The Christmas Eve Letter

One death. One impossible letter. Eight decades of silence.

December 1946. An unidentified young woman is recovered from Hollowbeck's icy mill-leat. Weeks later, a Christmas Eve letter arrives from Eleanor Vance, assuring her family that she left voluntarily and does not want to be found. The police close the inquiry.

But the dates do not fit. Neither do the blocked roads, the conflicting statements, or the silver locket discovered near the body.

Now the Hollowbeck cold case has been reopened-and you are the investigator.

Examine the original evidence, reconstruct the timeline, test the suspects' stories, and determine who wrote the Christmas Eve letter. Every document may contain a clue, but suspicion is not proof. Can you separate fact from assumption and uncover what really happened beside the footbridge?

Inside the case file:

• 18 realistic evidence exhibits
• Vintage-style letters, diary entries, statements, receipts, and official records
• Village and journey maps for testing routes and alibis
• Period-inspired photographs and physical clues
• Timeline, suspect, authorship, and evidence worksheets
• Progressive hints if the investigation stalls
• A complete solution and evidence chain clearly marked "Open Last"

Designed for adult armchair detectives, this interactive mystery can be investigated alone, with a partner, or as a small-group Christmas activity. No special equipment is required-only a pencil, careful observation, and a willingness to question every assumption.

Open the file. Follow the evidence. Solve the Christmas mystery that Hollowbeck buried in 1946.