Why Murdle works so well as a gift
Some gifts get unwrapped and forgotten, and some keep people busy for the entire holidays. Murdle clearly belongs to the second group. A book from G. T. Karber's series is compact, moderately priced, needs no batteries or internet connection, and offers dozens of hours of deduction. It suits crime fiction fans, logic puzzle lovers and anyone who simply wants to keep their mind busy instead of their phone during the festive season.
Since the Portuguese-language collection has seven titles, with different ages and formats, it is worth choosing carefully. This guide organizes the suggestions by age. All the books (Portuguese editions) are in the Murdle collection and in our selections of Christmas gifts 2026.
Ages 8 to 10: Murdle Júnior #1 or #2
For younger kids, the choice is between the first two Murdle Júnior volumes, both priced at €13.41 and recommended for ages 8 and up.
Murdle Júnior #1
Murdle Júnior #1 has 40 mysteries in 240 pages and introduces the series' detective team: João, the investigator; Júlio, the intuitive one; Patas Demolidoras, the spy cat; and Olívia, the consultant. It is the best option for a child who has never solved a deduction grid, because the instructions are simple and the first cases are very accessible.
Murdle Júnior #2
Preparar, Começar... Investigar! (Ready, Set... Investigate!) is set in outer space and adds codes and mazes to the grids, for a total of more than 40 mysteries. It is ideal for kids who already like switching between puzzle types or who have already finished the first volume. You can also find both in our selection of Christmas gifts for kids.
Ages 10 to 14: Murdle Júnior #3, Detetives à Solta
For slightly older readers, Murdle Júnior #3: Detetives à Solta (Detectives on the Loose) is a different kind of gift. Written with Chris Grabenstein, it is a mystery novel with puzzles to solve as you read. Jake, Sterling and Brick investigate the disappearance of their teacher, Ms. Saffron, across 368 pages. It costs €16.11 and is recommended for ages 10 to 14. It works especially well for kids who already read novels for fun.
Ages 12 and up: Murdle #4, the discovery gift
The numbered volumes are suitable for adults and young people ages 12 and up. For a teenager, or for an adult who does not know the series yet, Murdle #4 is the most balanced gift: 50 new mysteries, 240 pages, a compact format and €14.31. The book itself asks, “Can you solve these 50 cases before the last class?”, which makes it a great fit for anyone in school or college.
Adults: Murdle #1 for beginners, #2 and #3 for fans
For an adult who loves crime fiction and puzzles but has never opened a Murdle, Murdle #1 is the classic choice. It contains 100 mysteries in 400 pages, with the rules explained step by step and a difficulty curve that ranges from elementary to “impossible”, for €17.91.
If the person already has the first volume, avoid buying it twice. Murdle #2 and Murdle #3 have the same format and price, with 100 new cases each, and are the natural next step. A good way to find out which one is missing is to ask, discreetly, what the last “impossible” case they solved was.
Ideas to complete the gift
A good-quality pencil and an eraser make the gift more complete and show that you know how the book works. For those who love the genre but prefer visual puzzles, the sister series Murdoku by Manuel Garand is an alternative or a great complement. And for group gifts, two different volumes let people swap books halfway through the holidays.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Murdle to give someone who does not know the series?
Murdle #1, for its complete introduction to the rules. If you prefer a smaller investment, Murdle #4 is the alternative.
Is Murdle Júnior suitable for an adult?
It works as a light pastime, but adults get more out of the numbered volumes, which have bigger grids and more demanding cases.
Is it a gift that can be shared?
Yes. The cases work well for two or for the whole family, each person with their own pencil and a grid copied by hand, or taking turns.
Whether it is for an 8-year-old or an adult hooked on crime fiction, there is a Murdle that fits. Discover all the titles (Portuguese edition) in the Murdle collection at Loja dos Puzzles and solve your Christmas gift with logic.
