How would you run an investigation/puzzle RPG?

>>54892386
There are a few attempts at this, like G.U.M.S.H.O.E. They leave cluefinding up to random chance and skill isn't really challenged.

>>54892386

I'd avoid tying much stuff to mechanics if the goal is just crime solving or overcoming logic problems.

Rolling Search is fine when failure is an option but the story can easily progress afterwards, but is worthless when the players absolutely need to find something in order to understand the situation.

Like, failing on a search check to find where the thief went works fine because the players can have a run in with their gang later on and find them that way, but if the players completely miss that the real murder weapon was under a pillow then solving the mystery because a exercise in trying to solve something without the right information.

Just set up a scenario and if you want to use the mechanics, use them to let the players potentially find extra information on clues, not finding the clues themselves. Their job should be finding out how it goes together.