Four volumes, one common question

G. T. Karber's Murdle series currently has four numbered volumes in Portuguese, published by Editorial Presença. Anyone discovering the Murdle collection for the first time almost always asks the same thing: where to start and whether you need to follow an order. The short answer is reassuring. The cases are self-contained and any volume works as a starting point. The long answer, with the differences between each book, follows below.

What every volume has in common

All the volumes follow the same formula. Each mystery presents suspects, weapons and locations, a set of clues, a deduction grid to fill in and the final question: who, with which weapon and where. They all include instructions, clues, hints and solutions. And they all arrange the cases by increasing difficulty, from elementary to “impossible”. The numbered volumes are aimed at adults and young readers ages 12 and up.

Murdle #1: the natural starting point

Murdle #1 (Portuguese edition) brings together 100 mysteries in 400 pages, in paperback, priced at €17.91. It is the volume that explains the rules step by step before the first case, in more detail than the ones that follow. If you have never filled in a deduction grid, this introduction makes a difference: the first cases are deliberately simple and each new mechanic is introduced gradually.

If you are buying just one book for yourself or as a gift for someone who does not know the series, #1 is the safest choice.

Murdle #2 and #3: 100 more cases in each volume

Murdle #2 and Murdle #3 (Portuguese editions) have exactly the same format as the first: 100 new mysteries, 400 pages and €17.91 each. The only difference is the cases, which are all brand new. If you have finished #1, these are the logical next step, but if you start directly with #2 or #3 you will not be lost, because each volume has its own instructions and starts again from the elementary levels.

Is it worth reading both?

Yes, especially if you enjoyed the pace of the first book. With 100 cases per volume, #2 and #3 offer many hours of deduction and let you reach the “impossible” cases with plenty of practice under your belt.

Murdle #4: the compact format

Murdle #4 (Portuguese edition) differs in size. It contains 50 new mysteries in 240 pages, in a more compact format, for €14.31. The book itself sets the challenge: “Can you solve these 50 cases before the last class?”. It is a good option to carry in your backpack or bag, for anyone who wants to try the series with a smaller investment, or as an introductory gift.

In terms of mechanics, nothing changes. The grids, clues and solutions follow the same pattern as the previous volumes.

So, what order should you read them in?

There are three sensible paths, depending on the type of reader.

For beginners

Start with #1 and follow the numbering. It is the order in which the series was published and the one that makes learning the rules easiest.

For those who want to try before investing

Start with #4. With 50 cases and a compact format, it is the quickest way to find out whether Murdle is for you. If you like it, move on to #1 for the full introduction and the 100 cases.

For those already familiar with deduction grids

Any volume will do. If you have already solved similar logic puzzles, you can jump straight to #2 or #3 without missing anything, and come back to #1 later.

What about the Júnior books?

The Murdle Júnior series is not part of the main numbering. It is designed for children ages 8 and up, with shorter cases and its own characters. You do not need to read the Júnior books before the numbered volumes, or vice versa. For more information about the whole series, visit the Murdle page at Loja dos Puzzles.

Frequently asked questions

Are cases repeated across volumes?

No. Each volume contains new mysteries. #1, #2 and #3 have 100 cases each and #4 has 50.

Is Murdle #4 easier because it is smaller?

Not necessarily. It has fewer cases, but it keeps the same difficulty progression from elementary level to the most demanding cases.

What is the best gift for someone new to the series?

Murdle #1, for its introduction to the rules and its 100 cases. #4 is a good, more affordable alternative.

Whichever volume you choose, the mechanics are the same and so is the fun. Explore the four books, all Portuguese editions, in the Murdle collection at Loja dos Puzzles and start with whichever case you like.