Behind the Scenes: Why We Created the Detective’s Journal
- Ashley Seybolt
- Jul 3
- 4 min read
At Skills Murder Mysteries, storytelling and immersive experiences have always been at the heart of what we do. But behind the thrilling mysteries and unforgettable characters, there’s a story about why we created something extra special for our fans: the Detective’s Journal. This is a tool born out of passion, observation, and a deep desire to make every whodunnit night not just a game, but a lasting memory.
A Sisterly Passion for Journaling and Mystery
Skills Murder Mysteries is a sister-run company, and our story begins with two very different but complementary passions.
Amy, one half of our dynamic duo, has long been an avid journaler and logbook enthusiast. For her, writing things down is a way to process, remember, and relive moments. It’s no surprise that one of her hopes for the business was to bring this love of journaling into the world of murder mysteries. She envisioned a keepsake, a tangible way for players to capture their thoughts, theories, and favorite moments during each game, so they could look back on their sleuthing adventures long after the case was closed.
Watching the Magic Unfold and Spotting a Gap
Meanwhile, at one of our most popular live mystery events, her sister Ashley noticed something striking. Guests were absolutely going bananas with the note pages included in their character booklets. They filled every inch with scribbles, suspect names, timelines, and clues. Some were so engrossed in the game that they brought their own notebooks, legal pads, or used their phones to keep track of all the juicy details.
Ashley took note, literally, and realized something important: our existing note-taking options just weren’t enough. Players needed more room to log suspects, evidence, and their evolving theories. When she casually asked invested guests whether they’d want a separate Detective’s Journal available at future events, the response was a resounding “Yes!”
The Birth of the Detective’s Journal
With Amy’s passion and Ashley’s observations in mind, the sisters set out to create something that was both practical and meaningful. It had to be a journal that would enhance the mystery experience, provide ample space for note-taking, and also serve as a cherished keepsake. A book that players could use to deepen their immersion during the game and then treasure afterward.
The result is the Skills Murder Mysteries Detective’s Journal — a thoughtfully designed tool that bridges the gap between fun and function.
What Makes Our Detective’s Journal Special?
Our journal is more than just blank pages. It’s a 49-page masterpiece crafted specifically for murder mystery lovers. Each physical book is compact and designed to be portable, with enough space to cover six complete games. That means you can bring one book to multiple events or reuse it for group play, making it both cost-effective and sustainable.
Plus, our physical Detective’s Journals make incredible guest interactives and party favors, giving everyone a memorable keepsake that enhances the overall event experience.
For each game, we dedicate eight pages, including:
Two “Moment” pages: These allow players to recap the game, jot down their favorite moments, and write about their character’s journey.
Suspect note pages: Space to track motives, alibis, and suspicious behaviors.
Evidence note pages: A place to log clues, contradictions, and theories.
Extra notes pages: For doodles, side observations, or anything else you want to capture.
We’ve combined structure and freedom, guiding players with the key categories needed for solving the mystery, but leaving enough room to personalize the experience.
Digital Option for the Modern Sleuth
Recognizing that not everyone wants a physical book, we also created a digital version. Available as a downloadable PDF, this edition can be used in popular apps like GoodNotes, Notability, or Xodo. The digital journal lets you expand endlessly — an infinite game logbook you can keep growing with every mystery you solve.
Plus, digital files can be printed multiple times to share with guests if you’re hosting your own event, or used solo for private sleuthing. This dual format means everyone can find their perfect fit.
Listening to You, Our Community
The Detective’s Journal is a product born from love, but also from listening to our community. Your feedback and enthusiasm inspire us to keep expanding our offerings and enhancing the experience for every mystery party.
Whether you’re a first-time player who wants a simple way to stay organized or a seasoned detective who thrives on details, the journal is designed with you in mind.
Behind every great mystery is a great story. And behind every great story, sometimes, is a little notebook full of clues, theories, and memories.
The Skills Murder Mysteries Detective’s Journal isn’t just a product — it’s a keepsake, a tool, and a testament to the joy of playing detective with friends and family.
We can’t wait for you to make it your own.
Physical
Digital
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