How to Host a Downloadable Murder Mystery
If you're seeking a truly distintive social event, hosting a murder mystery provides a memorable and fun night that will thrill partygoers of all ages. With cunning plots and suspenseful endings, your guests will get to take part in solving the "crime" as they roleplay various characters. Downloadable murder mysteries offer planning tips, scripts, and even online support. Thanks to the all-inclusive packaging of these party games, the biggest roles a host plays are adding the decorating details and guiding the criminal investigation. By combining the downloadable mystery and a little ingenuity, you'll soon be hosting an unforgettable night of exciting drama and intrigue. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Downloadable murder mystery game
- Decorations to fit your theme
- Refreshments
Instructions
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Search for a downloadable mystery that satisfies your inner Sherlock Holmes. When making your selection, consider the number of players the downloadable mystery accommodates. Most murder mysteries have a script and certain number of parts for those participating. While the majority have roles for six to 10 players, some, like the Valentine's thriller "Love Writes a Deadly Verse," from Mysteries on the Net, have options that allow 100 or more participants. Simply select a murder mystery to download that fits the number of guests you'd like to invite, as well as a theme you find appealing.
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Once you download the mystery, read all the directions thoroughly. Assign each guest a role based on the script included with your mystery. Have fun with this aspect. Opt for guests to come in costume for a range of eccentric characters appearing at the party. Most downloadable mysteries have printable invitations and clues to send to guests. A few, such as Host-Party, have an added bonus which includes email invites and a pre-game website to leave messages and costume suggestions for players. Set a date and start inviting your sleuthing guests.
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Set the stage by decorating according to the mystery's theme. For example, choose Hawaiian decorations such as seashells and tropical flower centerpieces for Mysteries on the Net's "Hulas and Homicide." Include appropriate music to add to the ambiance. Whatever theme you select, aim for capturing the mood as fully as you can. Like a theatrical production, you'll want your guests to feel caught up in the setting.
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In general, murder mysteries take at least two hours, so you'll probably want to feed your hungry detectives and suspects. Buffet style is best to keep things rolling, but if you want to stretch the game or the night out a bit, a formal meal can also be served. Keep your mystery theme by providing a menu that suits the occasion.
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Welcome guests while staying in character. Follow the directions of your downloadable mystery game for specifics on the night of the party. These can be carefully scripted, with additional clues to be introduced at various intervals, or may allow for improvising by the players depending on the particular game. Throughout the evening, guide the "investigation" as prompted by your game instructions. Remember to capture the evening's festivities on film.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember to have your guests RSVP, so you're certain the proper number of players arrive.
Contact the company you have purchased the mystery game from with any questions or clarifications prior to the event. As host, you'll want to be sure you thoroughly understand the rules and outcomes.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit lupe image by mangia from Fotolia.com
