Detective's Office

Name: LEGO Detective's Office 10246
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 10246
Rating: 4.69 (532 reviews)

81 · HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDINVESTMENT GRADE: A20152,262 pcsHigh agreement · 93%

Expert reviews

3analyzed

Owner ratings

532

Consensus

BUY

BrickScore

Highly Recommended

Owners

Synthesized Verdict

"With a BrickScore of 81, a 95% recommendation rate, and 4.69 out of 5 across 532 owner ratings, the Detective's Office is one of the most beloved modular buildings in the Creator Expert line, delivering an unmatched narrative density and interior detail that multiple collectors call their all-time favorite set in the series."

The Detective's Office (10246) earns consistent praise as one of the most characterful and densely detailed modular buildings ever produced, with a film noir narrative running through every room from the speakeasy cookie-smuggling tunnel to Ace Brickman's magnifier-equipped office. Its BrickScore of 81 reflects high scores in parts value, build experience, and design aesthetics, backed by owner data averaging 4.69 out of 5 across 532 ratings, with 95% recommending it and value-for-money rated 4.43 out of 5.

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LOVED (10)

01Rich narrative built into the set, centered on a cookie-smuggling operation with a secret tunnel between the barber shop and the pool hall
02Exceptional interior detail density across five distinct spaces: the barber shop, detective's office, restroom, pool hall, and a breezeway
03Pool table with ceiling fan is widely cited as a standout micro-build
04Reflective mirror element in Al's Barber Shop praised for realism
05Hidden compartments including a wall safe, a secret passage behind a cabinet, and a hidden floor grate
06Rooftop water tower using an unusual and satisfying construction technique
07Working fire escape, pull-chain toilet, and detective's desk with antique lamp
08Functional sandwich board and neon-style glass-work, POOL, and AL'S signage on the facade
09Minimal repetition compared to many Creator Expert sets, keeping the build continuously engaging
10Considered by multiple modular collectors as their favorite of the entire series

CRITICIZED (3)

01Some interior rooms are quite narrow, limiting minifigure access and play interaction in roughly half the spaces
02Exterior side walls described as plain or unfinished looking when the building stands alone
03Placing a minifigure on the pull-chain toilet noted as frustratingly difficult

What reviewers are saying

"I thought the Parisian Restaurant was amazing and would be difficult to top but I think this one is right there might even have done it"

JANG's LEGO Reviews

"small but perfectly formed"

Brickset Reviews

"I really enjoyed the first one, so read on to see how this one compares :)"

Rebrickable Reviews

Ecosystem

Parisian Restaurant — Detectives Office is right there with it, possibly surpassing it: 'I thought the Parisian Restaurant was amazing and would be difficult to top but I think this one is right there might even have done it'

10243 Parisian Restaurant — Detective's Office is among the best modulars but perhaps does not surpass the Parisian Restaurant. Parisian Restaurant takes some beating and should be bought first if choosing between the two.

Greengrocer — Detective's Office is noticeably smaller physically despite similar piece counts, due to interior detail prioritization over external size. Not as imposing when displayed together.

Pet Shop — Smaller physical size than Pet Shop, though piece count is comparable.

Creator ExpertTier 2Investment Grade

By Reviewer · 3

Avg score

Consensus

BUY

JANG's LEGO Reviews

Expert Video Source

BUY

"I thought the Parisian Restaurant was amazing and would be difficult to top but I think this one is right there might even have done it"

Key Pros

✓Excellent use of new and repurposed pieces in clever, unexpected ways
✓Extensive printed details eliminate need for stickers on large areas
✓Multi-building facade with distinct architectural styles and themes

Key Cons

✕Interiors are somewhat cramped and difficult to view/photograph
✕Back and side views are less detailed and finished than front facade

JUMP TO REVIEW

Brickset Reviews

Editorial Source

BUY

"small but perfectly formed"

Key Pros

✓All windows and tiles are printed; no sticker sheet
✓Multiple new and useful parts in new colours
✓Excellent construction techniques including half-stud offset work

Key Cons

✕Noticeably smaller physical footprint than previous modulars
✕Smaller than expected given piece count

READ FULL REVIEW

Rebrickable Reviews

Editorial Source

MIXED

"I really enjoyed the first one, so read on to see how this one compares :)"

Key Pros

✓Innovative 173-page instruction booklet with helpful red highlights around parts
✓Multiple interconnected rooms with creative details and secret passages
✓Good variety of new parts and printed elements

Key Cons

✕Interior spaces are very cramped, making access and movement difficult
✕Thematic disconnect: named 'Detective's Office' but only one room is actually a detective's office

READ FULL REVIEW

Dimensional Analysis

Investment Layer

Buy now (1)Wait for sale (0)

Value drivers

The Brothers Brick: Exclusive Detective Ace Brickman minifigure with unique accessories; mysterious lady in red; police woman

Exclusivity

JANG's LEGO Reviews: Released as part of official LEGO Creator series; accompanied by commemorative small flower stand set given away by LEGO

Brickset Reviews: LEGO exclusive; available in wide retail distribution on January 1st release.

Resale

JANG's LEGO Reviews: Not explicitly stated; implied strong demand based on positive reception and comparison to acclaimed Parisian Restaurant

Brickset Reviews: Likely to maintain value as part of established modular building collector line; retired modular buildings typically appreciate.

Minifigures & Standout Parts

In this set (7)

Al the Barber

$13

Detective Ace Brickman

$11

Female Officer

Pool Player

Lady in Red

Pool Player

Dart Player

Standout parts (per reviewers)

Printed window panes
Large printed areas on window panes above billiard hall entrance avoid need for stickers, which Jang notes are 'so easy to mess up'
Printed detective office sign (2x2 round tile with Technic hole)Value
New style of sign with newly introduced color for 2x2 round tile piece with Technic-sized hole, allowing pool/detective office sign display
Unikitty tail pieces in dark bluish gray
New color for character/creature building system pieces; repurposed as roof edge texture with 'clever' design choice
Hand character pieces (turned downward)
Creature building system hand pieces repurposed to create wall texture across second level exterior
Brown snowshoes (ceiling fan blades)
Repurposed as pool hall ceiling fan blades; Jang expresses strong appreciation: 'I love this thing I can't get enough of it just can't get over how perfect that design is'
Black stud pieces with holes
Used throughout set (door handles, lantern accents) for peg-sized through-holes; Jang notes 'always good to get more and more and more of pieces that are so useful'

What Owners Say · summarized from 50 written reviews (LEGO, Amazon, Walmart)

Owners love the creative details, clever building techniques, and playable features like the hidden passages and pool table, though some find the narrow rooms limit playability and value at the price point.

COMMON PRAISE