Murder Mystery Party Games
Frequently Asked Questions

Hosting a murder mystery party game is a great way to throw a fun dinner party - and it's easy!

If you're planning on playing a murder mystery party game, you probably have a few questions on your mind.  The information below should alleviate any anxiety you might have, so that you can enjoy the game as much as your guests.

 

What Murder Mystery Party Games are available?

There are a few:

• How to Host a Murder Mystery:  A popular series, attractively packaged and well-designed.  There are currently twelve titles in the series, with such popular games as Chicago Caper and Tragical Mystery Tour.  All games are for 8 players.
• Murder a la Carte:  Another nice series, but with fewer titles (that seem to continually go in and out of stock) and slightly less elegant packaging.  Still fun, and recommended.  All games accommodate 6, 7 or 8 players.
• Dinnergames: For 8 to 10 players.

Please note that all of the games listed above are for adults, and make reference to adult themes - adultery, alcohol consumption, that sort of thing.  For parties for  younger players (ages 12 to 17), the same folks who make How to Host a Murder Mystery also make How to Host a Teen Mystery.  There are currently 3 titles in this series, and they are all well done.

 

How Do Murder Mystery Party Games Work?

Basically, all murder mystery party games work the same.  Games include invitations, a host (or hostess) guide with menu suggestions and instructions, an audiocassette tape with narrative details about the crime, and background guides with secret clues for each of the players.

The games are designed to last from 2 to 4 hours.  Time is included within this period for talking, eating, and having fun - which is, after all, why you're having a party.

 

How Much Time Do I Need to Prepare for a Murder Mystery Party Game?

How well do you want things to go?  First, you need to buy the game, send out the invitations, go shopping, etc.  My personal advice is: if you're planning on having a murder mystery party game two or three weeks from now, I'd order one today.  

Here's a tip - don't wait until the day before your party arrives to look inside the box that contains your game.  Check it out the day it arrives.  You can get an idea of what's required of you before there's any time pressure, and you can make sure you have everything you need.  

 

What Can I Do if I Have Too Many Players?

You can get creative - but remember, this is extra work on your part.  Some suggestions:  

• If there are only a couple of extra guests, try having them play along as detectives.  The detectives can question and accuse the suspects as if the story were part of an interrogation or re-enactment of the night in question. This way, your extra guests can still play, and solve the mystery without being left out - they just don't have a written script to go by and will have to ad-lib a little.

• For large groups, try teaming up the characters. Have several people play on a team for each character. You can either designate one person to read the script, or have each person in the group read a section. This way, everyone on the team gets a chance to solve the mystery as a character, and you don't leave anyone out of the fun.

A word of warning here - games written for eight players really work best for 8 players.

 

What Else Should I Know?

Remember that a light-hearted approach to your party is a good idea.   Parties aren't supposed to be stressful for guests or hosts - even those revolving around solving a crime.  Have fun!