Okay so let’ start kick off this first post since forever with a huge apology to my readers and the wonderful folks who send me boxes to review. It’s been oh so quiet here, because I’ve been oh so overwhelmed. I started my great new job, but my days are super long and I haven’t quite yet figured out how to juggle them with this blog. (If you’ve got tips, I’d love to hear them in the comments!) Meanwhile, I’m working on it and I hope to be able to find a good balance.
Now let’s get to the reason why you show up – the box reviews. And today I’ve got one of the most unique I’ve ever featured: a monthly mystery box. I know, you’re thinking “you have mystery boxes all the time”, but this isn’t the kind with surprise gifts. Instead, you get to channel your inner Sherlock and solve a mystery. Intrigued? I was too.
The folks at Breakout, who came up with those funky escape room games, started a monthly subscription box called Dispatch. The boxes chronicle a mystery and send you a box of clues that lead you to online resources that can help you solve the crime. Each mystery lasts less than a year and each box costs $24.99.
Series One is called “On the Run” and is described as follows:
“Murder, romance, scandal—this story has it all. Once you open your delivery, you’ll find yourself entangled in the strange disappearance of your closest childhood friend, who also happens to be suspected of killing his wife, a well-known heiress.”
I’ve gotten two boxes in this mystery series.
BOX #1
Box #1 introduces us to the mystery. Our childhood best friend is accused of murdering his wealthy wife on their honeymoon.
We’ve got a notebook, lots of cool little details like magazine clippings, a napkin with a handwritten note and a set of invitations. 
You can follow the clues to Instagram accounts, websites and you can even RSVP for the wedding reception using the info on the invite.
We’ve also been given a resource, “The Bailey Detective Agency” that we can contact for help. Pretty cool, right?
BOX #2
For our second box brings us more clues that focuses on the deceased’s wealthy family’s interest in a mine and it’s subsequent mysterious collapse We’ve got letters, autopsy reports, a mysterious token and lots of paper shreds.
The materials even have details like coffee and blood stains.
Verdict: Hit!
I love the care that went into putting this subscription together. A real handwritten napkin, Instagram accounts and websites, letters, email responses and a helpline. There’s so much detail that makes this fun. I think this might be a great gift for that retiree who loves mystery books or even a teen who enjoys puzzles. The one thing I do wish, is that the mystery was more group friendly. You have to read a long notebook and lots of lengthy materials, so it just doesn’t lend itself well to working with a group. Maybe in addition to the notebook, we could get a link to a online vlog that discusses the contents. I think that would open this up to being a fun family or group activity. It could be a different spin on a murder mystery dinner party. Unfortunately, as currently constructed, I feel like it works best as a solo activity.
How would you feel about solving a mystery via a sub box?
Fun? Or not worth the hassle?
BACKSTORY
Dispatch is a monthly subscription-based mystery that tests your detective skills each month with a new delivery of clues.
After subscribing to Dispatch, you will receive your first package in the mail. These physical items serve as an introduction to the story and draw you into this online/offline mystery. After that, you will receive an additional box each month with more items that further explain the story.
Your first box will be shipped immediately. Your 2nd box will be shipped one month later and future boxes around that same date each month.
Each story lasts for less than a year before a new story begins. You can cancel at any time.
COST: $24.99 per month
Lisa Preziosi 