Another rousing and successful Girls Night Out…it was murder! A murder mystery!

We arrived at JS’ house, food and drink in hand, which was transformed into Bella Pasta’s restaurant, portrayed perfectly by EL, in the black slinky dress. Joining her in the suspect pool was TT as Leila Taybell, the very pregnant ditzy waitress, AN was Rita Ring looking fabulous in a flirty frock, JS was Dee Scovery, perfectly playing that famous science woman from TV.

AT was Pip Olfinda (how goofy were we all, except KH, who didn’t realize her name was actually ‘People Finder’!). If you have never participated in a murder mystery party, all the names are very clever, try to see if you get them all and have a good laugh! Next, I played dual roles, Lotta Boddie, the murder victim’s sister and Mandy Vowra, a collector of men, go figure!

Rounding out the suspects was NR as May Coaver, the local beauty shop owner, Lena Boddie, played by CD, the sweet, winsome niece of the murder victim. EA was Justine Moment, the chef very proud of her restaurant, KH was Gail Over was aces as the controversial counselor, and last, but not least…RS was Su Thing, the exotic aromatherapist.

So..the way a murder mystery party works is you have a list of guests invited to a party and the invitation includes a character description so they will know possible costume ideas and how they are portraying themselves. You can send out menu suggestions, if you buy a kit like the one I did, it comes with invitations, instructions, menu ideas and other details and suggestions for a fun party. The parties are generally for even numbered groups.

There are parties for mixed groups, half men, half women or all women, I haven’t found any that are all men. When you have mixed characters and only female players, they would play the male roles. Tonight, I found a game that was for 12 women.

Guests arrive and you find out that someone has died, tonight, oh no! it was the “birthday girl/guest of honor”, Carrie Oakey. There is a detective, it could be a player or you could play the mp3 that comes with the kit. Each player gets a playbook that has descriptions and instructions, dialog and questions and answers that will help you solve the murder and things that you should keep to yourself. After each round, you would play one of the mp3s which will give clues and details.

As you are using the guides, you ask questions of each other and forming your opinions. Some of the games are created that tell the killer who they are towards the end of the game and then there are the games, like this one, that no one knows who the killer is until after everyone has made their accusations and explained their thoughts, you play the final mp3 and find out who the killer is.

If you haven’t tried one yet, I highly recommend one! I have participated in a few and hosted several, my 18th birthday was a murder mystery party at my house, too much fun!

Just remember…it’s not always the butler!