The Artois Nine cover
New York City · 1933

The Artois Nine

A Case for New York Noir

Detective Ben Hatchet is assigned to investigate the murder of an art dealer who specialises in esoteric Renaissance works.

Difficulty
2/5
Playtime
4 hours
Structure
2 days
Leads
110 / 115.2 KB
Documents
2
Year
1933

Print the casebook

Letter (8.5 × 11)
Two columns · 82 pp · PDF
Download (5.8 MB)
A4 (210 × 297 mm)
Two columns · 78 pp · PDF
Download (5.8 MB)

Play on a device

Letter (8.5 × 11)
One lead per page · 167 pp · PDF
Download (6.1 MB)
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Additional instructions

To play this case, you will need to download a full set of the v6 New York Noir directories in pdf format. If you prefer, you can use our new online directory and map search tools.

Case file
AuthorMarthinus Conradie
Version3.1 (6/23/25)
PublishedSep 24, 2026 at 04:45 AM CDT
StatusPlayable
Case date10/12/1933
More creditsA huge thanks to Daniel Turgeon for adding the fingerprints, Sean Kean's business card, the wedding invitation, closing newspaper, and for generally increasing the quality of the case. Thanks also to Patty Saturn and Debbie Levy for editing.
CampaignStandalone
Features
Fingerprint DirectoryFingerprint Directory
More details
Game systemnyNoir
CreatedAug 18, 2025 at 12:52 PM CDT
Size115.2 KB / 17.9k words (166 avg.)
Extras2 docs · 22 markers · 3 images
“Gentle Introduction to Fingerprint Directory and Fun, Satisfying Case”

This case is the first one that I played using the Fingerprint Directory and it does a fantastic job using that tool without overwhelming the player. I would definitely recommend this case as a great introduction to the Fingerprint Directory, especially if the idea of using the Fingerprint Directory seems like it will be a slog. (It wasn't at all, but still felt like satisfying detective work). The story of this case is also quite intriguing and enjoyable. The 2/5 difficulty is just right, in my opinion, as it is a bit on the easier side compared to some of the other cases that I've played, but it is still highly engaging and definitely difficult enough to still keep you guessing until you put the pieces together. There were a couple of nice red herrings here as well. Overall, a really pleasant, fun case that isn't overly hard but certainly still very satisfying to solve.

Recommended
— rewildman (Reid)Star ReviewerCo-op for Two FanSHCD Fan Oct 19, 2026 at 08:39 PM CDT
“Compelling narrative, good use of mechanics”

Thinus' second case serves as a great tutorial for the marker system and eases you in to the fingerprint directory with an intriguing storyline that isn't too tricky, but enough of a puzzler to make it worth your time, whatever your experience level.

Recommended
— DBS101 (Jake)BGG User Sep 28, 2026 at 07:20 AM CDT
“Great Writing and Steady Suspense”

I really enjoyed playing this case and it's very well done. The writing is strong, keeping a steady level of intrigue and suspense from start to finish. The detailed descriptions and the amount of text provided for each lead do a great job of establishing the noir atmosphere, with a touch of humor. I totally recommend.

Recommended
— DanAce (Daniel)Star ReviewerStar PlaytesterCo-op for Two FanSHCD FanBGG User Aug 14, 2026 at 03:59 PM CDT