The activities described in this article are just a few that we have designed to help students realize that mathematics is not limited to"number crunching". Engaging students in the analysis and creation of mystery stories builds a foundation for creative problem-solving experiences. Problem solving requires that students be able to analyze information by recognizing patterns; by analyzing the facts; and by distinguishing among necessary, inconsistent, and superfluous information. The analysis and creation of detective stories combine "reading, critical thinking, and the collection and organization of data" (Fennell and Ammon 1985, 24). Students become attentive to details, inconsistencies, and logical
connections between and among information. As students develop these skills, they are having lots of fun!