline from mixed sources
• Planning forensic tests logically
• Communicating conclusions clearly using evidence-led reasoning

Other ways the resource can be applied within different subjects is also included, making a valuable whole school option.

The pack includes:

• Unique link to the digital, scene-based investigation game which can be provided to students.
• A clear teacher checklist
•  Optional “case paperwork” worksheets to structure learning and assessment
•  A suggested 60-minute session plan, with pacing guidance
• Troubleshooting tips for common classroom issues
• A ready-to-use solution script or handout for the final reveal
•  Extension activities to enable learning across subjects

To help teachers turn an exciting investigation into structured learning, the pack includes optional worksheets that can be used straight out the pack:

• Initial Scene Assessment – looking at prioritising actions and protecting evidence
• Evidence Register – to help pupils log exhibits teaching them about using neutral language and avoiding early assumptions
• Suspect Interviews – to help pupils capture look at alibis, motives, and contradictions
• Constructing a Timeline – sort confirmed, claimed, and inferred information into a timeline of who saw the victim last.
• Forensic Testing Plan – so pupils can decide what to test, why, and what results would mean to any investigation.
• Case Summary – to assist them present a conclusion, plus a counter-case argument

A Who Killed Barry Cuda Case File replacement

Many schools have been using a previous game written by the team called “Who Killed Barry Cuda” which has been in the public space for the last 10 years. Sadly the platform this was built in has not survived the changes and development in technology. As a result, with the programs it uses due to fail in a matter of months, the team decided to create something that would last longer term.

Knowing how popular “Who Killed Barry Cuda” has been with teachers around the globe – the we launched Seduction at Sea with an educator-pack option built it. This was created specifically with educational resources in mind and at a price point cheap enough that schools could afford it.

Where to access the game

Teachers (and solo sleuths) can find the game here:
https://www.red-herring-games.com/product/seduction-at-sea/