Whether you’re a true crime fan or a cozy whodunit reader, there’s nothing more fascinating than a murder in need of solving. If you enjoy a good (and bloody) puzzle, take your love of mysteries to the next level by hosting a murder mystery party! You’ll gather clues and piece together the evidence as your friends compete to be the best detective or wiliest culprit.

Throwing your own murder mystery dinner party at home is easier than you might think. Follow this guide to host a game night that your friends will never forget… if they survive.

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Understanding Murder Mystery Games

New to the idea of hosting your own murder mystery party? The concept is simple: The host sets up a murder mystery game with suspects, motives, clues, plot twists, red herrings, and (of course) a victim, and the partygoers act as amateur sleuths to solve the case and catch the killer. The party can be structured around a series of rounds, with each round revealing new evidence and information. The players' goal is to use their detective skills to uncover the truth before the game ends.

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How to Host a Murder Mystery Game with Ease

Setting up a murder mystery party is easy with StoryPop, the immersive story game app that acts as a murder mystery party kit right in your phone. StoryPop provides the game structure, character descriptions, food and décor ideas, and more, so even if it's your first time hosting a murder mystery party, you can handle the preparations and execution (pun intended) without any headaches. From assigning characters to voting on awards like Best Costume, the StoryPop app guides you and your guests through a game night adventure like no other.

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Ready to get started? Follow the steps below to create a murder mystery party that will have your guests feeling like the next Sherlock Holmes!

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1. Narrow Down Your Murder Mystery Theme

Once you’ve decided on a murder mystery game as your entertainment, you’ll want to choose a setting and time period for the murder to take place. Here are a few ideas to get you started, but be sure to select your theme based on the interests that you and your friends share. This theme will inspire your guests' costumes, which enhance the experience of getting into character for the event, as well as your décor and the food you serve.

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Historical Theme Ideas
Roaring Twenties speakeasy, medieval castle, Wild West saloon, 1960s dinner party

Contemporary Theme Ideas
Las Vegas casino, art museum, political summit, Broadway theater

Fantasy and Science Fiction Ideas
Post-apocalyptic fallout shelter, alien spaceship, cyberpunk dirigible, magic school

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Coming up with your own mysterious plot is a daunting task, as most of us aren’t Agatha Christie. Luckily, there’s an easier option! Selecting one of StoryPop’s murder mystery games immerses you and your group in a spine-tingling interactive tale with step-by-step, app-guided play—no writing skills required.

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2. Foreshadow the Murder with Your Invitations

The StoryPop app makes it easy to invite your friends and keep track of party RSVPs with a few clicks, but for extra dramatic flair, nothing says “mysterious circumstances” like receiving an old-fashioned paper invitation in the mail. Decide how many guests to invite based on the game you've selected and the roles available. Once you've set a guest list, get to crafting!

Tailor your invitations to your theme, such as calligraphy on parchment for a historical setting or a faux event flyer if your murder mystery takes place in a contemporary venue like a museum or theater. For a spookier touch, try spattering your invitations with fake blood or crafting them from letters cut out of magazines. Be sure to include the murder mystery party's date, location, and any other important info.

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3. Set the (Crime) Scene with Affordable Decorations

Atmosphere is key for a truly bone-chilling murder mystery party. Be sure to consider what makes sense for your theme, what will fit into your budget, and what will look best in the area of your home where the action will take place. Do some online research or make a Pinterest board of décor ideas that fit your party’s vibe and then get creative!

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Creating a well-designed crime scene is crucial to enhancing the immersive experience for your guests, but hosting a murder mystery party with pizzazz doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Start by poking through your closets for anything you can repurpose. DIY what you can, and visit your local dollar stores or thrift stores for what you can’t.

A few subtle decorative pieces can go a long way, but feel free to go over the top for full immersion. The joy of hosting your own murder mystery party with StoryPop is that you get to decide what makes the most sense for your guests, your location, and your budget.

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4. Host a Dinner Party with a Murder Mystery Twist

Your next task is one of the most important: Serve food! Hosting a dinner party with a murder mystery twist can be a unique and exciting way to entertain your friends. This type of event combines the best parts of a dinner party — good food and good company — with the interactive and immersive elements of a murder mystery game.  

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Of course, it's not necessary to provide a full sit-down meal. However, it's likely that guests will at least want some appetizers to nibble and some beverages – alcoholic or not – to sip while they sleuth. Though you can get by on chips and soda, you have a chance to elevate the night by matching your snacks to the era or setting in which your murder takes place. Skim through our Recipes page for some easy hors d’oeuvres and fun cocktails or come up with your own.

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Consider preparing a dessert buffet to serve after the game, providing a celebratory ending to the event. This gives guests an opportunity to indulge in sweets while reflecting on the mystery they just participated in. No matter your approach, food is a key component to your party's success, so be sure you have enough food and drinks to fuel your crime solvers throughout the game!

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5. Solve the Murder Mystery… If You Can!

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When all your preparations are complete, it’s time to get dressed up and enjoy the big night. Unlike most murder mystery kits, with the StoryPop app to walk you and your guests through your murder investigation, you can participate and have fun instead of orchestrating every moment of the game and knowing the outcome ahead of time. Be sure to speak to every suspect and collect as many clues as you can. The murder weapon is a key element that helps reveal the storyline and ultimately leads to solving the mystery. Will your group solve the murder in time to catch the killer?

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Create Your Murder Mystery Party Today with StoryPop

By adding a murder mystery twist to a traditional dinner party or game night, hosts can create a memorable and engaging experience for their guests. Now that you’re a murder mystery hosting pro, get your game scheduled today with StoryPop! Download the app, select one of our murder mystery party games, and start prepping for a night your friends will be talking about for years to come.