If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your home into a thrilling crime scene packed with secrets, suspects, and suspense, a murder mystery party is your ticket to an unforgettable evening. Whether you’re planning for a birthday, holiday, or “just because,” this guide will walk you through how to host a murder mystery party at home—without stress and with style.

Step 1: Choose the Right Mystery Kit

Not all murder mystery kits are created equal. Boxed sets are often dated, limited in cast size, and light on storytelling. For a smooth and immersive experience, opt for a well-designed printable mystery game. At Megan’s Mysteries, we craft downloadable murder mystery kits that are family-friendly, flexible for cast sizes, and professionally designed for instant printing and hosting.

Some of our bestselling themes include:

• The Emerald Expedition – A jungle expedition gone wrong, with danger lurking in ancient ruins.
• The Grand Gilded Express – A 1930s train ride where high society meets hidden motives.
• Murder at Copper Gulch – A Wild West showdown in a dusty frontier town filled with secrets.

Step 2: Pick the Right Cast Size

Most murder mystery kits come with a flexible cast range. Our games typically support 8–20 players. Before you send invites, double-check the character count so you can match the right number of roles to your guest list. If you’re unsure who will RSVP, choose a kit with optional or expandable roles—you can assign those the night of the party if needed.

Each guest should be assigned a character in advance, with a brief description and costume suggestions. This gives them time to get into character and show up dressed to impress.

Step 3: Send Invites & Build Hype

Once you’ve selected your game and cast, send out invitations that match the theme. For a jungle expedition, use earthy tones and tribal motifs. For a 1930s train mystery, go with elegant fonts and vintage details. You can send digital invites via email or messaging apps, or go old-school with printed invitations for added flair. Side note/shameless plug: Our mysteries include printable invitations for you to simply fill in the details. We really try to make it as easy as possible to host a great event!

Make sure to include:

• The name of the mystery
• Date, time, and location
• Character name and costume ideas
• Reminders to stay in character and keep the mystery alive!

Step 4: Prepare Your Space

Your home is now the stage. Transform it to match the world your story takes place in. Use props, printed signage, ambient lighting, and music to immerse your guests from the moment they walk in. Create labeled areas—like “The Dig Site,” “The Dining Car,” or “Sheriff’s Office”—depending on your theme.

Here are a few decorating tips:

• Lighting: Use warm or low light to set the mood. Lanterns and string lights work wonders.
• Props: Include thematic objects like maps, evidence folders, or “ancient” artifacts.
• Costumes: Encourage guests to dress in full character. Provide hats, badges, or accessories if needed.

Step 5: Print and Organize Your Materials

Print out all character bios, round instructions, and evidence cards ahead of time. Use folders or envelopes to keep each player’s materials together and labeled. Most kits are organized by rounds—typically two rounds plus a final accusation and reveal. Be sure to print everything at least a day in advance so you have time to prep.

If you purchased a deluxe edition of the mystery, distribute physical props (like a real pocket watch or scorched letter) at the correct moment to heighten immersion. Trust us—it’s worth it. And JK’s (Megan’s husband) favorite part of all of this is hand-scorching the letters.

Step 6: Host Like a Pro

As the host, your job is to guide the game, keep the pace moving, and manage timing. You don’t have to act as a character unless you want to. You can be the narrator, facilitator, or even a surprise guest character halfway through.

Start the evening with a welcome speech: introduce the theme, set the tone, and explain the basic rules (stay in character, don’t reveal too much too soon, and have fun!). Then move through the rounds as instructed in your kit. Each round will introduce new objectives, secrets, and opportunities for guests to uncover the truth—or throw others off the trail.

Step 7: Use Physical Evidence Strategically

Each round typically includes new evidence. This might be a torn note, a mysterious map, a vial of poison, or a disguised clue. Reveal each piece at the right time, and let your guests interact with it. The props don’t just add realism—they often serve as turning points for the story.

Place clues in envelopes marked “Do not open until Round 2” or hide items around the party space for a little extra drama and exploration.

Step 8: The Big Reveal

At the end of the final round, allow each player to make an accusation. This can be done anonymously via slips of paper, or publicly for more dramatic effect. Once accusations are made, read the solution aloud using the script provided in your host guide.

After the reveal, open the floor for reactions: who guessed correctly? Who was shocked? What was the most convincing red herring? This is often the most fun part of the night.

Step 9: Awards & Photos

Hand out silly or serious awards—Best Actor, Most Convincing Liar, Best Costume, Worst Guess, etc. Offer small prizes or themed trinkets for added fun. Don’t forget to take photos—especially if your guests went all-out with costumes and props. Our kits come with pre-made voting cards that allow you to easily tally up votes for Best Character, Best Dressed, Most Suspicious, etc – as well as printable awards for the “winners” (if it counts as a win to be “Most Suspicious”…)

Step 10: Clean Up and Future Planning

After the party, pack away your game materials. While you can’t replay the mystery with the same group (they’ll already know whodunit), you can reuse your props, decorations, and some printable elements for future themes.

Want to keep the mystery going? Invite guests to your next event. Megan’s Mysteries offers a growing collection of themed murder mystery kits, including a lighthearted free mini-mystery you can use as a teaser or warm-up for new players.

Ready to Host?

You don’t need a mansion, acting experience, or Hollywood budget to throw an unforgettable murder mystery party at home. With the right kit, a little prep, and a crew willing to play along, your living room can transform into a thrilling world of secrets and suspense.

Explore our full line of printable mystery games and start planning your next night of mayhem and mystery or check out a sample with our Free Mini Mystery Game, The Locked Library.