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Top 10 Best Murder Mystery Games in the UK 2020 (Inspector McClue and more)

Top 10 Best Murder Mystery Games in the UK 2020 (Inspector McClue and more)

For an evening of fun with friends, you can’t beat a murder mystery party! Whether you fancy a murder themed dinner or a game night for your birthday or Halloween, these events are perfect for a group of friends as they get everyone involved with lots of acting and accusations (alcohol is optional!)

Brands like Paul Lamond, Cheatwell, and Red Herring Games have brought murder mystery party games into the mainstream; with sites likes Amazon and eBay offering some great options to choose from. If you’re hoping to host an Agatha Christie-style evening of suspicion and suspense at home, you can now buy a murder mystery in a box which comes with scripts, costume suggestions and everything else you could need. Deerstalkers at the ready.

Last updated: 28-10-2020
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Murder Mystery Game in the UK – Buying Guide

You could always just pick up the first murder mystery game box you see on the high street, but carefully planning the kind of game you and your friends would most enjoy actually helps you select a perfect murder mystery party you won’t forget for a while.

Choose the Setting of Your Murder Mystery Based On the Era or Location that Appeals to You Most

The setting of your murder mystery will dictate the theme for your whole evening, from costumes and characters to decorations and even food! Murder mystery party boxes are available with all kinds of different themes, from bygone eras to the present day and across all four corners of the globe.

If you love the glamour and nostalgia of Agatha Christie mysteries, you can pick a game set in the 1930s – perhaps in a stately countryside home, bustling London or even a luxury Egyptian hotel. More modern day options are murder mysteries that take place on TV and movie sets, sports events or in Michelin starred kitchens! Simply choose based on the aesthetic you like best.

Scripts or Improv? Choose According to Your Space, Guests’ Willingness to Act and if You’ll Serve Food

Murder mystery party games can either be performed from a fixed script which guests receive on the day, or are improvised according to more broader themes the players are given. Each type of game has its pros and cons but will definitely result in quite a different evening.

Murder Mysteries With a Fixed Script Work Well With a Sit-Down Dinner and Suit Guests Who Love to Perform

Murder Mystery party games with a fixed script are great fun if you enjoy a detailed, complicated murder plot and have friends who know each other or love to show off. This type of party is reliant on all guests being present, so works well for a small group who are all committed to coming.

Scripted mysteries also help everyone follow the plot more easily, allows space for discussion and can be structured around a dinner table with different courses served throughout the game. Murder Mysteries with a script are good for friendship groups who want to really get into character and are keen to actually solve the murder.

Some people do find scripts intimidating – if they are dyslexic or have English as a second language for instance – so keep those guests in mind when buying a scripted game.

Games which Encourage Improvisation Allow a Bit of Movement and Suit Guests of Different Acting Abilities

The other type of murder mystery game has a looser plot and guests are asked to share their character’s story in their own words. This takes the spotlight off shy guests or anyone who doesn’t fancy reading out loud, but still allows wannabe actors to put on a show.

These games are free and fun, perfect to play around the house with nibbles and drinks, but the plot of the mystery can get lost (as can guests if you’re letting them roam free with a character card and a glass of wine!)

Some Murder Mysteries Come With a CD or DVD to Guide You – But it May Not be Necessary

If you like the idea of a CD or DVD to really get you and your guests into the murder mystery spirit, then look out for game boxes that come with these included. This can be good for adding a bit of structure to the evening, keeping excitable guests focused and reminding everyone of the clues and information revealed at each point in the game.

The downside may be that you don’t have anywhere to play the audio or video, or it could be tough to gather up guests if you’ve had people milling about the house during each round. Depending on when and where you play it, this additional content can either add to or detract from the mysterious ambiance, so it’s worth thinking carefully about before you buy.

Menus and Costume Ideas Help With Scene Setting, Those Without offer More Impromptu ‘Whodunnits’

Choosing a murder mystery party game with costume and menu suggestions is a big commitment, but so much fun! Guests are given character descriptions and costume ideas while hosts get tips on decor and even advice on what food to serve after each round of the game. Depending on your hosting style and your group of friends this can be fantastic, but of course takes lots of organisation.

On the other hand, there are murder mystery games which can be played a little more off-the-cuff; closer to a board game than a role-playing improvisation session. These games are an excellent choice if your friendship circle is a little less flamboyant and simply prefer to puzzle out who was the murderer without putting on a questionable accent or a silly hat.

Murder Mysteries With Variable Outcomes Can Be Played Again; Games With Fixed Scenarios Can’t

Another point worth keeping in mind is that some murder mysteries can be played a few times, with the murderer being chosen at random at the start of the game. This is good if you want a bit more mystery for your money, and want to recycle the game with different parts of your social group.

Mysteries which have only one solution tend to be more detailed and will have a fixed script rather than improvisation and although they can only be used once, the benefit is they will usually create a more complex mystery plot which is a bit more fun to mull over and solve.

Check the Age Range the Game is Suited to and Pick Your Murder Mystery According to Who’s Coming

One last point to think about is the age range of the guests. Some murder mystery parties contain themes that are best suited to adults over 18, while others are perfect for younger detectives. Check the box to see what kind of theme the murder mystery has and who it’s deemed appropriate for before investing.

For “murder” mystery games, the youngest age recommendation is usually 13 plus, but it’s up to you whether you want to play it with any younger children. Keep in mind that there are other kinds of mystery party games available for kids online.

Top Ten Murder Mystery Games in the UK

Next, it’s time to introduce the best murder mystery box sets you can buy this year. There should be something for everyone, at great value prices too, so take a look and see which game best suits the party you have in mind.

amazon.co.uk

Red Herring Games Murder in the Dark

£47.99

Sleuthing by Candlelight

You are invited to a glamorous Beverly Hills mansion by socialite Honor Slab when suddenly the lights all go out. When the power comes back on, everything seems normal until Honor is discovered in the bathroom – killed in cold blood. You and all the other guests are now a suspect in this brutal murder case.

This set comes with character suggestions, a CD and script so you can let Red Herring Games do the work when it comes to denying your character’s motives and explaining your alibi. Best for players aged 17 and above as there are sexual references and adult humour. This game can only be used once – but give guests spare note pads and it can be passed on to friends when you’re done.

Setting	A quiet suburb in Beverly Hills
Number of Players	10
Type	Scripted
CD/DVD Included	Yes
Menu/Costume Suggestions	Yes
Re-Usable	No
Age Range	17 +

amazon.co.uk

Inspector McClueA Cuban Killing

£13.52

Havana Know Whodunnit!

Get it? Set at the enchanting Casa Nova Hotel in Havana, Cuba, this party asks you and your fellow guests to solve the murder of Rico Ricardo, the hotel manager who has just been found dead.

This exciting game for teenagers and upwards has a colourful Cuban theme; providing the perfect chance to dress in laid-back Latin-American chic. An ideal game for 6 to 8 players, this scripted game allows guests the chance to flex their theatrical muscles and do their best to solve a cleverly constructed murder plot.

Setting	1930s Havana, Cuba
Number of Players	6 – 8
Type	Scripted
CD/DVD Included	Yes
Menu/Costume Suggestions	Yes
Re-Usable	No
Age Range	13 +

amazon.co.uk

BV LeisureMurder in the Thirties

£12.95

Who Shot Sam Shady?

A small group of stars, waifs and strays congregate in the luxurious 1930s living room of private eye Sam Shady. When Sam nips out for a cigarette, he doesn’t come back. Someone on the guest list has committed a murder and it’s your task to figure out who!

This scripted mystery is packed with lighthearted humour, from the silly names (pet shop owner Al DaBone being a standout example) to the ridiculous alibis each character offers.. The game is only suitable for those aged 18 and over and can’t be used again, but does come with a CD of clues and music to help the evening go with a swing.

Setting	1930s living room
Number of Players	8
Type	Scripted
CD/DVD Included	Yes
Menu/Costume Suggestions	Yes
Re-Usable	No
Age Range	18 +

amazon.co.uk

Murder Mystery Flexi Party Murder at the Disco

£20.00

Death on the Dancefloor

In seventies New York, infamous nightclub owner Doctor Disco is found dead. You know the drill by this point: it’s now time to help solve his murder! This party game is a freestyle murder mystery where the guilty guest is picked at random on the night. This is great if you have guests who aren’t guaranteed to show.

Each character has a list of vital facts which help others to solve the mystery without simply guessing, and everyone is free to improvise around the theme as they chat to other guests. There is no CD or DVD, but there is an optional virtual reality scene accessible through the mobile app which can bring the story to life for those who fancy it.

Setting	1977 New York, Disco 54 nightclub
Number of Players	6 – 14
Type	Improvised
CD/DVD Included	No
Menu/Costume Suggestions	Costumes only
Re-Usable	No
Age Range	18 +

amazon.co.uk

Cheatwell GamesHost Your Own Murder Mystery – The Porthole Affair

£12.99

Murder at Sea

The RMS Olympic is a sister ship to the doomed Titanic, making it a dramatic setting for a tense evening of accusations, denials and suspicious eye contact. This murder mystery party set comes from top-rated company Cheatwell Games, and is perfect for 8 guests.

Suitable for anyone over sixteen, the box includes detailed character descriptions, costume suggestions and a fully fleshed-out script. It can’t be reused but does have a CD packed with atmosphere-enhancing music and clues to keep your guests guessing.

Setting	1935, the RMS Olympic, bound for New York
Number of Players	8
Type	Scripted
CD/DVD Included	Yes
Menu/Costume Suggestions	Yes
Re-Usable	No
Age Range	16 +

amazon.co.uk

Culinario Mortale Recipe for Death

£19.95

If You’ve a Taste for Murder

A Michelin starred chef is found dead on New Year’s Eve and it’s up to you and those you’ve invited to work out who among you committed the fiendish crime. This game allows you and your guests the freedom to improvise from simple incident cards which guide the story along.

Perfect for between 5 and 7 players, the game provides name badges so everyone can mingle and find out who their fellow guests are and whether or not they consider them guilty of murder. A modern twist on the traditional murder mystery role-playing game.

Setting	A restaurant in the Scottish Highlands
Number of Players	5 – 7
Type	Improvised
CD/DVD Included	No
Menu/Costume Suggestions	No
Re-Usable	No
Age Range	16 +

amazon.co.uk

Ace Murder Mystery Parties A Case of Treasure and Treachery

£26.99

Detailed Game With a Pirate Twist

It’s 1776 and pirate warlord Captain William Kidd has just bitten the dust. Whodunnit? Let’s spend an evening eating, drinking and solving this pirate themed mystery. Ideal for 8 to 10 players, this game comes with instructions, character booklets, and invitations to get your guests in character early, as well as clues to help them decide the solution.

The game is appropriate for anyone over 14, and has a fixed script so everyone can follow the plot easily. There’s a CD too, to help bring some cohesion to the evening, and the pirate motif makes a great change from the standard Agatha Christie style we know and love.

Setting	1776, Port Royal, Jamaica
Number of Players	8 – 10
Type	Scripted
CD/DVD Included	Yes
Menu/Costume Suggestions	Costume only
Re-Usable	No
Age Range	14 +

amazon.co.uk

Unsolved Case FilesBanks, Jamie - Cold Case Murder Mystery

£29.29

View product on Amazon

Who Really Killed Jamie Banks

This is a cold-case from the 1990s that has be re-opened for investigation. Using the evidence from the original case file, find out who really killed Jamie Banks. A unique point of this game is you must visit an online page to prove you've really cracked it; and if not, you keep investigating without spoiling the answer.

This game isn't scripted and can be played as an individual, to couples, groups up to whole parties! Work together or alone to solve the mystery and find out once and for all whether you're as good as those TV detectives!

Setting	1990s/today, East Verona High School
Number of Players	1 +
Type	Scripted
CD/DVD Included	No (internet required)
Menu/Costume Suggestions	No
Re-Usable	No
Age Range	13 +

amazon.co.uk

Talking Tables Host Your Own Murder Mystery Night

£30.34

Beautiful, Simple and Fun

This stunning game is not only aesthetically beautiful but also loads of fun to play. The clues, props and character cards are all elegantly designed and accommodate as many as 12 players. Guests have the freedom to improvise according to set clues given out at the start of each round.

On top of the standard prompts for each character, there are also awards for the best detective, best costume and best acting! A thoroughly classy night which can be relived three times as there are three possible outcomes.

Setting	1920s, at the Full House Theatre
Number of Players	Up to 12
Type	Improvised
CD/DVD Included	No
Menu/Costume Suggestions	Costume only
Re-Usable	Yes – 3 possible outcomes
Age Range	13 +

amazon.co.uk

Inspector McClueDeath by Chocolate

£12.94

A Fun-Packed Night of Crime, Clues and Conjecture

This laughter-fuelled murder mystery is set on Easter Sunday, in Paris of the year 1900. A host of the city’s bright young things gather for the the International Exposition, but are stunned to find world-renowned chocolatier Billy Bonka has been viciously murdered.

Together, you and up to 7 pals must solve the mystery and bring the cold-blooded killer to justice. Anyone over 13 years old can play this murder mystery party game, and with a hilarious script and even a DVD with a sparkling cameo from none other than Michael Winner, this sickly sweet murder evening will be hard to forget!

Setting	1900, Paris
Number of Players	6 -8
Type	Scripted
CD/DVD Included	Yes
Menu/Costume Suggestions	Yes
Re-Usable	No
Age Range	13 +

Compare the Best Murder Mystery Games

Image	1 Inspector McClue	2 Talking Tables	3 Unsolved Case Files	4 Ace Murder Mystery Parties	5 Culinario Mortale	6 Cheatwell Games	7 Murder Mystery Flexi Party	8 BV Leisure	9 Inspector McClue	10 Red Herring Games
Name	Death by Chocolate	Host Your Own Murder Mystery Night	Banks, Jamie - Cold Case Murder Mystery	A Case of Treasure and Treachery	Recipe for Death	Host Your Own Murder Mystery – The Porthole Affair	Murder at the Disco	Murder in the Thirties	A Cuban Killing	Murder in the Dark
Features	A Fun-Packed Night of Crime, Clues and Conjecture	Beautiful, Simple and Fun	Who Really Killed Jamie Banks	Detailed Game With a Pirate Twist	If You’ve a Taste for Murder	Murder at Sea	Death on the Dancefloor	Who Shot Sam Shady?	Havana Know Whodunnit!	Sleuthing by Candlelight
Price	£12.94	£30.34	£29.29	£26.99	£19.95	£12.99	£20.00	£12.95	£13.52	£47.99
Setting	1900, Paris	1920s, at the Full House Theatre	1990s/today, East Verona High School	1776, Port Royal, Jamaica	A restaurant in the Scottish Highlands	1935, the RMS Olympic, bound for New York	1977 New York, Disco 54 nightclub	1930s living room	1930s Havana, Cuba	A quiet suburb in Beverly Hills
Number of Players	6 -8	Up to 12	1 +	8 – 10	5 – 7	8	6 – 14	8	6 – 8	10
Type	Scripted	Improvised	Scripted	Scripted	Improvised	Scripted	Improvised	Scripted	Scripted	Scripted
CD/DVD Included	Yes	No	No (internet required)	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Menu/Costume Suggestions	Yes	Costume only	No	Costume only	No	Yes	Costumes only	Yes	Yes	Yes
Re-Usable	No	Yes – 3 possible outcomes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Age Range	13 +	13 +	13 +	14 +	16 +	16 +	18 +	18 +	13 +	17 +
Link	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay

Things Are About to Get Dicey

Do you find that you have nothing to do but watch the same TV shows on a Saturday evening? Well, we have just the remedy to get you out of that rut! We have a selection of fabulously fun and slightly cheeky games for you to play or fight over with your family; take a look.

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Summary

And that concludes our guide to buying the most exciting and suspenseful murder mystery game for you and your friends. We hope at least one of our suggestions will inspire you to invite the gang round for some sleuthing and interrogating in the living room!

From laid-back parties to intense feats of acting, from games with scripts to ones where you’re free to improvise, there’s something for everyone on our list. All that’s left to do is don your costume, get into character and prepare for an evening of laughter, lies and tracking down who on Earth dunnit!

Author: Annie Hopkins