Puzzle Piece Mystery Book Project
Due: Monday, March 9
Mystery stories are similar to a puzzle. The reader receives a number
of pieces (clues) that need to be fit together properly in order to solve
the puzzle, or problem. To complete this project, you will make a ninepiece puzzle that gives the reader clues and information about the
mystery you have read independently. You may also create your puzzle
pieces using technology!
Materials Needed
 Tag board to create puzzle
 Coloring pencils, crayons
 Scissors
 Notebook for rough draft of puzzle pieces
Tasks for Tag Board Project
1. Take a piece of tag board and create 9 puzzle pieces. Number
your pieces 1-9
2. On piece 1, you should creatively display: 1) Book Title, 2) Author,
and 3) Your Name.
3. On piece 2, describe in detail the detective in the story. What
do they look like? What character/personality traits do they
have that make them a good detective? If there is a secondary
detective in the story, describe them also. Illustrate.
4. On piece 3, describe the setting of the mystery. Where does the
story take place? What makes it a good setting? Illustrate
5. On piece 4, describe the plot. What is the problem that needs to
be solved?
6. On piece 5, describe 3-4 clues that are given to help the reader
solve the mystery. Include why these clues are helpful to the
reader.
7. On piece 6, describe the evidence that the detective collects to
help him/her solve the crime.
8. On piece 7, describe the suspects. Who are they? Why are they
suspects? If there is a red herring, include it here! Illustrate.
9. On piece 8, give a hint of the solution of the problem of the
mystery. Don’t give it entirely away though! We want to keep the
reader wanting more!
10.
On piece 9, provide a brief personal review/rating of the
book. Did you enjoy it? Was it a good mystery? Would you
recommend it?
11. Now, think of a creative way to present your puzzle pieces. Will
you place them in a large envelope for someone to put together?
Can you link them together in some way?
DON’T FORGET TO BE CREATIVE AND
HAVE FUN!!!!
MYSTERY GENRE PROJECT RUBRIC
Task
Possible Points
Points Earned
Piece 1: Includes title, author, student’s name,
and decorated
Piece 2: Describes in detail the detective in the
story. What do they look like? What
character/personality traits do they have that
make them a good detective? A picture is
included.
6
Piece 3: Describes the setting of the mystery.
Where does the story take place? What makes
it a good setting? Includes a picture.
8
Piece 4: Describes the plot of the mystery.
Explain the problem that needs solving.
Piece 5: Describe 3-4 clues that are given to
help the reader solve the mystery. Explain how
these clues are helpful.
Piece 6: Describe the evidence that is collected
to help solve the mystery. How does it help?
Piece 7: Describe the suspects. Illustrate
Piece 8: Hint to the solution of the problem but
don’t give it completely away! Try to get the
reader’s attention!
Piece 9: Give your review of the book. Rate it
and explain why you gave this rating.
Neatness
Mechanics: spelling, grammar, complete
sentences
Creative way to present the “puzzle”.
Presentation: presenting your work to the class
or a small group
Total points:
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
7
7
8
8
100