The Best 1920s and 1930s Fun Murder Mystery Games

Looking for fun murder mystery games to play with friends?  Then why not step back into the golden age of crime fiction and relive the glitz and glamour of the roaring twenties or the refined elegance of the 1930s!  These period settings are the perfect backdrop to fun murder mystery games.

The 1920s and 30s provide the ideal stage for intrigue, scandal, and, of course, murder. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a corporate event, or a large gathering, these fun murder mystery games will transport you and your guests to an era of champagne, secrets, and deadly drama.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best 1920s and 1930s fun murder mystery games, including Red Herring Games’ top picks like “Gangsters, Guns, and Garters,” “Death Comes to Downturn Shabby,” and “Murder at Gatsby Manor.” Let’s dive into the mystery!

Why Choose a 1920s or 1930s Murder Mystery?

The 1920s and 1930s were decades of transformation, from the roaring twenties’ Prohibition fuelled speakeasies to the 1930s’ golden age of travel and elegance. These eras are packed with rich themes for murder mysteries, including:

• Glamorous parties.
• Rivalries between gangsters and law enforcement.
• Stylish fashion.
• Decadent travel.
• Exploration and innovation.

The recognisable fashion, decadent settings, iconic cars and homewares, as well as the introduction of many modern conveniences and imported foot stuffs, make these a hit for murder mystery enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Plus, they offer the perfect excuse to dress up in flapper dresses, sharp suits, and feather boas!

The Best 1920s Fun Murder Mystery Games

1. Gangsters, Guns, and Garters

Welcome to the seedy yet glamorous world of 1920s gangsters. Set in a Prohibition-era speakeasy, this murder mystery game will have you questioning everyone’s motives. Who’s loyal, and who’s hiding a deadly secret? Perfect for groups of 6-20 players, this game is a classic for fans of the roaring twenties who enjoy films like Chicago, the Untouchables and Bugsy Malone. A large group version of this game is also available for those who just love entertaining and have a bigger guest list.

2. Death Comes to Downturn Shabby

Step into the lives of the aristocracy and their servants in this 1920s murder mystery game. Inspired by the upstairs-downstairs dramas of the era, these type of fun murder mystery games are filled with twists, secrets, and scandal. Written as a girls only game it’s been popular for hen parties and is an ideal choice for 6-20 players.  As above – large group version is also available for bigger groups.

3. Murder at Gatsby Manor

Get ready for the newest addition to our 1920s collection! “Murder at Gatsby Manor” transports you to a luxurious manor house reminiscent of the Great Gatsby’s world. With champagne flowing and secrets lurking in every corner, this game is perfect for small group dinner parties and large group events.

The Best 1930s Murder Mystery Games

1. Murder on the Disorientated Express

All aboard for a thrilling murder mystery set on the world’s most prestigious train. Unlike it’s more familiar namesake – in this game only ONE person on board is the killer (yes – it’s one of the FAQs we’re regularly asked and YES there’s only ONE murderer). It’s set between the two wars and the politics of the era are very present in the game.  If you have sensitivities with regard to the rise of the Nazi party – it’s one we’d suggest you avoid.  But if you love the period and are happy with historical nature of it – then you will enjoy becoming the passengers who are both suspect and detectives!

These type of fun murder mystery games are perfect for fans of the golden age of travel and they work well for groups of 6-20 players and larger groups.

2. Murder at Merkister Hall

The grandeur of Merkister Hall sets the stage for this 1930s murder mystery. When a body is discovered in the billiard room during an evening dinner party, guests must unravel a web of lies, love affairs, and sabotage to catch the killer. This game is ideal for groups of 6-20 players and offers a classic who dun it experience.  As above – set between the wars there are war time references, but they’re much more “oblique”.

Why Choose Red Herring Games?

At Red Herring Games, we pride ourselves on creating high-quality fun murder mystery games that are easy to host and fun to play. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Immersive Settings: From speakeasies to grand manor houses, our games capture the spirit of the Jazz Age and the elegance of the 1930s.
• Engaging Characters: Play as flappers, gangsters, detectives, and more, with roles for every personality type.
• Flexible Formats: Whether you’re hosting a small dinner party or a large event, we have options to suit your needs.

Tips for Hosting a Period Murder Mystery Party

To make your event unforgettable:

1. Encourage guests to dress in period costumes – some hosts run these as a surprise and just find a prop to suit each guest instead.  This is really easy for Gangsters, Guns and Garters where all thats needed is a feather boa for every girl and a hat for every guy!
2. Set the mood with era-appropriate music and decor – we provide theming ideas with all our games as standard.
3. Serve cocktails and dishes inspired by the 1920s or 1930s – Recipe suggestions are included in every pack.
4. Choose a game that fits your group size and level of interaction – all games above are dinner party style games.  These work best for small groups or large groups where everyone is in the same room.  But other options are available and these do adapt to a mix and mingle format – just reach out if you want help turning them into a mixer.

Ready to Host Your Own 1920s or 1930s Fun Murder Mystery Games?

Explore our full collection of fun murder mystery games, including 1920s and 1930s-themed options, on our website.