How to Create a Non-Murder Mystery Party

Pick an unusual location that matches your mystery theme.

Murder mystery parties are a popular format for celebrating holidays, birthdays and anniversaries. Some groups, however, may be too young or more conservative than others and may find a murder mystery party offensive or uncomfortable. Fortunately, however, many of the companies that package murder mystery party kits have recognized the need for a mystery party pack that doesn't involve murder. These parties, often held in unique locations with guests coming in costume and playing roles, are a lot of fun. Here's how to set up your mystery party.

Things You'll Need

• Non-murder mystery party package (available in bookstores or online)
• Site for the party
• Food and drinks
• Party supplies
• Costumes
• Props

Instructions

1. Open the game package and read through the instructions completely all the way to the end. Write yourself a checklist of what you need to do. Many kits come with checklists, but you'll want to add notes of things you need to do for your particularly party.

2. Choose a location. Match the location with the mystery setting in the game package. If it's a surfing mystery, host it on a beach. A train-related mystery could be held in a railroad museum or converted town train station. Many of these facilities are available for rent. Be creative. Even if you host it at home, decorate your house so that the party's location adds to the excitement of the mystery and supports the party theme.

3. Invite the guests. The game will include character descriptions and information about what costume each invited guest should wear. You will have to assign a character to each guest. Most such games have a limited number of available characters, but if you want to entertain a larger group, check the game maker's website for suggestions of additional characters you can add to the party. Many have downloadable "extra" character materials you can use. Also, be careful not to offend your guests. Don't assign a fat character to someone with a weight problem, or a homeless or wastrel character to someone recently laid off and looking for work. Be sure your guests will not be offended by the subject matter of the mystery before inviting someone who would be uncomfortable playing the game.

4. Send hints about how to dress and act by e-mail or letter to your guests as the party date approaches. This helps to build excitement about the party. Get all of your materials together and make sure you know in what order each step happens. Don't wait for the day of the party to read through the instructions.

5. Plan the menu so it fits the theme of the party. For a beach mystery, provide luau food. For an English mansion mystery, cook roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and other English-themed dishes. For a French mystery, serve wine and cheese plates. As much as the setting, the food sets the stage for your mystery and exotic or ethnic dishes properly served create an exciting experience all by themselves.

6. Ensure the party comes off smoothly by taking the "hosting" instructions seriously. Ask a partner to help you with the food and sound effects, such as tapes or CDs that go with the party. Keep yourself free to be involved in the game and its execution.

Tips & Warnings

• Know your guests. Mysteries often involve criminal themes or more mature subjects. Make sure your guests aren't offended by the game's content by warning them in advance.

• Ask guests to RSVP. If a guest doesn't come, you'll have to replace them since all characters are important to the unfolding of the plot.

• Don't add too many additional characters to avoid making the game run too long or having too many "characters" with little to do during the clue discovery phase.

References

• MyMysteryParty.com
• Night of Mystery: Mysteries: Non Murder Mysteries
• Shot in the Dark Mysteries: Non Murder Mystery Parties