Solitaire Crime Stories

Springdale and its secrets

Lana’s reporting takes her into every corner of Springdale, and Bill Maite, the deputy sheriff, comes along as her assistant. On the way the pair talk with dozens of colorful characters, a cast that runs from pizza delivery men all the way to ruthless gangsters. The writing draws on the tradition of classic English detective fiction, and there are many stories to follow, each one about uncovering secrets in pursuit of truth and justice.

Cards do the detective work

Talking to people is part of the story, but the crimes themselves are solved at the card table. The game makes your solitaire the key to every case, so the better you play, the further the investigations can go. The card play is described as classic Solitaire, and the game sets out to suit a wide range of players, from newcomers still finding their feet to masters of the genre, with hours of hands and puzzles to work through.

Boosters for stubborn layouts

Some levels are harder to crack than others, and for those the game supplies powerful boosters. By its own account they can see you through even its most complex level, sweeping the playing field clear in a matter of seconds. When a layout refuses to give way, that is the moment they were made for.

A card game with a plot

The appeal lies in the pairing. Solitaire here comes blended with detective work, and the game’s own promise is that there is a mystery behind every card. If you enjoy solitaire but want a reason to keep playing, following Lana and Bill from one case to the next supplies it.