The free case · A winter swimming mystery
The Shortest Day
A complete free online detective game across four acts. Inspect a safety sheet, place the swimmers, examine the ladder and write to Owen. Play solo or with someone beside you.
No payment or account. Just an email to open the file.
Drowning, deliberate harm, bereavement and family tension. No graphic imagery.
A little thank-you towards your next mystery waits at the ending.
“The club stays until I can’t get up that ladder. Not a day before.”
Fran Ashby, the night before
At first light on the shortest day, Fran Ashby went under the pontoon at the club she founded. Her son found her. Now the whole club is counting the seconds he was down there. Read the inquiry file. Ask for the records it missed. Tell Owen what really happened at that ladder.
No payment or account.
- Players
- One or two adults sharing one screen
- Time
- Play at your own pace; save and return
- The case
- Ten records, four acts and a full ending
- Format
- A browser game for phone, tablet or laptop
Content note Drowning, deliberate harm, bereavement and family tension. No graphic imagery.
Play The Shortest Day freeNo timer. Optional hints. Progress saves in this browser when storage is available.
The people of Brackwater
Everyone knew Fran.
Not everyone told the truth.
Meet the five people at the heart of the inquiry.
A detail from the file
Never alone.
Tag in, tag out.
The club’s rule hangs beside the door. At 08:25 on Sunday morning, all eleven brass tags are still on IN.
The story
First light.
One missing swimmer.
For thirty years, Fran Ashby has led the solstice swim at Brackwater. This December, eleven people step into the lagoon. At 08:21, her son calls for help beside the pontoon ladder.
Read a safety sheet, witness statements, messages and examination findings. Ask for the records that take the investigation further, then write to Owen.
This short, introductory detective game is a complete story. Read solo, or share a screen and compare theories with someone you trust.
For an evening together, read our guide to a mystery date night at home. Our playing guide explains evidence, hints and saving.
Your first Case & Candle file
A free online mystery
for one or two.
Separate what was recorded from what was said. Keep two pieces of evidence open together, test your explanation and reach your own conclusion.
- Ten recordsEverything you need to solve the case is in the file.
- Compare and keep notesYour private notebook stays in this browser.
- Hints when you want themOptional hints or a direct explanation, with no score or penalty.
- A complete solution and endingFree, with no purchase or account needed.
Before you begin
A small case.
A few details.
Is The Shortest Day really free?
Yes. All four acts, every clue, all hints and the complete ending are free. Enter your email to open the case; no payment details or account are needed.
Can I play this mystery on my phone?
Yes. The evidence desk works on phones, tablets and laptops. Two people can share one screen; separate devices do not share progress.
Will my progress be saved?
Progress and notes save locally in this browser when storage is available. The game shows a warning if it cannot save. There is no cloud save.
How do I return to my game?
Choose Continue playing on this website, then Open The Shortest Day in the same browser and device. If the email screen appears again, enter your email to reopen the free case. Your saved progress stays in the browser where you played.
Will you send me marketing?
Only if you choose the optional, unchecked marketing box. Your answers and notebook are never included.
Do I need to play the paid case first?
No. This is an independent story with its own setting, characters and solution. You can begin here.
Your file is ready
What happened
at Brackwater?
Four acts and a full ending, free.