Letters from Whitechapel

Nexus Editrice, Sir Chester Cobblepot, 999 Games · Board game · 2011
2–6 · best 2 90 min Weight 2.6/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 33.35
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy a good mystery, deduction, and the tension of a cat-and-mouse game, *Letters from Whitechapel* is an immersive experience that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Highlights
  • Intense deduction
  • Constant tension
  • Immersive theme
  • High replayability
  • Asymmetrical experience
Keep in mind
  • Can be long
  • Learning curve
  • Group dependent
RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
Access Rules Guide
About the game
Get ready to dive into the dreary and poor Whitechapel district in London, 1888, the scene of the mysterious Jack the Ripper murders! With its crowded and smelly alleys, hawkers, ragged children begging for money, and the 'wretched' on every street corner, the *Letters from Whitechapel* board transports you directly into this dense and tense atmosphere. This 90-150 minute game casts one player as Jack the Ripper, whose goal is to commit five murders before being caught. The other players take on the roles of police detectives, who must cooperate intensely to corner Jack before the game ends. The board is a detailed representation of the Whitechapel area at the time, with 199 numbered circles interconnected by dotted lines simulating the streets. During the game, Jack, the policemen, and the 'wretched' (the victims) move along these lines. Jack moves stealthily between numbered circles, policemen patrol between crossings, and the 'wretched' wander alone. The tension is palpable with every move, as Jack tries to deceive his pursuers and the detectives desperately search for any clue that might lead to his capture. It's a true cat-and-mouse game, where deduction and bluffing are your greatest weapons!
Expansions
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Letters from Whitechapel English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
5 REC
6 OK
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Families

Cities: London (England, UK) Components: Map (City Scale) Components: Player Screens Country: United Kingdom Historical Figures: Jack the Ripper Mechanism: Hidden Movement
Publisher Nexus Editrice, Sir Chester Cobblepot, 999 Games, Devir, Don't Panic Games, Edge Entertainment
Designer Gabriele Mari, Gianluca Santopietro
Artist Gianluca Santopietro
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play Letters from Whitechapel?
The game is ideal for 2 to 6 players. One player takes on the role of Jack the Ripper, and the others are the detectives, working as a team.
What is the average game duration?
A game of Letters from Whitechapel usually lasts between 90 and 150 minutes. Get ready for a session of investigation and pursuit!
What is the complexity level of the game?
With a BGG weight of 2.64/5, it's considered medium complexity. The rules are accessible, but strategy and deduction require a bit more thought.
Who is Letters from Whitechapel best suited for?
It's perfect for those who love deduction games, mystery, hidden movement, and a good dose of bluffing. If you enjoy the tension of a chase and the satisfaction of solving a mystery, this is for you!
Are the components of good quality?
Yes, the game is known for its high-quality components, including a detailed board that recreates the map of Whitechapel and well-illustrated pieces, which contribute to the thematic immersion.
Is it a cooperative or competitive game?
It's an asymmetrical game. One player (Jack) plays competitively against the other players (detectives), who play cooperatively among themselves to capture him.