Last year, for the husband’s birthday, I threw him a murder mystery dinner party. The theme was a ‘super hero’ convention where all the guests were, well, superheroes. There were some great costumes, some lively conversations, blatant accusations, and fervent denials. I’d like to think a good time was had by all, and I hope to continue the tradition this year.
Last year, I purchased a murder mystery online. They sent me a zip file with all the clues and directions for the evening. The description for the murder mystery led me to believe it wasn’t a ‘scripted’ murder mystery – one where everyone’s lines are dictated. I had been under the impression that it was one where people were given clues, which would lead them to natural discussion and ad-libbing. But when I started looking through the files, it became very clear to me that what I had was a script. And a very lopsided script at that – there were 8 characters, but only 3 or 4 of them really had any lines.
And so I took that script, and I turned it into clues. And I added elements to the story, so that the 4 people who the script neglected, would have something to do for the evening. I finally got everything to my liking, and printed out on color-coded cards. Everything worked out well – better than a script, if I dare say. People took what they were given and really ran with it.
And so this year, I have decided to write my own murder mystery from scratch. Not so much because I’m cheap – I’m more than willing to shell out $30 for a good game – but because there’s no way to know what I’m getting before I hand over the money. I mean, if I’m going to be re-writing a sub-standard mystery, I might as well be writing my own. That way, I don’t have to think bad things about people who packaged a poorly-made product …
So, this year’s theme will be something a little more classic. At this point, I’m leaning toward something sort of clue-esque. If all goes well at the party this year, I may even post it – free of charge – right here at akaemi.com
5 replies on “murder mystery ’08”
so if you turn out to be a good mystery writer i have a niche market for you-lds non-murder mystery parties. something like “who’s the next bishop” or “will they divide the ward this time”. might devolve into gossip sessions tho.
LOL – might be something to look into …
You should collaborate with Lauren; she’s got a good eye for story and structure. At very least she could help you adapt your story for cinema!
lol, I actually already asked for her help!
hI,
My husband and I are interested in hosting a Murder Mystery dinner as a fundraiser for developmentally challenged teens in our area. I was wondering you you’d be willing to share your Super Hero’s script with us, or perhaps your new mystery that you’re writing yourself. We live in an old Heritage home dated 1880 and I thought something “Cluelike” would be good, but I’m willing to get ideas from anywhere. Thanks for any assistance .