The Mysterious Death of Viola Vane: My Hunt A Killer Subscription

I'm not sure about you, but during the worldwide pandemic induced shutdown, I realized that the time I spend with friends and family is much more valuable than before. Now that we are finally able to see our people again, it's important to ensure that we find a way to make lasting memories that get us through those times we spend apart.

Enter Hunt A Killer, the company that throws you into an escape room experience with an on-going murder mystery investigation. All of which takes place in the safety of your own home.

Hunt A Killer was dubbed one of the most innovative entertainment companies in 2019. This company delivers an experience that no other subscription service can. It's not only a fun game to play, but it's a feel-good purchase. Part of the proceeds from every box purchased goes directly to the Cold Case Foundation. Who wouldn't love that?

Whether it's game night with friends, a date night with that special someone or a night to yourself, Hunt A Killer challenges you to decode ciphers, examine clues, and solve puzzles; the game is designed for you to play your own way. If Unsolved Mysteries and Clue had a baby, you'd get Hunt A Killer, and what an awesome baby it is!

If you're stuck at any point during your investigation and want some help, don't fret! Hunt A Killer has several online communities that include a Facebook group for each episode of each season. These communities give you a spoiler-free environment to solve challenging puzzles and talk about true crime. The team is SO dedicated to preventing spoilers, they review every comment before it is approved to make sure your experience isn't tarnished by anyone innocently looking for help.

Each box is referred to as an episode, and this particular storyline (season) has six episodes. Inside, you'll find all the clues you need to accomplish the goal/eliminate a suspect for that episode. Don't be fooled into thinking that you're done with those clues once you finish that box. Each clue you receive is essential to the storyline. While something may not seem important at first, it will most likely be later.

All of the items I received in episode one is in the following pictures:

It is a good idea to get a corkboard or whiteboard and to utilize some wall space to keep all of your clues visible. Hunt a Killer offers a cool "Murder Board" kit that you can purchase. It includes six corkboard tiles, red yarn, thumbtacks, plastic sleeves, highlighters and Post-it Note tabs. Whether or not you get the Murder Board or make your own, it's essential for organizing your thoughts. I can attest to its usefulness since I've purchased one, and in addition to the Murder Board, I also bought a whiteboard.

Here are some alternative Murder Board options:

At this point, I'm a few episodes in, and to avoid spoilers, I've taken down any clues I've had up from other boxes for this picture. That being said, this is what my set up looks like for the first episode:

One thing I cannot communicate enough is the QUALITY of this product! Each and every little detail they put into each box is beyond impressive, from the coffee stains and realistic finishes to clues/documents; even their packaging is impressive!

The Hunt A Killer team is made up of more than 20 writers and designers who put an enormous amount of thought and effort into the storyline. It will seriously blow your mind!  They even offer the option to purchase an entire season (of any of their provided storylines) instead of breaking it up into different episodes per month.

In the first episode of this specific season, we play a private detective who has been assigned to work a cold case murder that occurred at the Cadence Theatre in 1934. Eighty years after the body of a missing starlet was discovered, we are tasked to figure out who the killer was.

Within this episode, we're introduced to the cast of The Strange Duo and told a story of how the young Viola Vane met her untimely demise. Through meticulously written files, documents, and articles, we get a look into each suspect's life and background. With the clues and evidence provided, we get to find the murder weapon and hunt the killer (yes, that was intentional).

Throughout the season, we receive various types of correspondences from a couple of contacts. When I told you earlier that this team goes into detail, I wasn't kidding. Keeping in mind that solving a murder is never easy (and that the murderer would want to keep their secret a secret) you will have some codes that you will need to crack. Luckily for us, we are given cipher guides. Some handwritten notes are included that are messy and may be difficult to read. To help with this potential issue, a transcript for each handwritten document is provided. In addition to really intricate clues, I also received a little present in the first box.

After four months of being a lover of the hunt, I am happy to announce that I have officially partnered up with Hunt A Killer!! You can receive a 20% discount off of your first box if you use the code WEATHERS.

If you are a fan of true/fictional crime or feel like you've missed your calling as a detective, this subscription service is absolutely perfect for you. I've purchased a lot of things in my life that I have later regretted, and my Hunt a Killer subscription will never be one of those things.

Do you have what it takes to Hunt A Killer?