Shaffer's sequel to Sleuth (1970), titled Murderer (1979), begins with a captivating thirty-minute silent scene. During this time, the audience witnesses a shocking murder that is not what it initially appears to be.

Anthony Shaffer, along with his twin brother, collaborated on several mystery novels. Their debut novel, The Woman in the Wardrobe (1952), was published under the pseudonym Peter Antony. This was followed by Withered Murder (1955) and How Doth the Little Crocodile? (1957). Each of these works incorporates classic detective story elements. Notably, How Doth the Little Crocodile? features a staged murder, similar to Sleuth.

Ira Levin's two-act play Deathtrap (1979) takes inspiration from Sleuth with its unpredictable storyline. The plot revolves around a struggling playwright, his wife, and an aspiring writer. The roles of victim, murderer, and eventual winner remain ambiguous until the play's thrilling conclusion.

Agatha Christie's two-act play The Mousetrap (1952) stands as one of Britain's most iconic plays. It had an initial run of twenty-one years at its original theater before relocating to another venue. The story unfolds at a guesthouse where all the visitors unexpectedly seem linked to a murder that occurred at Paddington Station just hours earlier.