Adam Hartopp | Akateeminen Kirjakauppa

Cluedo is probably the best board game in the world - it doesn't take an eternity to complete, nor do you need to be an accomplished speller, unlike two rival board games that spring to mind. Devised by Anthony Pratt in 1943, it first became world famous when the global rights were sold in 1953 to Waddingtons of Leeds.
Simplistic yet broadly appealing, it depicts the quintessential murder mystery setting: British period country house having nine potential murder rooms; six different options of murder weapon; with six completely contrasting yet plausible murder suspects. The object of the game is to be the first to correctly guess who murdered Mr Black in whichever room, using whatever weapon.
Whodunnits are loved the world over, not only for their escapism opportunities, but also as a chance for the reader to pit his or her wits against that of the writer. Consequently, there are numerous books, plays and films from which research and template may be derived. That aside, apart from the slightest of reference to precedents, the vast majority of the inspiration for this book came from everyday characters and/or experiences that the writer for one reason or another had the good... or bad... fortune to encounter during his life, hence why this story could only be told in a light-hearted manner.
This book is dedicated to Anthony Pratt for the fun and enjoyment that his invention has given not only to the world in general, but specifically to myself and my family during many a Christmas.