SQL Murder Mystery Game

Query the Murder is a browser-based SQL mystery game built around Agatha Christie’s classic cases. Each case gives you a real database — suspects, alibis, timelines, evidence — and you solve the murder by writing SQL queries.

No installation. No account. Just open a case and start querying.

How it works

Each case is a structured investigation with 5 questions. The questions guide you through the evidence — you start by filtering suspects, then join tables to connect people and events, then use aggregation to spot patterns and contradictions. Submit a query, see the results, iterate until the story clicks.

The database schema is always visible on screen. If you get completely stuck, there’s a reveal option so you can see the correct SQL and keep moving.

What SQL concepts you’ll practise

Cases are designed to teach SQL progressively. Across the 18 cases you’ll work with:

• SELECT and WHERE — filtering suspects and clues
• ORDER BY — building timelines from event data
• JOIN — connecting people, locations, and evidence across tables
• GROUP BY / HAVING — spotting patterns and outliers
• Subqueries and CTEs — solving the hardest multi-step questions
• Window functions — in advanced cases

Who plays this

Query the Murder is used by people learning SQL for the first time, analysts brushing up on JOINs before interviews, and CS/data instructors looking for a free classroom tool. If you’ve ever wanted SQL practice that doesn’t feel like homework, this is it.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as the SQL Murder Mystery from Northwestern?

No — that’s a single standalone puzzle. Query the Murder is a full game with 18 cases, each based on a different Agatha Christie novel. The approach is similar (solve a crime with SQL) but the content and structure are completely different.

Do I need to install anything?

Nothing. The SQL engine runs in your browser via WebAssembly (SQLite). Open a case and start writing queries immediately.

Is it free?

Yes, entirely free. No account, no paywall.

How hard is it?

Cases start beginner-friendly (SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY) and get harder as you progress. Case 1 is designed for people who’ve never written a JOIN.

Can I use this for a class or bootcamp?

Yes — several instructors already do. The cases are self-contained and require no setup from students.