Murder Mystery Party Game

Why it works as a party game

A murder mystery is the long game in a line of party games. It gives a dinner a shape: accuse someone before dessert.

How to play

1. Write a one-page brief per guest: who they are, what they want, and two facts they may share.
2. One brief contains the clue that contradicts the killer's story. No one is told who holds it.
3. Guests mingle and trade facts. Halfway through, each person makes one public accusation.
4. Vote. Then read the solution, including which brief held the cracking fact.

Hosting tips

• Six to eight guests is easier to write than twelve. Extra guests can share a brief as a pair.
• The killer must have a true fact too, or the role is obvious by silence.
• Set a hard stop. Mysteries expand to fill the night if you let them.