This is it—one article to rule them all! We’ve curated the best murder mystery party themes and games for any occasion.
We’ve grouped the games into three categories:
- Classic: A selection of the most popular and timeless murder mystery party themes.
- Fun: These games are fun, wacky, and sure to be a blast for newbies and old hands alike!
- Expert: If you’ve played a lot of murder mysteries and are looking for something difficult, or for something different, try one of these.
Happy browsing! We’re sure there’s something you’ll love, that’s right for your group and great for a specific occasion or theme.
Please note: We love murder mystery parties. Besides giving advice we also write and sell games. In this article we feature our own games from our company Mysterando. If you want to help fund this site, please check out our games.
10 Classic Murder Mystery Parties
We’ve curated 10 of the best murder mystery party themes and games below, in no particular order. The list is a selection of timeless themes and classic cases.
We have no doubt each one of them will be a hit!
1. The Roaring ‘20s Theme (1920s, Prohibition, Jazz Age)
Gatsby’s Last Secret (by Mysterando)
New York City, 1925—smack bang in the middle of the Roaring Twenties! In the smoky interior of the legendary Flying Flapper speakeasy, it’s another Jazz Age wild weekend. Glittering guests dance to the riveting house band and business at the bar is booming—thanks to mafia connections and the chief of police turning a blind eye! Midnight comes and goes. But then a piercing scream freezes the dancers. Frank Fitz, the infamous owner, has just been found dead!
Players: 5-9
Price: From $19.90
Link:
mysterando.com/product/gatsbys-last-secret/
2. Wild West Theme
Murder at Cherry Creek Saloon (by Shot in the Dark Mysteries)
The Wild West! Cowboys! Gold rush! Tonight, it’s a full house at Cherry Creek Saloon. The patrons enjoy high stakes card games—until someone is accused of cheating and a full out bar brawl erupts! When the fight is over, Jeb Lyman doesn’t get up. He’s been murdered in the ruckus. And what’s more, the bag he had with him is gone!
Players: 6-18
Price: From $42.00
Link:
shotinthedarkmysteries.com/murder-at-cherry-creek-saloon-interactive-mingle-murder-mystery-party-game/
3. Christmas Theme
Bad Santa (by My Mystery Party)
Christopher Clause, the hermit of the Christmas Hollow mansion, is throwing a festive season party. The guests don’t all know or like each other, but it’s the grandest event of the year, so everyone’s going to be there! This is a mix and mingle style game. Suitable for ages 14+, does not contain any inappropriate content.
Players: 10-20+
Price: From $53.00
Link:
mymysteryparty.com/bad-santa-a-hilarious-murder-mystery-party/
4. Mafia Theme
Don Carrasino and the Murdered Mobster (by Playing with Murder)
You’re all in the employ of mobster Don Carrasino—and you’re all regulars at The Joint, a bar owned by the Don himself. While enjoying drinks over rounds of cards, the Don’s right hand man, Danny “Chuckles” Luciano choked and keeled over—dead! Furious, the Don has everyone present begin investigating!
Players: 8-16 or 17-100+
Price: From $39.95
Link:
playingwithmurder.com/don-carrasino-and-the-murdered-mobster-p-780.html#product_tabs_description_tabbed
5. Witches, Wizards, and Magic!
Murder at the Toadwart Inn (by My Mystery Party)
All manner of magical folk are gathered at the Toadwart Inn for the Witch’s Brew Social. The Merlin Morning Times is there to report on the feats of magic, latest fashion in robes, and magic menu—what could possibly go wrong?
Players: 6-10
Price: From $40.95
Link:
mymysteryparty.com/murder-at-the-toadwart-inn-murder-mystery/
6. Pirate Themed Murder Mystery Party
Murder Among the Mateys
The notorious pirate ship, The Jaded Jewel, is docked in port Royal. The crew hits town to spend their ill-gotten gains—and all sorts of mischief is bound to unfold! It doesn’t take long for someone to end up dead. But which of the ragged assortment of thieves, swashbucklers, and crusty old sailors is the murderer?
Players: 8-20+
Price: From $60.00
Link:
nightofmystery.com/product/murder-among-the-mateys/
7. Romans Theme
A Roman Murder Mystery Party
Emperor Marcus Aurelius returns to Rome after a campaign of expansion to cement the marriage between his son and Drusa Clovius. But before the marriage takes place, Drusa is murdered. Now it’s up to you to find the killer and stop the situation escalating into yet another war, one that will surely cripple the Roman Empire!
Players: 6-18
Price: From $41.99
Link:
shotinthedarkmysteries.com/a-roman-murder-mystery-party-game/
8. Vampires Theme
Vampire Ball (by Masters of Mystery)
It’s time for the annual Blood Ball, hosted by Count Dragula (the “Queen” of New York’s vampire elite). Minutes after midnight, Count Dragula discovers a dead body—and what’s more, it’s been drained dry! Who did this? A party crasher or someone on the guest list? You and the other Blood Ball guests must get to the bottom of it…
Players: 4-20
Price: From $24.00
Link:
mastersofmystery.com/products/halloween-murder-mystery-game-kit-vampire-ball
9. Hollywood
Lights, Camera, Murder! (by Night of Mystery)
Millionaire Vanity Affair is hosting an exclusive party after the Academy Awards—and you’re invited! The afterparty is packed with acclaimed showbiz folk, and it promises to be a night of gossip, deals, schmoozing, and fun! But when a VIP guest is murdered, everyone present becomes a suspect—it’s up to you and the other party guests to decipher the clues and figure out whodunnit!
Players: 8-20+
Price: From $60.00
Link:
nightofmystery.com/product/lights-camera-murder/
10. Highschool Reunion Themed Murder Mystery Party
Reunion with Death (by Freeform Games)
It’s the night of the Holborrow High school reunion! Former students meet at the town’s hotel before the big reunion party kicks off. But then disaster strikes! Mikolette Lukanis (the prom queen) is murdered and all the guests are locked in the hotel ballroom to wait for the police. But as accusations fly, rivalries resurface, flames of passion ignite, and friends betray one another—can the former students unite to solve the case, or will heated emotions allow the killer to get away with it?
Players: 6-9
Price: From $29.99
Link:
freeformgames.com/games/reunion-with-death.php
10 Fun Murder Mystery Party Games
Want to have a night of laughs in a hilarious or goofy setting? Great! Try any one of these super fun murder mystery party themes and games (in no particular order).
Each of them scores 11 out of 10 on the fun scale!
1. 1950s Greaser Murder Mystery Party (by My Mystery Party)
1950s in Fontaine City. Street gangs race hot rods to impress the Pink Chicks on one side of town, while motorbike gangs and the Black Widow girls run the other side. All these rival parties are invited to the Friendship Sock Hop in a desperate attempt to solve the city’s crisis. They all RSVP yes. Will this be a night of reconciliation, or will it end in disaster?
Players: 8-16
Price: From $46.95
Link:
mymysteryparty.com/1950s-greaser-murder-mystery-party/
2. Haunted Horrors (by Gozone Murder Mysteries)
In this tale of Transylvania, play as a ghost, ghoul, or zombie as you explore Nosferatu’s horribly haunted castle unravelling a twisted plot of blistering blackmail, loathsome lies, illicit affairs, missing persons – and murder most foul!
Players: 4-120
Price: From $55.00
Link:
murdermystery.com.au/murder-mystery-games/haunted-horrors
3. The Greatest Murder on Earth (by My Mystery Party)
A circus murder mystery! Amazing! The Greatest Show on Earth travels the world, dazzling audiences with clowns, acrobats, musicians, dancers, and more! But host Max A. Million is having a hard time with the latest funfair in the town of Deadwood Valley, whose inhabitants seem opposed to fun…will the festivities of the big night bring good cheer, or will it end in disaster?
Players: 6-12
Price: From $43.00
Link:
mymysteryparty.com/the-greatest-murder-on-earth-a-murder-mystery-game/
4. Murder at the Disco (by Murder Mystery Flexi-Party)
New York, the 70s. The hottest nightclub celebrates its birthday by inviting the hippest and most happening people in the city. Just as the party’s about to get groovy, tragedy strikes! Up in the VIP area, owner Doctor Disco is found…murdered! But who on earth could have done it?
Players: 6-14
Price: From $15.00
Link:
murdermysterystore.co.uk/product.asp?item=494
5. The Dark Sin (by Mysterando)
About: Friends and relatives gather around the dinner table inside Petit Péché, a small town chocolaterie. They’re there to celebrate the owner’s book launch. But the sweet smell of melting nougat can’t cover up the fact that murderous thoughts bubble below the surface. Before the celebrations can even begin, the owner is found dead – poisoned by someone in this very room!
Players: 4-9
Price: From $19.00
Link:
www.mysterando.com/product/the-dark-sin/
6. Murder in Wonderland (by Shot in the Dark Mysteries)
Two weeks after Alice returns home from her adventures in Wonderland, she finds herself bored and restless. So, she dives down the rabbit hole once more. The Cheshire Cat finds her and informs her that the Caterpillar has been murdered under his mushroom…his pipe was filled with poison! Suddenly Alice is at the heart of a murder investigation involving all the denizens of Wonderland…
Players: 6-18
Price: From $42.00
Link:
shotinthedarkmysteries.com/murder-in-wonderland-mystery/
7. Sin City Slayer (by My Mystery Party)
Las Vegas, baby! Celebrities, VIPs, media, and everyone who’s anyone will be at the Cosmo Casino and Resort tonight for a party like no other. And that’s exactly why the organizers are worried sick—there’s a serial killer stalking the Strip, and this Sin City Slayer targets events just like the one the Cosmo is hosting. And that’s where your story starts…
Players: 8-18 (can expand to 38, or expand again to 53+)
Price: From $48.95
Link:
mymysteryparty.com/sin-city-slayer-casino-murder-mystery/
8. Trailer Park Tragedy (by Night of Mystery)
It’s the night of the W.T. Trailer Park’s BBQ party, and this is gonna be a special one! The trailer park is notorious for regular drunken brawls, bad behavior, and illegal wheeling and dealing. The promise of free food and alcohol means every undereducated, intoxicated loudmouth is bound to be there—and the chance of something going horribly, horribly wrong is all but guaranteed!
Players: 6-20 (or upgrade for more than 20 players)
Price: From $55.00
Link:
nightofmystery.com/product/trailer-park-tragedy/
9. The Murder at Baldrennan Abbey (by Mysterando)
A foggy valley deep in the heart of the Scottish Highlands shelters the crumbling masonry of Baldrennan Abbey. The Church has decided to sell the abbey to the highest bidder. The abbess and her nuns are instructed to play host to a string of potential buyers, real estate sharks, and visionary entrepreneurs. But the nuns do not want to give up their life at the abbey. So, when Nick Taylor’s body is found dead in the abbey garden, everyone in the abbey falls under suspicion…
Players: 4-8
Price: From $18.90
Link:
mysterando.com/product/the-murder-at-baldrennan-abbey/
10. Last Stop: Murder (by Playing With Murder)
All aboard the lavish Oriental Express! But looking about, your fellow travelers all seem to be hiding something…and some are openly up to no good! Can any of them be trusted? When the train is snowed in and one of the passengers is found murdered, it’s up to you (and infamous inspector Pardot!) to crack the case.
Players: 10-15 or 15-100+
Price: From $49.95
Link:
playingwithmurder.com/last-stop-murder-p-788.html
10 Murder Mystery Party Games for Experts
Want to bake your noodle with a serious challenge? Want to play something unusual or totally unique? These are the best murder mystery party themes and games for experienced players!
The 10 choices below are not arranged in any order, so consider them all.
1. Murder at the Nir Cantina (by Playing with Murder)
The infamous Nir Cantina (in the Axilon Nebula) welcomes all sorts of spacefarers through its airlocks: bounty hunters, diplomats, traders, smugglers, and more! Patrons usually quaff down a drink and gobble up grub before continuing their journey to better parts of the galaxy, tonight someone harbors a dark agenda. When someone is found dead and robbed in the bathroom, the cantina is sealed and the hunt for the elusive killer begins…
Notes:
- The game has two acts. In Act 1, players mingle and interact while pursuing personal goals that aren’t related to the murder (which hasn’t happened yet). At the start of Act 2, someone is murdered and the players turn their attention to catching the killer.
- The host can play along, but in the role of a narrator or side character (like a barman) because they know the identity of the killer from the start.
Players: 12-15. Can be expanded to 16-100+ players.
Price: From $49.95
Link:
playingwithmurder.com/murder-at-the-nir-cantina-p-778.html
2. Vanished in Vegas (by Freeform Games)
It’s time for the big event—Jaspar the Great’s Magic Show, at the one and only Sapphire Hotel and Casino. Jaspar’s closer, a vanishing act, goes off perfectly…until his assistant opens the case and Jaspar doesn’t reappear as planned! The casino is in lockdown until the magician is found, and the list of suspects is long: thieves, mobsters, con artists, a ghost, and a Bengal tiger, to name a few. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas—except when someone vanishes for good!
Notes:
- At the beginning, players are more focused on their own goals and objectives—solving the murder isn’t everyone’s top priority!
- The game gives players the freedom to find their own ways to achieve their goals and thwart their enemies.
- On game night, guests are given their detailed backgrounds, including dark secrets, their personal objectives, and in-game money!
- Players can then make and break alliances, steal from other players, and blackmail each other. It’s even possible to murder other characters!
- There are several alternate endings, but at the end of the night, the Big Reveal tells all, so you’ll finally know what everyone was up to and what they were hiding.
Players: 15-20
Price: From $39.99
Link:
freeformgames.com/games/vanished-in-vegas.php
3. Murder in Venice (by Shot in the Dark Mysteries)
An eclectic group of strangers are invited to a black and white themed masquerade at a secret spot in Venice. Someone is found murdered in the catacombs under the old building—and the guests are barred from leaving until they find out who the killer is.
Notes:
- A mix ‘n mingle game format where you’re on your feet interacting with everyone else.
- This game is rated as one of the most difficult among this company’s many titles!
Players: 6-18
Price: From $41.99
Link:
shotinthedarkmysteries.com/murder-in-venice-masquerade-murder-mystery-game/
4. Trouble in Paradise (by Party Time Mysteries)
Everyone aboard the Queen of Mystery cruise liner has had a wonderful week in the Hawaiian islands. The captain is hosting a final farewell extravaganza and both passengers and crew are invited. But tensions are high—even amidst all this beauty, irate passengers have threatened crew members. Some of the crew, pushed to the edge, have made threats of their own. Will the party restore the peace? Or will what’s under the surface bubble over, and blood be spilled?
Notes:
- Party Time Mysteries games aren’t scripted. Instead, the story is driven by each player trying to fulfil their personal objectives.
- The murder doesn’t happen before the game, but during it. This means one of the players is killed in session. The murdered player then assumes the role of a detective and continues to try and crack the case alongside the other players.
Players: 10-18. Can be expanded with an additional 16 players.
Price: From $22.95
Link:
partytimemysteries.com/~partytimemysteri/trouble_in_paradise.html
5. Casino: Dead Money (by Playing With Murder)
Lady Lux casino is open for a night of gambling and extravagance! In attendance tonight are performers, entertainers, gamblers, and dealers. But everything goes awry when there’s a power outage, a member of the surveillance team is killed, and a security lockdown that means nobody is allowed to leave…or contact the outside world!
Notes:
- There are two acts. In Act 1, players mingle and chat, play games of chance—nobody has died yet. In Act 2, the death occurs and the players can begin to unravel the plot.
- The player’s have three goals. (1) Figure out if the victim was murdered or died of natural causes. (2) If it’s a murder, determine who had the motive and the means to kill the victim. (3) Find a way to contact the police before somebody decides to take the law into their own hands.
- The players can also claim their casino winnings if they complete their goals.
Players: 10-24. Can be expanded to 25-100+ players.
Price: From $49.95
Link:
playingwithmurder.com/casino-dead-money-p-792.html
6. What Happened to Sam Disney (by Haley Productions)
Sam Disney, millionaire and hermit, decides to leave this fortune to one lucky individual. Sam hosts a Lottery and Grand Celebration event where everyone in attendance gets a cash reward, and the winner of the big lottery gets the odd figure of $1,000,532.00. But of course, things don’t go according to plan and you have to figure out what happened to Sam Disney!
Notes:
- This is NOT a “murder” mystery, but a “kidnapping” mystery—you’re not solving a murder, you’re figuring out who kidnapped the missing person.
- There’s also a short scavenger hunt to find clues.
- Haley Productions game kits each have two versions. In the “know-it-all” version, the prime suspects must carry out a scripted sequence of suspicious actions and they know who did it right from the start. In the “narrator” version, you add a narrator and the prime suspects act out the scenes the narrator describes. In this version, the prime suspects don’t have to know who did it ahead of time.
- The games are designed for large groups. In this game there are 6 prime suspects and the rest of the players are all in the detective role, trying to solve the case.
Players: 20+ (including 6 prime suspects)
Price: From $24.99
Link:
haleyproductions.com/game/what-happened-to-sam-disney/
7. The Immortal Murders (by Dinner and a Murder)
Tonight is the Hidden Council’s Annual Costume Ball! Who will attend this incredible social event? Why, only mage guild royalty, vampire houses and werewolf clans, and representatives from the fae court! But of course, whenever the Immortal Court gathers, there’s bound to be political plotting, brutal betrayals, and thinly veiled threats. But this year something’s different—Watchers are being murdered, and these Watchers keep the Immortals hidden from the mortal world…while the Immortals are supposed to keep the Watchers safe.
Notes:
- Characters have secrets. In addition to solving the murder, you’re trying to expose the other players’ secrets while guarding your own.
- This game is very different to other murder mystery parties. It includes 5 Artifact Weapon Cards located during a short scavenger hunt with its own clues. You can only commit a murder if you find one of these weapon cards.
- In addition to the weapon cards, there are 20 spell cards. Half are useful in the game, the other half are highly entertaining.
Players: 8-20. Can upgrade to 30 players.
Price: From $35.00
Link:
dinnerandamurder.com/the-immortal-murders-digital-murder-mystery-party-game
8. Murder on the Continental Express (by Shot in the Dark Mysteries)
Welcome to the Continental Express, the most decadent train ride in the world! The trip begins in Cape Town at the southern tip of Africa, goes through the Sahara Desert and over the Atlas Mountains before arriving in Tangier, Morocco. But partway through this luxurious journey, one of the passengers discovers her brother’s dead body—and she soon finds out that her fellow travelers all harbor reasons to want her brother dead!
Notes:
- A mix ‘n mingle game format where you’re on your feet interacting with everyone else.
- This game is rated as one of the most difficult among this company’s many titles!
Players: 6-18
Price: From $41.99
Link:
shotinthedarkmysteries.com/murder-on-the-continental-express/
9. Death on the Rocks (by Freeform Games)
Gull Island, off the English coast, 1936, on the eve of the winter solstice. The villagers gather in the town hall. The wind howls, trees whip back and forth – and then the power goes out! Stumbling in the dark, lighting candles, they realize someone is missing: Hugo Malady, heir to a great fortune. It doesn’t take long for Hugo’s body to turn up…and the search for the murderer to begin!
Notes:
- At the beginning, players are more focused on their own goals and objectives—solving the murder isn’t everyone’s top priority!
- The game gives players the freedom to find their own ways to achieve their goals and thwart their enemies.
- On game night, guests are given their detailed backgrounds, including dark secrets, their personal objectives, and in-game money!
- Players can then make and break alliances, steal from other players, and blackmail each other. It’s even possible to murder other characters!
- There are several alternate endings, but at the end of the night, the Big Reveal tells all, so you’ll finally know what everyone was up to and what they were hiding.
Players: 12-16
Price: From $29.99
Link:
freeformgames.com/games/death-on-the-rocks.php
10. Class of ’57 (by Dinner and a Murder)
The All Saints College Class of ’57 are having their reunion. Everyone’s nostalgic for a time when Elvis was King, sock hops were a thing, and everyone knew how to keep a hula-hoop going. Will old rivalries resurface, or will everyone be able to keep up appearances? Find out in the Class of ’57!
Notes:
- A twist! Instead of “every man for himself”, in this game players are all playing in couples!
- Characters have secrets. Unlike most murder mysteries, in this one you’re trying to protect each other!
- There’s an optional weapon card scavenger hunt!
- The game is clean and the scandals aren’t dirty, so it’s great for church groups.
Players: 10-20. Can expand up to 33 players.
Price: From $35.00
Link:
dinnerandamurder.com/class-of-57-digital-murder-mystery-party-game
If you’re hungry for more, check out these murder mystery party themes:
- European themed murder mystery parties
- Chocolate and wine themed murder mystery parties
- 1920s themed murder mystery parties
Disclaimer: We haven’t played every single one of the games discussed. However, after being murder mystery party fans, players, and hosts for many years, we’ve gathered heaps of helpful advice and tips on how to play. In writing this article, we’ve conducted internet research to put together our top choices. We use affiliate links to Amazon, etc. This is how we help fund the site.