- A murder mystery party is a game in which a "murder" is committed and the guests and host try to figure out who the murderer is. There are a few ways to host a murder mystery party. The easiest way is to use a commercial product that provides everything needed. A more elaborate way is for the organizer of the party to choose the theme, setting and characters for the murder.
- One of the first things a host must decide is how many people will be present. Commercial games such as Murder in a Box (see Resources) or downloadable games have mysteries for six to 100 people. Once a theme is chosen, a method must be chosen to decide which guest will play which roles. This can be done randomly or the host can assign characters that a guest would be comfortable playing. The game starts when the organizer or host gives a brief run-down of how the game is played. Guests receive name tags and details about their characters, usually on a written printout. One scenario is for a murder to take place before the party begins. Another option is that during the game a character is killed. At many parties, each guest (character) introduces himself so that everyone is familiar with all of the characters. Throughout the game, the clues to solving the murder are distributed in a variety of ways. The clues can be revealed in several ways. Some clues are secrets while others are generally known. Near the end of the game, each guest gives his theory as to who the murderer is and why the murder occurred. The game ends when the correct solution is revealed. Prizes may be awarded to those who successfully solved the murder mystery.
- While some games come with scripts for the characters to use, it can be more fun if guests get to improvise and develop their characters. Have guests come in costumes appropriate to the setting to add to the illusion. Decorate the venue and add music and props to set a mood.
- Murder mystery parties suit many occasions. There are holiday-themed murder mystery parties and parties just for children, teenagers and adults. There are murder mystery weekends at bed and breakfasts. Some corporations have murder mystery parties for team building. Custom murder mystery games can be expensive and are usually the most elaborate games available.
