How to Be a Good Detective

By DCI Hugh Dunnit

Right then, super sleuths - listen up!

There’s been a startling surge in suspicious activity across the land. Puzzling plots, cryptic clues, and cheeky red herrings are popping up everywhere - from bustling cities to sleepy villages. That’s why Treasure Trails HQ has called in the big guns (well, me!) to help train the next generation of top detectives.

If you’ve got a nose for nonsense and a love of mysteries, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how YOU can become a first-rate sleuth, and join the ranks of the legendary clue-crackers!

Across the UK, there are over 400 active Detective Mystery Trails – and that’s not even counting the secret ones I’ve yet to uncover...

Some cases are perplexing, others peculiar, and a few are downright fishy (don’t ask about Ann Chovy in Exmouth!). That’s why we need sharp-eyed, quick-witted, clue-busting detectives like you to crack codes, chase leads, and put those pesky plotters in their place.

Here’s my personal checklist. If you tick these boxes, you’re halfway to becoming a legend:

Observation skills: Nothing gets past you – not even a smudged footprint or suspicious-looking lamppost.

Problem-solving power: You see riddles as a personal challenge.

Stealth and subtlety: You can sneak through a town without raising an eyebrow.

Patience and persistence: Real detectives don’t give up when the going gets tricky.

A good notebook: Because the best detectives always jot down the juicy bits.

Bonus points if you wear a fetching hat or carry boiled sweets for morale.

Even the best detectives need a little inspiration! Here are some brilliant, brave (and sometimes barking-mad) sleuths to look up to - perfect for budding clue-hunters of all ages. Who knows, maybe YOU could be the next name on this list of legendary investigators!

The InBESTigators

Four clever school kids who start their own detective agency. Smart, funny, and full of teamwork. (Drama – Netflix, ages 7+)

Treehouse Detectives

Brother and sister duo Toby and Teri solve mysteries in their own backyard, proving no case is too small. (Animation – Netflix, preschoolers)

Dog Man

Half-man, half-dog, all police hero! This hilarious hybrid fights crime in Dav Pilkey’s bestselling books as well as in the 2025 hit film. (Books, ages 6–12 / Film PG)

The InvestiGators

Two awesome alligators, Mango and Brash, suit up and go undercover to crack supervillain plots. (Book series, ages 7–10)

Dilly and Watson (Super Sleuth by David Walliams)

Budding amateur detective Dilly and her trusty dog Watson sniff out real-life crimes. (Book, ages 9–11)

Scooby-Doo & the gang

The classic team of snack-fuelled mystery-solvers, unmasking baddies since the 1960s. (Ages 8–adult)

Before you join the ranks, you’ll need an undercover alias. Try this:

Detective Name Generator:
First name = Your favourite snack.
Last name = The last thing you lost.

e.g. DCI Crisps Remote reporting for duty!

(Feel free to jazz it up – the more mysterious, the better.)

Ready to level up? We've got a couple of Virtual Detective Trails from the archives to get you ready for the real thing!

The Hidden Detective
A 'hide and seek' mystery exploring some of the UK's best model villages (not the miniature kind) from the comfort of your sofa. SOLVE IT HERE

The Voyage of No Return
Join Detective Rex Mapstone as he delves into a crime aboard a mysterious cruise ship... SOLVE IT HERE

Or pit your wits against these sneaky riddles and see if you have what it takes to be the next Sherlock Holmes!

Now the real fun begins. Here's what your Detective Mystery Treasure Trail includes:

• Your case files, detailing the crime in question. Don't worry, there's nothing gory in there, just light-hearted fun and a culprit to find.
• Trail information, including info on terrain, parking and suggested stops for refreshments and comfort breaks.
• Instructions on where to begin, so that your investigation can get off to a flying start.
• Clear directions, which will lead you from clue to clue along the fixed route.
• A set of clues, all based on existing permanent features in your chosen location. You'll be examining plaques, sculptures, inscriptions and other fascinating features in order to gather the evidence you need.
• How to use our 'Stuck on a clue' help system (a little backup to ensure that no Trail goes unsolved!).
• Your evidence and suspect lists to whittle down. Every clue answer will eliminate an innocent suspect or an evidence item. Once you've completed your inquiries, you'll have one item of evidence and one suspect remaining.

You'll then submit your answer to find out if you're right!

CASE CLOSED!

Printed booklet / PDF download

The Treasure Trails App

City Sleuthing?

Town Snooping?

Rural Investigating?

Coastal Clue-Solving?

There are over 400+ Detective Mystery Trails waiting to be cracked across the UK – with YOU in the starring role.

🔎 Search for Your Nearest Trail and select one of the blue ones to pick up your first case. The clues won’t solve themselves…

Until next time,
DCI Hugh Dunnit
(Trailblazer. Crime-fighter. Fan of flapjacks.)