Murder at Merkister Hall
It’s the 1930s. The great depression is over, the pound is competing with the dollar on the open exchange and there is a rise in business of all shapes at sizes. Keen to share their good fortune with others, the Balderdashes regularly play host for sumptuous dinner parties at their stately home which involve nothing but the best wines, fine cuisine and traditional after dinner entertainment. This evening was to be no exception. The guests had all arrived as planned and with the food ready to be served in the kitchens the party only lacked one thing, namely the butler Leversham who has been discovered dead, in the Billiard room!
Hire an actor to play the detective – prices start at £291 contact us for more information.
This Game is Rated:
Teen
What is included?
Example pre-printed boxed set
Character booklets/scripts
Inspector CD / script
Instruction book
Decoration and recipe suggestions
Invitations
Character name Labels
Invitation envelopes
Reviews:
13 reviews for Murder at Merkister Hall
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Sample
How it works:
Never hosted a murder mystery before?
Don’t panic! There is no special acting required. Guests do not need to memorise any information, and everything they need to play their parts is provided in a handy booklet. The games are constructed so that everyone has to interact, and scripted dialogues are included to help break the ice and get everyone into character. Even total novices get into the swing of things quite quickly!
The game includes both sound files (MP3 with a download or CD with a boxed set) and a script for the inspector character who provides the setting, clues, and summaries for each round, as well as the final solution. This means as host you too can play and remain completely in the dark as to the culprit, or play the inspector yourself and invite an extra guest to the party!
How does a “download and print at home” kit work?
Each “download and print at home” kit is provided as a zip file containing a set of PDF files for you to print at home, and a selection of MP3 files to use on the night.
Each dinner party game requires use of a printer and A4 paper (approx. 80 sheets for a 6 player kit – 240 sheets for a 20 player kit), envelopes so you can send out your invitations, and either a laptop or MP3 player (e.g. an ipod) to play the inspector MP3s; OR a CD burner so you can burn the MP3s onto a CD to run in an ordinary CD player.
When you order the game you’ll be sent a link to download the files you need. The file will be a zip file. This can be opened with a zip compatible program on your computer. If you struggle to open zip files – we can email you the game directly over several emails instead – just contact us after purchase to arrange this.
You will download the following files:
- How to use this game
- Instructions for running the murder mystery
- Making the most of your theme- ideas for decoration / activities.
- Invitations
- Character Booklets (available in single sided printer and double sided printer format)
- Scripted for the inspector character (available in single sided printer and double sided printer format)
- Solution script for the inspector character (needed when printing from the single sided copy)
- MP3 files for the inspector character (dialogue and solution)
- Hints and tips
- Recipe suggestions
- Money off voucher towards next purchase
How does a “Pre-printed box set” work?
This is the easiest way to play. Everything you need will arrive in a box, pre-printed, directly to your door.
You will receive through the post:
- Instruction booklet (includes hints and tips)
- Invitations and envelopes for all the guests
- Character booklets
- CD of the inspector
- Inspector script in a sealed envelope so you don’t find out the solution by accident!
- Making the most of your theme and recipe suggestion booklet.
- Money off voucher towards next purchase (printed inside the booklets)
We always ship within 24 hours meaning orders arrive as quickly as possible.
As each game is printed on demand, we can also provide a customisation service on any order. See details further down the page on what we can do to tailor this game to your party.
Characters in the game:
Brigadier Balderdash – Lord of the Manor.
Pompous, with very upright military bearing, Brigadier Balderdash is always seen in a well starched collar and his tweed suit.
Lotta Balderdash – Wife of Brigadier Balderdash.
Tastefully clothed and very reserved, Lotta Balderdash is refined and elegant.
Bruce Bugatti – Racing car driver
Always in a tearing hurry, Bruce Bugatti is very debonair, but also fairly untidy.
Anna Glipta – Local Artist
Never without her artist’s smock, Anna Glipta often has her sketch pad to hand and paintbrushes in her hair.
Rev. Al Ation – Vicar
With a stiff white dog collar and wearing traditional black, Rev. Al Ation is always on duty for his flock.
Miss Jane Marbles – Maiden aunt and amateur sleuth.
In twin set and pearls, with a tweed suit, there is nothing remotely sinister about this spinster (except that dead bodies seem to turn up in her close proximity!)
Brigadier Balderdash – Lord of the Manor.
Pompous, with very upright military bearing, Brigadier Balderdash is always seen in a well starched collar and his tweed suit.
Lotta Balderdash – Wife of Brigadier Balderdash.
Tastefully clothed and very reserved, Lotta Balderdash is refined and elegant.
Bruce Bugatti – Racing car driver
Always in a tearing hurry, Bruce Bugatti is very debonair, but also fairly untidy.
Anna Glipta – Local Artist
Never without her artist’s smock, Anna Glipta often has her sketch pad to hand and paintbrushes in her hair.
Rev. Al Ation – Vicar
With a stiff white dog collar and wearing traditional black, Rev. Al Ation is always on duty for his flock.
Miss Jane Marbles – Maiden aunt and amateur sleuth.
In twin set and pearls, with a tweed suit, there is nothing remotely sinister about this spinster (except that dead bodies seem to turn up in her close proximity!)
Doug Oles – Archaeologist.
Fresh from his current dig, Doug sports his boots, trowel and being young, huge levels of enthusiasm.
Nicole De’limelite – Film Star
Sophisticated and elegant, Nicole has all the latest fashions.
Brigadier Balderdash – Lord of the Manor.
Pompous, with very upright military bearing, Brigadier Balderdash is always seen in a well starched collar and his tweed suit.
Lotta Balderdash – Wife of Brigadier Balderdash.
Tastefully clothed and very reserved, Lotta Balderdash is refined and elegant.
Bruce Bugatti – Racing car driver
Always in a tearing hurry, Bruce Bugatti is very debonair, but also fairly untidy.
Anna Glipta – Local Artist
Never without her artist’s smock, Anna Glipta often has her sketch pad to hand and paintbrushes in her hair.
Rev. Al Ation – Vicar
With a stiff white dog collar and wearing traditional black, Rev. Al Ation is always on duty for his flock.
Miss Jane Marbles – Maiden aunt and amateur sleuth.
In twin set and pearls, with a tweed suit, there is nothing remotely sinister about this spinster (except that dead bodies seem to turn up in her close proximity!)
Doug Oles – Archaeologist.
Fresh from his current dig, Doug sports his boots, trowel and being young, huge levels of enthusiasm.
Nicole De’limelite – Film Star
Sophisticated and elegant, Nicole has all the latest fashions.
Max Outputt – Industrialist.
Dressed formally for dinner in a dinner suit, Max is never parted from his Financial Times.
Penny Pusher – The Balderdash’s secretary.
Plain and unimpressive, Penny is a quiet non-entity and easy on the eyes.
Brigadier Balderdash – Lord of the Manor.
Pompous, with very upright military bearing, Brigadier Balderdash is always seen in a well starched collar and his tweed suit.
Lotta Balderdash – Wife of Brigadier Balderdash.
Tastefully clothed and very reserved, Lotta Balderdash is refined and elegant.
Bruce Bugatti – Racing car driver
Always in a tearing hurry, Bruce Bugatti is very debonair, but also fairly untidy.
Anna Glipta – Local Artist
Never without her artist’s smock, Anna Glipta often has her sketch pad to hand and paintbrushes in her hair.
Rev. Al Ation – Vicar
With a stiff white dog collar and wearing traditional black, Rev. Al Ation is always on duty for his flock.
Miss Jane Marbles – Maiden aunt and amateur sleuth.
In twin set and pearls, with a tweed suit, there is nothing remotely sinister about this spinster (except that dead bodies seem to turn up in her close proximity!)
Doug Oles – Archaeologist.
Fresh from his current dig, Doug sports his boots, trowel and being young, huge levels of enthusiasm.
Nicole De’limelite – Film Star
Sophisticated and elegant, Nicole has all the latest fashions.
Max Outputt – Industrialist.
Dressed formally for dinner in a dinner suit, Max is never parted from his Financial Times.
Penny Pusher – The Balderdash’s secretary.
Plain and unimpressive, Penny is a quiet non-entity and easy on the eyes.
Gerry Atrics – Local doctor.
Never without his doctor’s bag, Gerry Atrics has a calm bedside manner and often wears a suit.
Iona Caine – Schoolteacher.
Strict and with glasses that are more regularly looked over than through, Iona has a modest dress code but is really quite stunning.
Brigadier Balderdash – Lord of the Manor.
Pompous, with very upright military bearing, Brigadier Balderdash is always seen in a well starched collar and his tweed suit.
Lotta Balderdash – Wife of Brigadier Balderdash.
Tastefully clothed and very reserved, Lotta Balderdash is refined and elegant.
Bruce Bugatti – Racing car driver
Always in a tearing hurry, Bruce Bugatti is very debonair, but also fairly untidy.
Anna Glipta – Local Artist
Never without her artist’s smock, Anna Glipta often has her sketch pad to hand and paintbrushes in her hair.
Rev. Al Ation – Vicar
With a stiff white dog collar and wearing traditional black, Rev. Al Ation is always on duty for his flock.
Miss Jane Marbles – Maiden aunt and amateur sleuth.
In twin set and pearls, with a tweed suit, there is nothing remotely sinister about this spinster (except that dead bodies seem to turn up in her close proximity!)
Doug Oles – Archaeologist.
Fresh from his current dig, Doug sports his boots, trowel and being young, huge levels of enthusiasm.
Nicole De’limelite – Film Star
Sophisticated and elegant, Nicole has all the latest fashions.
Max Outputt – Industrialist.
Dressed formally for dinner in a dinner suit, Max is never parted from his Financial Times.
Penny Pusher – The Balderdash’s secretary.
Plain and unimpressive, Penny is a quiet non-entity and easy on the eyes.
Gerry Atrics – Local doctor.
Never without his doctor’s bag, Gerry Atrics has a calm bedside manner and often wears a suit.
Iona Caine – Schoolteacher.
Strict and with glasses that are more regularly looked over than through, Iona has a modest dress code but is really quite stunning.
Amelia Fairhart – Female Aviator
Lively and flamboyant, Amelia is more than a match for any man at the party, though she has a soft spot for any man who can wield a wrench.
Sigmund Froid – The Cold Austrian psychoanalyst.
With clipped beard, glasses, cigar and smart suit, Sigmund exudes a wonderfully calm bedside manner, even if he is obsessed by your dreams and sex life.
Brigadier Balderdash – Lord of the Manor.
Pompous, with very upright military bearing, Brigadier Balderdash is always seen in a well starched collar and his tweed suit.
Lotta Balderdash – Wife of Brigadier Balderdash.
Tastefully clothed and very reserved, Lotta Balderdash is refined and elegant.
Bruce Bugatti – Racing car driver
Always in a tearing hurry, Bruce Bugatti is very debonair, but also fairly untidy.
Anna Glipta – Local Artist
Never without her artist’s smock, Anna Glipta often has her sketch pad to hand and paintbrushes in her hair.
Rev. Al Ation – Vicar
With a stiff white dog collar and wearing traditional black, Rev. Al Ation is always on duty for his flock.
Miss Jane Marbles – Maiden aunt and amateur sleuth.
In twin set and pearls, with a tweed suit, there is nothing remotely sinister about this spinster (except that dead bodies seem to turn up in her close proximity!)
Doug Oles – Archaeologist.
Fresh from his current dig, Doug sports his boots, trowel and being young, huge levels of enthusiasm.
Nicole De’limelite – Film Star
Sophisticated and elegant, Nicole has all the latest fashions.
Max Outputt – Industrialist.
Dressed formally for dinner in a dinner suit, Max is never parted from his Financial Times.
Penny Pusher – The Balderdash’s secretary.
Plain and unimpressive, Penny is a quiet non-entity and easy on the eyes.
Gerry Atrics – Local doctor.
Never without his doctor’s bag, Gerry Atrics has a calm bedside manner and often wears a suit.
Iona Caine – Schoolteacher.
Strict and with glasses that are more regularly looked over than through, Iona has a modest dress code but is really quite stunning.
Amelia Fairhart – Female Aviator
Lively and flamboyant, Amelia is more than a match for any man at the party, though she has a soft spot for any man who can wield a wrench.
Sigmund Froid – The Cold Austrian psychoanalyst.
With clipped beard, glasses, cigar and smart suit, Sigmund exudes a wonderfully calm bedside manner, even if he is obsessed by your dreams and sex life.
Ivor Blunderbust – Big Game Hunter
With a British stiff upper lip and a passion for hunting, Ivor is very boastful about his exploits. He is also rather loud in any polite company as regular use of firearms has left him with terrible tinnitus.
Gaye Gordon – Authoress
Fiery and forthright, Gaye has never been one to let something as serious as a murder get in the way of a good story.
Brigadier Balderdash – Lord of the Manor.
Pompous, with very upright military bearing, Brigadier Balderdash is always seen in a well starched collar and his tweed suit.
Lotta Balderdash – Wife of Brigadier Balderdash.
Tastefully clothed and very reserved, Lotta Balderdash is refined and elegant.
Bruce Bugatti – Racing car driver
Always in a tearing hurry, Bruce Bugatti is very debonair, but also fairly untidy.
Anna Glipta – Local Artist
Never without her artist’s smock, Anna Glipta often has her sketch pad to hand and paintbrushes in her hair.
Rev. Al Ation – Vicar
With a stiff white dog collar and wearing traditional black, Rev. Al Ation is always on duty for his flock.
Miss Jane Marbles – Maiden aunt and amateur sleuth.
In twin set and pearls, with a tweed suit, there is nothing remotely sinister about this spinster (except that dead bodies seem to turn up in her close proximity!)
Doug Oles – Archaeologist.
Fresh from his current dig, Doug sports his boots, trowel and being young, huge levels of enthusiasm.
Nicole De’limelite – Film Star
Sophisticated and elegant, Nicole has all the latest fashions.
Max Outputt – Industrialist.
Dressed formally for dinner in a dinner suit, Max is never parted from his Financial Times.
Penny Pusher – The Balderdash’s secretary.
Plain and unimpressive, Penny is a quiet non-entity and easy on the eyes.
Gerry Atrics – Local doctor.
Never without his doctor’s bag, Gerry Atrics has a calm bedside manner and often wears a suit.
Iona Caine – Schoolteacher.
Strict and with glasses that are more regularly looked over than through, Iona has a modest dress code but is really quite stunning.
Amelia Fairhart – Female Aviator
Lively and flamboyant, Amelia is more than a match for any man at the party, though she has a soft spot for any man who can wield a wrench.
Sigmund Froid – The Cold Austrian psychoanalyst.
With clipped beard, glasses, cigar and smart suit, Sigmund exudes a wonderfully calm bedside manner, even if he is obsessed by your dreams and sex life.
Winston Kirkmund – Conservative MP.
Fond of bow ties and cigars, Winston has always enjoyed the heated discussions in the House of Commons. He fights them from the back benches, he fights them in elections – unfortunately, this time, his party lost.
Clementine Kirkmund – Supportive wife of Winston
A woman of beauty and distinction, Clementine has always supported her husband and will not tolerate any negativity about his policies or his behaviour.
Diana Kirkmund – Daughter of Winston and Clementine.
Young, pretty and naive to the ways of the world, Diana is an eligible debutante and this dinner party serves as her first introduction to civilised company.
Ivor Blunderbust – Big game hunter.
With a British stiff upper lip and a passion for hunting, Ivor is very boastful about his exploits. He is also rather loud in any polite company as regular use of firearms has left him with terrible tinnitus.
Brigadier Balderdash – Lord of the Manor.
Pompous, with very upright military bearing, Brigadier Balderdash is always seen in a well starched collar and his tweed suit.
Lotta Balderdash – Wife of Brigadier Balderdash.
Tastefully clothed and very reserved, Lotta Balderdash is refined and elegant.
Bruce Bugatti – Racing car driver
Always in a tearing hurry, Bruce Bugatti is very debonair, but also fairly untidy.
Anna Glipta – Local Artist
Never without her artist’s smock, Anna Glipta often has her sketch pad to hand and paintbrushes in her hair.
Rev. Al Ation – Vicar
With a stiff white dog collar and wearing traditional black, Rev. Al Ation is always on duty for his flock.
Miss Jane Marbles – Maiden aunt and amateur sleuth.
In twin set and pearls, with a tweed suit, there is nothing remotely sinister about this spinster (except that dead bodies seem to turn up in her close proximity!)
Doug Oles – Archaeologist.
Fresh from his current dig, Doug sports his boots, trowel and being young, huge levels of enthusiasm.
Nicole De’limelite – Film Star
Sophisticated and elegant, Nicole has all the latest fashions.
Max Outputt – Industrialist.
Dressed formally for dinner in a dinner suit, Max is never parted from his Financial Times.
Penny Pusher – The Balderdash’s secretary.
Plain and unimpressive, Penny is a quiet non-entity and easy on the eyes.
Gerry Atrics – Local doctor.
Never without his doctor’s bag, Gerry Atrics has a calm bedside manner and often wears a suit.
Iona Caine – Schoolteacher.
Strict and with glasses that are more regularly looked over than through, Iona has a modest dress code but is really quite stunning.
Amelia Fairhart – Female Aviator
Lively and flamboyant, Amelia is more than a match for any man at the party, though she has a soft spot for any man who can wield a wrench.
Sigmund Froid – The Cold Austrian psychoanalyst.
With clipped beard, glasses, cigar and smart suit, Sigmund exudes a wonderfully calm bedside manner, even if he is obsessed by your dreams and sex life.
Winston Kirkmund – Conservative MP.
Fond of bow ties and cigars, Winston has always enjoyed the heated discussions in the House of Commons. He fights them from the back benches, he fights them in elections – unfortunately, this time, his party lost.
Clementine Kirkmund – Supportive wife of Winston
A woman of beauty and distinction, Clementine has always supported her husband and will not tolerate any negativity about his policies or his behaviour.
Diana Kirkmund – Daughter of Winston and Clementine.
Young, pretty and naive to the ways of the world, Diana is an eligible debutante and this dinner party serves as her first introduction to civilised company.
Ivor Blunderbust – Big game hunter.
With a British stiff upper lip and a passion for hunting, Ivor is very boastful about his exploits. He is also rather loud in any polite company as regular use of firearms has left him with terrible tinnitus.
Ed Lines– New York Times reporter.
In scruffy jacket and trousers, Ed is always at the front of any action with his notebook and pen to the ready.
Gaye Gordon – Authoress
Fiery and forthright, Gaye has never been one to let something as serious as a murder get in the way of a good story.
Customise this game
This game can be customised to fit your event for an additional fee.
It’s hard to give “ball park” figures for what different customisations would cost however we’ve attempted to HERE. Please do contact us for a free quote if you would like any customisations on your game before purchase.
Remember… if you just need 1 extra person, or 1 less person, why not have someone play the inspector role?
The inspector can usually be male or female as the “for real” inspector can simply invent a new name for themselves.
Some hosts prefer to play the inspector role as it means they can work on the catering while the round plays out amongst their guests.
Happy Customer –
Absolutely fantastic, played it at my 14th birthday, and after a big mix up with another one that we accidentally found out the murderer to, we had fantastic service. Really fun game with no quarrels or awkwardness. I would suggest 2.5 hours but if you’re guests are likely to be late then 3 hours, and there’s room for a good simple card game half way through which was appropriate, definitely value for money and the scripts were great, we had a real laugh trying to do ‘ad libbing’. Hilarious. Thanks Red Herring!!!