Case Closed: The Murder of Max Sinclair

By | January 26, 2023

by Case Closed (website)

1 Carpet Ln, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6SS

Edinburgh

2-8 players

Languages: EN

90 mins
A private investigator was found dead in his office. The other cops say there was no foul play.
You're not like other cops.

What really happened here? What did Max discover? How did he die? Why?
We need you to find out.
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Overall rating

Rated between 4 and 5 out of 5

based on ratings from 40 users
combined with 1 pro review

Your review

Player reviews

Dani Rose Forder expert rated this:Rated between 3.5 and 3.5 out of 5
Played: 22 Sep 2024 Team size: 6 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivestory-driven

A solid game, more of a detective experience than an escape room. Very classic puzzles and tech used. Did feel a little old/worn. Loved the end, good fun.

kaihiwatariiv2 rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 2 Feb 2024 Team size: 5 Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverstory-drivengreat hosting

Case Closed is a brilliant game, the hosts are so focused on ensuring you have a brilliant time. Not your normal escape room experience but feels more like a murder mystery with escape room elements. 

A perfect way to spend 90 minutes with some friends and I couldn't say anything better than whats already been said here. 

jasbarrett99 rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 17 Jun 2023 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverimmersivegreat hosting
stairs expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 21 Aug 2024 Team size: 5 Time taken: 90
originalstory-drivengreat hosting

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.

jazziew experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 24 Aug 2024 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalstory-drivengreat hosting

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! 

d.green26 expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 25 Jul 2024 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverimmersivegreat hosting
Farmergeddon Outta Here experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 25 Mar 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 1:15ish Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverimmersivegreat hosting
This is an unmissable room for any escape room enthusiasts out there! A very clever, immersive, and extremely original room that deserves its reputation as one of the best rooms in the UK. Our host, Ronan, was exceptional throughout our time there and really brought the room to life. The format that the Case Closed team have got is very unique, and the extra time that you get compared to the standard escape room allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience and not worry about getting out in time, but instead enjoy the immersive elements of the room.
Such a clever idea, and we had such a fantastic time solving the case. Can't wait to try the Radio one you guys have got planned. Thanks again, Case Closed! 
- Detectives Scarlet and Dynamo Dan 😜
oliviasheed rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 9/03/2023 Team size: 5
immersivestory-drivengreat hostingquite difficult
I've been to quite a few escape rooms, all over the country, and I can safely say that this was the best experiences I've ever had! The care and attention put into the story, makes you really feel like a detective! Probably the most involved narrative I've ever seen in a room, typically puzzles come before story but this is a perfect blend of the two. Some of the most imaginative use of props I've ever seen, and with a brilliant games master (Ronan!) to top it all off! I'll be dragging all my friends to play this room, and hopefully they can help crack the case!
markbrogni88 rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Anonymous rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 29 Dec 2023 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalcleverstory-drivenquite difficult

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!

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Reviews by escape room review sites

Case Closed is without a doubt my new favourite room in Edinburgh. No- favourite in Scotland. And for that matter, a strong contender for my favourite in the UK. If I don’t see Case Closed listed on the 2023 TERPECA nominations for the UK, I’ll be very surprised indeed.

Lists

This game is part of the following user-created game lists:
  • Best UK escape rooms 2023 by Escape the Review virtuoso
    These are the 100 highest rated escape rooms in the UK, as of 31st Dec 2023, based on combined ratings from enthusiasts, bloggers and experts - every game here comes highly recommended. 

See also