How to Solve the Murder Mystery in Death Trick: Double Blind

1. Game Overview

Death Trick: Double Blind unfolds within the mesmerizing world of Morgan’s Traveling Circus in mid‑20th century America, where the star magician’s disappearance triggers a non‑linear mystery adventure. Players alternate between two protagonists, i.e. a fellow magician and an amnesiac private investigator, as they gather clues, interrogate suspects, and use a unique contradiction‑based evidence mechanic to uncover the truth. The game melds evocative pulp‑style visuals, animated characters, and atmospheric music to bring this suspenseful detective story to life

• Developer: Misty Mountain Studio
• Publisher: Neon Doctrine
• Genre: Adventure / Mystery Visual Novel
• Release Date: March 11, 2024
• Platforms: PC (Windows), Nintendo Switch
• Key Features: Twin perspectives, timed action points, contradiction‐based interrogations, 8 main characters, 10 locations, 50+ CGs, ~200k words of dialogue
• Core Loop: Alternate between a magician and detective, using limited action points each hour to gather clues and expose contradictions

Note: Unlike typical VNs, you only get a limited number of action points per “hour,” forcing strategic choices on where to investigate and whom to question.

2. Story & Setting

The game is set one evening at Morgan’s Traveling Circus in mid‑20th‑century America, where the circus’s star magician, Hattie, is found dead, and investigation time is limited as the show prepares to leave town. Players rotate between two protagonists, i.e. a fellow magician summoned to replace Hattie and an amnesiac detective, who access different clues, interrogate performers, and use contradictions in testimony to uncover the truth. At length, the game is characterized by lush pulp‑inspired visuals, atmospheric music, and a uniquely non‑linear narrative filled with emotional twists and richly motivated characters

1. Premise: Race against time to uncover who silenced Hattie before the circus departs
2. Atmosphere: 1940s‐1950s pulp art mixed with macabre circus horror
3. Time Limit: Investigation spans a single night, so manage your turns wisely

Warning: The narrative is non‐linear; missing a clue or contradiction can lock you out of certain endings until a replay.

3. Characters & Dual Perspectives

Play alternately as:

Character	Role	Unique Access
Jackie	Magician	Backstage areas; affinity with performers
Detective Jones	Private Eye	Police files; interrogations under oath

They join an ensemble of 8 suspects, i.e. Aideen, Alys, Chip, Echo, Moses, Rolf, Yan, and more, each with hidden motives. So, unlock information by using each protagonist’s strengths to build a complete picture of the crime.

Tip: Switch between Jackie and Jones to cross‐reference clues because what one learns can fuel contradictions for the other.

4. Core Mechanics & Contradictions

Investigation unfolds in discrete “hours,” each granting 5 action points. Actions include:

1. Travel between locations
2. Inspect environment for items or documents
3. Converse with characters to collect statements
4. Present two pieces of information to expose contradictions

Your “Collection” stores every clue. When you spot conflicting reports, triggering a Contradiction forces a confession or new lead. So, master this to unlock deeper story branches and character endings.

Note: You cannot revisit earlier hours, so plan contradictions carefully or risk missing key narrative branches.

5. Locations & Investigation

Ten distinct areas await exploration, from the Big Top and dressing rooms to Moses’ office and the stables. The interactive map marks restricted zones based on time and protagonist.

1. Key Hubs: Big Top, Main Tent, Backstage, Detective’s Office
2. Special Areas: Puppet Tent (exclusive to Echo), Stables (Rolf’s domain)
3. Interactive Map: Indicates accessibility and indicates which protagonist can enter

Warning: Some locations lock after certain actions, so visit early to gather essential clues before they disappear.

6. Endings & Achievements

There are 10 total endings: 2 variations of the Hattie’s Grave scene (magician vs. detective) and 8 individual character conclusions unlocked by specific contradictions and location visits.

1. Hattie’s Grave:
   • Magician Version: Present “Hattie’s Big Plan” + “Best Friends” items
   • Detective Version: Default if magician conditions are unmet
2. Character Endings: Each suspect has unique conditions (e.g., contradicting “Echo’s Jealousy” vs. “Old Puppet” for Echo’s ending).
3. Achievements: 32 in total. Track CG unlocks, all contradictions, and all endings in the gallery menu.

Tip: Use the developer’s guide only after your first full playthrough, to avoid spoiling early revelations.

7. Expert Tips & Best Practices

1. Switch between Jackie and Detective Jones: Each has unique access to locations and clues, enhancing investigative depth.
2. Manage Action Points (AP) wisely: Allocate limited AP per hour to maximize efficiency; consider trading XP for extra AP when needed.

1. Utilize the contradiction mechanic: Present conflicting evidence to suspects to uncover new information and advance the investigation.
2. Track clues using the Collection Log: Organize gathered evidence and statements to identify patterns and contradictions.
3. Plan for multiple endings: Make informed decisions to achieve desired outcomes by fulfilling specific conditions.

Pro Tip: After one complete run, switch play order, start with Detective to access some clues earlier, then replay as Jackie for alternate contradictions.

8. Conclusion

Death Trick: Double Blind is a masterclass in non‐linear mystery design. So, by strategically managing action points, cross‐referencing clues between protagonists, and exploiting the Contradiction mechanic, you can unlock every shocking twist and character finale.

Complete an initial playthrough without aids, then consult the Dev’s Guide to fill in any missed contradictions. Replay using alternate protagonist orders to access exclusive story branches and soak in every detail of this dark circus tale.