Maddy Lines
Chairwoman of the local W.I
As long standing chair woman of the W.I., Maddy Lines is a fearful organiser, as well as a domineering housewife who takes a keen interest in baking and gardening.
The story so far
The case
The annual village fête of Market Wheaton is a popular local event, drawing crowds from every corner of the county.
Those involved in the fête arrive early to set up stalls, submit their entries to the numerous competitions and generally get ready for the public to descend.
Today was no different. All was in readiness, the music playing over the loud speakers and the show ground about to be opened, when disaster struck!
Tracy Rounder was discovered dead at the back of her tent, and not just dead, but brutally murdered!
The line-up
Meet the suspects
Your cast play these parts, and every one of them has something to hide.
Guy Lines
Scout leader and husband of above
The cheerful, helpful and friendly Scout Master, Guy Lines, comes prepared for anything; anything that is, that Maddy tells him to do.
Ollie Day
Travel Agent
An enthusiastic travel agent and well versed on all holiday destinations Ollie Day is the man to speak to if you want to get away (quickly or otherwise).
May Day
First aid and lost children worker
A loving housewife, May looks after her family like a mother hen, and is the obvious choice to help out on the lost children and first aid stand.
Lee Sorsale
Estate Agent
Always on the look out for the hottest property in the area, estate agent Lee Sorsale is a ruthless businessman who always keeps an eye on the obituaries for future investment opportunities.
Rev. Neil Duprais
Anglican Minister
Responsible for the church flock as well as the leaky church roof, Rev Duprais is always fundraising, and willing to help out at any community event.
Winona Cases
Solicitor
The smartest, most sophisticated and stylish solicitor in town, Winona has never lost a court battle yet.
Detective Inspector Dick Lacey
Detective
Detective Inspector Dick Lacey is the detective sent to solve the case. He provides the solution speech at the end of the evening.
How it plays
How the evening runs
No stage and no sit-down dinner. The suspects are spread between rooms, each dressed with its own props and clues, and your guests move from room to room as part detective, part forensic officer.
What you'll need
- Several rooms, dressed with the props on the list
- 7 cast who know their back story and monologues (the script can hide in a prop)
- A guest handout and answer sheet for everyone
- No meal needed. This format works best without one
What's in the box
Everything you need to run it
Everything you need to run the perfect event is in the game pack. You bring the cast. Costumes and props can add to the fun, but aren’t essential.
- Full instructionsDetails of how to run the event. Everything we send to you is the same information we send to our own actors. We don’t hide the “secret sauce”. If we can run it – you can run it too.
- Scripts for your castEverything each suspect says, and when they say it.
- Guest handoutsA handout and answer sheet for every guest.
- An invitation or flyerReady to print and send out, or pin up.
- Name badges for the castSo the room knows which suspect is which.
Download it the second you pay, or have us print, assemble and post the box. Both are exactly the same game — the difference is who does the printing.
Reviews
What hosts are saying
5.0 out of 5
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Thans so much to Jo - we used this as a fundraiser on Friday and it was a resounding success. We had around 55 players - 10 teams and each suspect was in a separate location in the church we held it in. If we did it again we'd probably have 2 to a room. Our cast were great actors but did read off clipboards and the monolgues were presented at the same time to the whole room. Pretty much all of our audience want to know whatb we'll do next year. Reallt recommend buying from this company and the large selection of games. Thank you!!
jennyastuart
Couldn't have done it without you. Just wanted to let you know, we used one of your Murder Mysteries as a fundraiser for Our Church Missions teams, and it was a huge success. Everyone had a wonderful time, and we made some money along the way! I have had the packet of information for several years and felt this was what I was being called to use it for. Thank you so much for the quality product. (Fète Accompli). Ann Foehrweiser Member of First United Methodist Church of Rolla, MO USA
Happy Customer
Thank you so much for the great game! We played on Sat night at my husband's 50th Birthday Party. He asked for donations to MS Society, instead of gifts and he's raised £700, as well as having a brilliant night. We played Fete Accompli in the function room of our Rugby Club - very cosy for 60 people and a dead body (outline) WE'd love to do something else - any chance of doing something involving a rugby club??????????
Happy Customer
This was chosen as an evening activity to take place at a long Guide camp one summer. The leaders played all the designated roles and dressed accordingly, we particularly enjoyed the leader in charge as a vicar and one of the younger leaders went to great lengths to be properly dressed as the Scouter. It took a couple of hours to play with groups of guides working their way around quizzing the actors and gathering their evidence. Only one team worked out both the murderer and the reason. Great fun had by all and "shop bought!" is now a common refrain at camps!
Happy Customer
The small print
The details
- Number of players
- 20+ players
- Game type
- Multi-room scriptsMurder Mystery
- Written by
- Jo Smedley
- Content rating
- Teen
Content/themes within this game.
Rating: Teen/CleanSo you can ensure this is appropriate for your group. If you have specific content you are trying to avoid please do reach out directly so we can look at the game in more detail for you.
- Murder — One murder has been undertaken, so violence is suggested.
- Suggestive Themes — Mild provocative references or materials, there is the suggestion that someone is having an affair, but it proves false.
- Blood — Depictions of blood
- Use of Alcohol — The consumption of alcoholic beverages and some props are alcoholic beverages.
Before you buy
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t find an answer to your specific question do reach out via email or phone.
How long will a murder mystery party last?
Well, like everything it all depends on meal service, serving, clearing, how many times you lose guests due to smoking breaks and toilet breaks. We usually say a standard event with a three course meal will take between two and three hours. But we know how things flex when you hit a fresh audience and a new venue. If you set arrival at 7pm for a 7.30pm start you can usually finish by 10pm. But just be aware this is reliant on guests and the venue’s serving and clearing speed. If you aren’t having a three course meal, expect things to speed up. 90 minutes is a common length of time for an event with no breaks.
What else do I need to run a murder mystery event?
In addition to printing out the game materials, you will often want props and costumes for the cast. Each game requires different props. Most are easy to source. If you would like to know the essential props for a specific script then please get in touch and we will forward you the instructions documents which contain the prop lists.
Do I need to provide a meal for the murder mystery games to work?
No. However most of our games are formatted in rounds to allow a three course meal. The only game format which works best without a three course meal is the Multi-room format.
We have adapted games in the past to work as “mix and mingle” affairs. If you’d like us to create something special for you to allow a mix and mingle event, then please email us.
What is the difference between Printed and Downloadable game formats?
Downloadable kit
If you’ve never bought a downloadable murder mystery game on-line before, or never played one (downloadable or otherwise) and want to find out more about it, then don’t worry – you aren’t the first.
We are so confident in the quality of our games – when you buy from us you are guaranteed a great night in or your money back!
All our downloadable dinner parties are supplied with:
- Full instructions Each game contains information on how to use the downloaded files including details on printing etc, instructions for running the mystery itself, as well as hints and tips from previous customers.
- Invitations. Designed for double sided printing, these invitations come with a colour cover design and all the information your guests need to know.
- Easy print guest materials formatted for double sided printing in full colour.
- Easy print scripts for the cast.
Printed kits
When you select the printed option – what you are asking us to do is print your game for you. Your game will arrive by post, printed, ready assembled and packaged in a box.
Printed kits are exactly the same as downloadable kits, in terms of content – it’s just that instead of you printing the game, we print the game for you and it will arrive ready to go.
If you aren’t sure whether you would like us to print your game for you – then we are happy for you to change your mind. Simply contact us after purchasing the downloadable game and we will arrange to print and ship your order to you after you make the additional payment.
What do the content ratings mean?
Our content ratings are based on the ESRB rating scheme.
All of our games are suitable for a reading age of 10+ though they may contain language that is difficult for some children to comprehend.
All ratings are based on content NOT suitability, which means TEEN games are CLEAN games, rather than only being suitable for teenagers.
TEEN games are often games which are most suitable for mixed audiences, corporate and church groups.
It is worth noting that all our murder mystery games are rated TEEN or above as murder counts as violence for younger children. Some children younger than teens will handle the reading level of a standard murder mystery plot but parents may find the content inappropriate. Which is why we always detail the content of our games so you can make a determination of your own. If in doubt – take a look at the free sample booklet to check this is OK for your group.
It is possible for us to adjust the reading level on some games to make it possible for younger children to play – if you think you’d like this – please just email us for help.
What sort of content will be in a TEEN game compared to a MATURE game?
TEEN games will contain “tame” plot lines. This can include plot lines like
- A game with a character who has had a string of monogamous relationships, where all relationships are kept “non-sexual” for the purposes of the game e.g. someone who is two timing a girl.
- There may be mild innuendo in the booklet, but when played this could be hammed up, or toned down depending on the person acting the role.
- Alcohol may be mentioned in the game, but it will not include references to drinking to excess.
- Illegal drugs will not be mentioned within the game, but legal drugs e.g. paracetamol, anti-anxiety tablets could be.
- There will be no explicit language, however where the odd mild swear word appears in song lyrics e.g. in Murder at the Music Awards, this will still be present in the game. The word “Sex” may crop up, but not in a sordid context. e.g. a character might say “don’t mentioned the “sex” word.”
MATURE rated games don’t necessarily mean the games contain explicit language, or sexual references. However the themes will be more gritty. To give you some examples:
- A character may have taken /dealt in illegal drugs.
- A character may reference overindulging in alcohol
- A character may gamble.
- A character may be the result of an illegitimate relationship, or is pregnant
- A character’s sexual orientation may form part of the plot or character description.
- A character may have been polygamous, or discusses relationships of a sexual nature. (e.g. having affairs)
- Other illegal behaviour, and content that you’d normally only see on TV after 9pm.
If you are unsure which game is appropriate for your group – there are two things you can try. The first is to open up the “trial booklet” which will give you a sample character from a 6 player game. The second is to call us on +44 (0)2030 112 215 and we’ll chat to you about the content of the games and help you find the one most appropriate for your party.
Can I change the gender of a character?
Sometimes it is possible to customise and amend genders of suspects in games, but not always. This is due to plot tangles and how involved certain characters are within a game. It is best to contact us to check what is and isn’t possible if you need a different skew of genders. If it IS possible, we can explain the costs it will be to amend it ourselves. But if budget proves to be a constraint – we can send you the game in MSword so you can modify it yourself once you know it’s possible.
Can you customise a murder mystery kit for me?
We can take the stress out of party planning, and put the fun back into what can be a total headache by customising a murder mystery specifically to your party!
If you have an uneven mix of male and female participants, an unusual number of guests, or even just unusual guests, or a specific celebration in mind – then we are here to provide you with a personal service that will tailor a murder mystery game to your needs.
If you are looking for something fully bespoke then allow us to talk through with you what you are looking for and provide you with a free quote.
What is the difference between the domestic and the commercial license?
We are one of very few companies to supply both retail and commercial products as well as event management services.
We’ve always operated an honesty policy as we know our domestic and fundraising customers appreciate the ability to access murder mystery scripts at an affordable rate. HOWEVER we can only continue to do this if commercial customers order using the correct license.
We appreciate your honesty in this matter, and have put our key points below to help you decide if you are shopping on the correct license.
If after reading this you are still unsure which format you should be purchasing – just email us or call us on +44 (0)2030 112 215.
Finally, as you’re shopping with us, we are aware that not every option is available to you depending on your planned use. If you see something you would like to run commercially which isn’t available to you (e.g. you run a guest house and want to host a dinner party game for your guests) – please don’t try to cheat the system – just call us on +44 (0)2030 112 215 so we can chat to you – we will be able to work something out.
How do I access my downloadable game?
Your order confirmation email arrives straight after you pay, with a Download your game button. It signs you in to your account on our website, where each game is listed under Downloads: click a file to save it. Your games stay in your account, so you can sign in and download them again whenever you like.
If you were signed in when you paid, they’re in your account already.
When you click a file, your computer saves it, usually to its Downloads folder. If you can’t find it, search for the file name.
How fast will my order arrive?
If you order a downloadable kit – the kit should be available instantly on a download link – and will also arrive via email with a link for you to download it.
If you order a printed kit or accessories and elect for standard service – this is shipped 48 tracked within the UK and Airmail outside the UK.
Approx arrival times for 48 hour tracked and airmail are:
- UK – 3-4 working days (the Royal Mail don’t guarantee 48 hours and it often enters the system at the end of the working day).
- Europe 7-10 working days
- Rest of World – 14-28 working days
If you elect for expedited shipping – we use a Courier or Royal Mail Next Day Delivery within the UK; and a courier outside the UK.
Approx arrival times on Expedited shipping are:
- UK – 1-2 working days
- Europe – 3-7 working days
- Rest of World – 3-9 working days
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