A new series in development
Small challenges.
Considerable recognition.
A straight-line maze. An escape room that labels the key. A detective presented with a signed confession. The solutions are reassuringly apparent; the instructions remain entirely serious.
Three different comic experiences from Briefly Absent Books. Working titles and artwork may change. No release dates are announced yet.
Three ways to do exceptionally well
Working concept · Mixed puzzles
A varied collection of crosswords, mazes, word searches and other small achievements. The difficulty stays reassuringly low. The congratulations grow steadily more distinguished.
1 2 __ 4
“Candidates should be greater than two and less than four.”
Working concept · Escape adventure
Work your way through a testing centre immensely proud of its security. Its staff have thoughtfully labelled the important objects and are impressed that you keep finding them.
“Your first breakthrough may feel remarkably similar to noticing something.”
Working concept · Detective story
A village trophy has disappeared. The culprit has left a signed note. A very serious inspector intends to establish the facts beyond all conceivable doubt.
“I have taken the Golden Teaspoon.”
Promising evidence. Further investigation appears inevitable.
The snippets above show the proposed humour direction; they are concept material rather than finished book excerpts.
The joke is shared
The reader is in on it. These are affectionate, deliberately easy challenges for friends who enjoy a little dry humour and a disproportionately grand sense of accomplishment.
Each planned book stands alone: a mixed puzzle collection, a journey through rooms or a case to investigate.
Something to enjoy while we work
Our first series, Paid to Be Here, explores the working day. Meet Ben and Sarah in Customer Stereotypes, read two illustrated retail encounters, or try finding them in a crowded scene.
Your next small escape
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