A Case of Distrust is a narrative game set in the roaring 20's where you play a hardboiled detective, Phyllis Cadence Malone, investigating a mystery full of deception and doubt. You help her struggle to overcome insecurities amidst pushback against women's suffrage and finding their place in a male-dominated role. Use your wits, evidence, and trusty notebook to catch the suspects in their lies and uncover the truth.

Play consists of two main activities. You investigate each location by clicking on things with your magnifying glass to learn about them and add clues to your notebook. You then interview witnesses and suspects about the clues you have collected. You can select any evidence or statement that you have found or heard to ask someone about, but they might not like your line of questioning and friendly conversations can turn cold very quickly if you ask every person about every topic.

A Case of Distrust looks and sounds unique. Set in 1924 San Francisco with historically accurate details and locations (an underground speakeasy, a smoke-filled billiard hall, a classic barber shop). You move from place to place via a chatty cab driver while grooving to some snappy jazz tunes. The game also touches on historically accurate and relevant themes of poverty, racism, and emancipation that tie into contemporary issues.