Objective:  Become the greatest detective by solving the case and answering the questions posed throughout the investigation, all while aiming to outperform Sherlock Holmes himself (though that can be a tough feat!).

Number of Players: 1-6 players (cooperative or competitive)

Playing Time:  Varies depending on the case and your deduction skills, typically around 2-4 hours

Components:

• Gamebook: This hefty tome contains the case narrative, maps, newspaper clippings, letters, and other clues.

• Character sheets (optional):  These might be included for thematic purposes, allowing players to embody specific characters from the Holmes universe (e.g., Watson, Lestrade).

• Magnifying glass (optional): Enhances the thematic experience and might come in handy for examining tiny details in the gamebook.

• Pencil and paper: Take notes and track your deductions as you delve into the case.
  

Gameplay:

The game is structured around a single, complex case with multiple avenues for investigation. Here's how you'll proceed:

1. Choosing a Lead Investigator:  One player is chosen as the lead investigator. This player reads the introductory text from the gamebook aloud, setting the stage for the case.

2. Following the Leads: The gamebook presents various leads you can pursue. These leads might involve visiting specific locations in London (described in the book), interviewing suspects, or examining newspaper articles related to the case.

3. Consulting the References: To follow a lead, the lead investigator finds the corresponding section in the gamebook based on the location name, suspect's name, or newspaper date. This section provides detailed information about the lead.

4. Making Deductions:  As you explore the leads, carefully analyze the information presented in the gamebook.  Look for patterns, contradictions, and potential connections between clues.

5. Keeping Notes:  Take notes to organize your findings and track your deductions. This will be crucial when you reach the resolution stage.
   

Important Mechanics:

• Limited Information: You won't have access to all the information at once.  The leads you choose determine what clues you uncover.

• Time Management: While there's no strict timer, some players like to keep track of in-game time to enhance the thematic experience.

• Sherlock's Score (Optional):  The gamebook might include a hidden score for Sherlock Holmes, indicating how many leads he would have needed to solve the case.  This score is a benchmark for your detective skills – can you solve it with fewer leads than the master sleuth himself?
  

Reaching the Resolution:

Once you feel you have a grasp of the case and the culprit, you can move on to the resolution section of the gamebook. This section usually involves answering a series of questions that test your understanding of the case and your deductions.

Scoring (Optional):

• Answering Questions:  The gamebook provides a point value for each question answered correctly.

• Number of Leads Followed:  Some cases might penalize you for following excessive leads, encouraging efficient detective work.

• Comparing to Sherlock:  Compare your score (points from questions and lead penalties) to Sherlock's score (if provided) to see how well you stacked up against the famed detective.
  

Winning the Game:

There's no single winner in the core gameplay. The true reward is the satisfaction of solving the case and unraveling the mystery.  However, if playing competitively, the player with the highest score (most points from questions and fewest lead penalties) can be declared the "better" detective for that specific case.

Additional Notes:

• Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective offers a unique puzzle-solving experience that rewards careful reading, deduction, and logical thinking.

• The game can be played cooperatively, where everyone works together to solve the case, or competitively, where players race to solve it with the fewest leads and highest score.

• There are multiple cases available for purchase, each offering a fresh mystery to tackle.  The difficulty levels can vary, so choose a case that suits your investigative experience.