The Mystery of the Abbey

Eat Lunch and Board Game

As you faithful bridge-building listeners know, I am a huge fan of reading about board games. I then like to try and interview the author. This happened with The Beginner’s Board Game Bible and its author Ben Hoppe. In his fantastic book, (if you haven’t bought it yet, do it) he mentions games to help break people into this great hobby. Many of his game suggestions I had heard of, or already had played. Yet, one game nagged at me that I really wanted try. It was 1995’s Mystery of the Abbey. It was described as a next-level Clue. Clue with a little more. I was extremely interested, but then disappointed to learn that it was out of production. I then went out to look for a used copy. Prices fluctuated from $30-$60. As I was hunting down a copy, I came across one at a board game flea market for $35, and I pounced on it. Sadly, it sat on the Shelf of Shame for over a year. Finally, I got it to table at a library board game event.

In Mystery of the Abbey, you and your fellow players are visiting monks at the serene Abbey. The next morning, the body of Brother Adelmo is discovered at the foot of the cliffs. You group is asked by the Abbot to look into the mysterious death of the Brother, and investigate the Abbey and its inhabitants to discover who killed the beloved Brother Adelmo.

So, does Mystery of the Abbey do enough to separate itself from the classic game Clue? What it worth the hunting and searching for it? Did Ben Hoppe lead me astray? Can it be played in a lunch hour? Let’s find out!