# Loose Strands > Interactive mystery novel about a barbershop and family secrets. (iPhone/iPad app by Darned Sock Productions Inc.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loose-strands/id867732804 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Darned Sock Productions Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/867732807) - Category: Books, Games - Price: $4.99 - Rating: 4.20/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 9+ - Requires: iOS 8.0 · 233 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2014-05-05 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loose-strands/id867732804/reviews.md ## What is Loose Strands? Explore the mystery of the barbershop in this interactive adventure novel. * Winner: Best App for Children: 2015 Digital Book Awards. * Winner: Best Apps for Teaching and Learning by the American Association of School Librarians. * Shortlisted for the Bologna Digital Ragazzi Award * 4 stars out of 4 — USA Today * "Truly impressive... entrancing." - Kirkus 'starred' review. * Choose what clues to follow and what areas to explore * Find all 20 hidden pages, 3 hidden diaries, and optionally explore the town outside Roland's house. * Sneak your way through Roland's house on a navigable map. * See the consequences of your choices, as pages disappear with every decision, culminating in a climactic scene unlike anything you've read before. Roland Bartholomew Dexter the Third has never been outside of his family's barbershop. When he begins to suspect that someone's keeping his family trapped, he tries to discover who, and why. One day a little girl appears at his window, and together they discover that the barber shop is full of secrets, the town outside his window is quite unusual indeed, and that his strange dreams may be the key to saving his family. ***This is the full interactive novel. There are no in-app purchases or add-ons.*** Requires iPad 2 or newer. ## Key features - Interactive narrative choices - Explore hidden areas - Discover hidden pages and diaries - Consequential decision-making - Navigate a map - Uncover family secrets ## Recent user reviews (4 of 4) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loose-strands/id867732804/reviews.md ### 5/5 — I love it! *2019-05-21, version 1.2* I loved reading this book! But I got really got stuck in MR Puddlewicks house. I loved reading with my family. I was sad when we finished it. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 ### 5/5 — I Can Almost Taste the Hair *2014-07-24, version 1.0* This well-told story reminds me of a Tim Burton movie—very intriguing, a bit dark and somewhat quirky. I love it! Kids will love reading this “choose your own adventure” book over and over again just to find out what happens when they make a different choice for Roland. The clever page turning will have you redrawing strands when you lose yourself in the story and forget which way to swipe (up, left, right or down). With wonderful illustrations and interactive features PLUS a story that doesn’t disappoint, this gem deserves to be discovered. Can't wait for the Tim Burton movie version. ### 5/5 — Impressive *2014-06-27, version 1.0* The interactives let the reader control the action of the story. A novel idea! ### 5/5 — Love this book app! *2014-06-27, version 1.0* Loose strands is really well done, I love following the strands from page to page...so cleverly written with the perfect amount if interaction to enhance this beautifully illustrated story. My son who is 10yrs old enjoyed reading and navigating thru this book app. ## Frequently asked questions about Loose Strands ### What is Loose Strands about? Loose Strands is an interactive adventure novel where you explore the mysteries of a barbershop and uncover secrets about the protagonist's family. Your choices directly impact the story's progression and ending. ### Is Loose Strands suitable for children? Yes, Loose Strands is rated for ages 9+ and has won awards such as 'Best App for Children' from the Digital Book Awards, indicating its suitability for a younger audience. ### How much does Loose Strands cost? Loose Strands is a paid application, priced at $4.99. The description explicitly states there are no in-app purchases or add-ons, meaning this is the only cost. ### What devices can I play Loose Strands on? Loose Strands is currently only supported on iPads, specifically requiring iPad 2 or newer. It is not available on other Apple devices or Android. ### How often is Loose Strands updated? The app was last updated on December 19, 2017, to version 1.2. While it has received awards, there haven't been recent updates, suggesting it is a complete, finished experience. ### What makes Loose Strands unique? Its unique selling points include a deeply interactive narrative where choices have visible consequences, hidden collectible pages and diaries, and a navigable map for exploration within the game's setting. ### What is the user sentiment for Loose Strands? Loose Strands has received a rating of 4.2 stars out of 5, based on 5 ratings. It has also garnered critical acclaim, including a 'starred' review from Kirkus. ### Does Loose Strands have ads? The application does not mention advertisements in its description, and it is a paid app with no in-app purchases. This suggests it is likely an ad-free experience. ## Version history (last 1 release) ### 1.2 — 2017-12-19 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Updated for iOS 11. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*