Another question that comes up regularly from both hosts and guests is what actually happens at a murder mystery? Some games will have different formats with varying activities and events that occur, but in general there are several stages that will take place during most parties.
For those of you who have never played a murder mystery game before – you are in for a treat, so please read on to discover what awaits you and happy sleuthing!
Before the party
As the host, choosing and buying your game is of course the first step. There are many themes and group sizes to suit every party, so check out our wide selection from 90s games to a classic 1930s Agatha Christie style manor house murder. Once you have your game, check out your Host Guide for all you need to know about hosting a game.
For those of you playing a murder mystery for the first time, your party host will send you information about which character you are playing along with a bit about the theme. For example, you may be an aerobics loving camp counsellor in the 1980s or a member of the Spice Girls at an awards after party.
You will be given costume suggestions and a bit about who you are, so make sure you read the information before you arrive at the party to make sure you have everything you need. You may also want to bring nibbles or drinks to suit the theme. Suggestions for these are again included with our games, but really just think about the theme and go from there!
Starting the game
Now that you are all at the party, dressed to kill, and with plenty of food and drink, it is time to start the game. Your host will generally begin with an introduction that lets you know where you are and what happened. For instance, that you are in a potions classroom in the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where the potions master has just been poisoned.
Then, regardless of the format of the game, there will be a general introduction period. You will go around the room saying who you are, usually with a bit of backstory that links you to the situation or the deceased. We find this section of the game is best enjoyed while mingling with one of our cocktail or mocktails in hand!
During the game
The main part of the game will vary slightly depending on the format of the mystery you have chosen. In essence, this is the core part where you ask questions of each other and all the clues and evidence are available for you to look at. If you are the host don’t worry – our how to play guide is there to help guide you through each stage as you play!
In our fully scripted games, in each of three rounds you will ask two questions of one character and in turn be asked two by another player. Make sure to pay attention as you will hear conflicting alibis, information on motives, and plenty of titbits that will lead to the murderer.
If you choose one of our 10-20 player evidence based games, each round will begin with the death of a character and evidence will be found on each body. You will still ask and answer questions but you will also need to look carefully at this evidence if you hope to catch the killer!
Ending the game
Once you have completed all three rounds, asked and answered all the questions and looked at all the evidence, the game is over. It is now time to check your notes or try your best to remember what was said and get ready to point the finger! You can write down your guesses, go around the room accusing people, or send the host a message.
However you choose to make your guesses, this is the final part of the game so remember even if you are the killer, still put in a guess to keep it interesting until the end! Once you have all guessed, it is time for the guilty reveal where the killer will explain how they did it and why!
Finally, you can award the certificates included for best acting, best detective, and for the person who is truly dressed to kill. Several of our games include party packs with suggestions for keeping the party going, or you can choose to call it a night.
Sharing is caring!
Now that you know what to expect before, during, and after your murder mystery, we hope you feel prepared and that you have a blast playing. If you do, we love nothing more than hearing from our hosts and guests about their own experiences. Send a picture, leave us a review, or email us at sistersgrimmmysteries@gmail.com. Have a killer time!