Casual games have taken the world by storm. There are now 3 billion gamers across the globe, according to Statista, over half of which play casually. Video games are the ideal pastime to let off steam after an exhausting day at work. Books are another relaxing pick during a long commute or on a rainy afternoon, as they allow readers to escape their daily routine and relax all the same. But games and books are not mutually exclusive. Literary works have long inspired the gaming medium. And hidden object games can bring out the best of both worlds to avid readers and casual gamers alike. So, here are four hidden object games to discover for a fun take on your favorite books.

Dark Tales

Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most prominent authors of the 19th century. It was only fitting, thus, that the father of the detective fiction genre would inspire a series of hidden object games full of shadowy mysteries. Distributed by Big Fish Games, the Dark Tales franchise draws inspiration from several of Poe’s works. Working side by side with Auguste Dupin, you assist the master detective in his travels and unravel enigmatic cases. The Dark Tales series comprises twelve games, whose cases range from strange disappearances to baffling deaths. If you feel like putting your puzzle-solving skills to the test in Paris, you may also try your hand at the Nightfall: An Edgar Allan Poe Mystery spin-off.

The Mysterious Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

You needn’t be an ardent reader to know all about Dr. Jekyll and his malevolent and corrupt alter ego, Edward Hyde. Penned by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, this 19th-century novella is one of the most famous books in the world and a pivotal work that spearheaded the gothic horror genre. And in 2020, indie developer Mad Data brought the story to PC with a suspenseful hidden object game. While staying true to the core narrative, this search game is an immersive and slightly spookier take on the original. So, travel back to 1886 London and crack the case to lift the veil over a terrifying truth.

Mystery Legends

Finding hidden objects takes on a spooky turn in this franchise by Big Fish Games, which delves into three classic literary works. Based on Washington Irving’s gothic story, Mystery Legends: Sleepy Hollow is the most renowned installment in the series. The game has you explore the grim legends of this haunted town, gathering clues to get to the truth of the deadly Headless Horseman mystery before he claims another victim. With its small-sized puzzles and engaging storyline, the game was crowned Best Hidden Object Game back in 2008. The franchise also revisited a timeless fairy tale that Disney fans might be as fond of as classic literature readers, Beauty and the Beast. The third and final game in the series lends from the works of another French author, Gaston Leroux. Set amidst the Paris Opera House, Phantom of the Opera is a mix of cat-and-mouse chase and challenging puzzles.

Sherlock – Hidden Object Mystery

If you feel like stepping into the world of the one and only wizard of Baker Street, Sherlock – Hidden Object Mystery might be up your alley. This hidden object game takes Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on an investigation to figure out why the plots of infamous novels are changing. From Alice in Wonderland to The Hound of the Baskervilles, the villains now inexplicably prevail. And only you can restore these beloved stories to their original narrative. For fans of murder mysteries, Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective has also spawned a series of adventure games on consoles and PC. Even the iGaming industry developed Holmes-themed machine slots. To check them out, platforms like CasinoReviews help newcomers to online gambling find a reputable site. They compare multiple websites based on their catalog, payment methods, and bonuses. Experts assess each online casino thoroughly to put together independent and unbiased reviews. Besides, they deliver invaluable tips and strategies to get in on the action safely.

Filmmakers and TV showrunners have long drawn inspiration from works of written fiction. And video game developers are no exception. If you’re looking for some brain-scratching puzzles featuring some familiar faces and settings, therefore, the aforementioned book-themed hidden object games are worth a try.