The Eternal Mystery Host Dilemma

When you decide to host a murder mystery night, you face a big question right away: should you just steer the ship, or should you jump in as one of the suspects? Both approaches work beautifully, but they create very different vibes. Think of it like deciding whether to be the ringmaster at a circus or the clown juggling flaming torches. Both keep the show running, but one gets more laughs—and maybe singed eyebrows.

Side Note: If you’ve seen the picture, you may be wondering: YES we are writing a “Night at the Museum” Themed Mystery. Although, not exactly that, because of copyrights and such… but an homage to it.

Option 1: Be the Director, Not the Star

Some hosts prefer to stay behind the curtain. Their job is to make sure the envelopes are handed out, the evidence shows up on cue, and that the right character dies in dramatic fashion when you play The Emerald Expedition.

The benefits of this approach?
– You can focus on timing, flow, and snacks without worrying about whether your accent sounds like a cowboy or a confused pirate.
– You’re free to nudge conversations back on track if things stall.
– You won’t accidentally miss a hosting cue because you’re too busy arguing about a gemstone in character.

Basically, you become the cruise director of the mystery. No stress about playing favorites, no need to improvise in front of friends, and you get the satisfaction of watching the story unfold from the outside.

Option 2: Dive Into the Drama

Of course, some hosts can’t resist the spotlight. If you love role-playing, jumping in as a character is a blast. Most of our games make this easy by including flexible roles that allow the host to multitask. For example, some characters in Murder at Copper Gulch is designed as a practical fit for a host because he can keep things moving while still being fully in character.

Why you might want to play:
– Guests love it when the host gets into the game—it gives everyone permission to loosen up.
– You won’t feel left out while everyone else is plotting, whispering, and accusing.
– It gives you an excuse to finally wear that fedora or feather boa sitting in your closet.

If you’re comfortable juggling both the hosting duties and a character role, this can turn your mystery night into a shared adventure instead of just a performance you’re producing.

So… Which One Is Better?

The truth is, neither option is better. It depends on your style and your group. If you’re hosting a crowd that’s a little nervous, it helps when you set the tone by being in character yourself. On the other hand, if you’ve got a large group or you’re hosting for the first time, staying behind the scenes can save your sanity.

Tips for Playing as the Host

If you decide to take on a role, here are a few insider tips to keep the night smooth:
1. Choose a role with flexibility. The game kits usually suggest which characters are easiest for the host. Pick one that doesn’t need to disappear for twenty minutes or solve the entire puzzle solo.
2. Keep one eye on logistics. You’ll still need to watch the clock, manage envelopes, and guide transitions. Think of it as being both actor and stage manager.
3. Use your role to steer. Instead of pulling people aside as “the host,” you can nudge them in character. A treasure hunter might say, “Seems like some folks are mighty quiet tonight. What’s on your mind?” That’s hosting, but dressed up in roleplay.

Tips for Staying Behind the Scenes

If you’d rather not play a character, don’t think of yourself as “missing out.” You still get to be part of the fun:
1. Lean into the narrator role. When you read the introduction, add dramatic flair. It sets the tone without needing a costume.
2. Give small cameos. You can always make tiny appearances—handing over evidence with an ominous “You might want to look at this” is plenty memorable.
3. Enjoy being the director. Watching the chaos unfold while knowing all the secrets can be just as fun as playing. You’ll see every twist from above, like a chess master watching pawns move around the board.

How to Decide

Ask yourself two questions:
– Do I want to perform or manage?
– What will make my guests more comfortable?

If you’ve got a crowd of theater kids or hammy friends, they’ll thrive without you in the spotlight. If your guests are shy, your participation may give them courage to jump in.

Either way, the mystery won’t fall apart. Megan’s Mysteries kits are written to work both ways. Whether you’re cracking jokes in a cowboy hat or quietly slipping evidence into envelopes, the game is designed to run smoothly.

Final Word

Should the host play a character? The answer is: only if you want to. Both approaches work. Both make for a fun night. And neither will rob your group of the “aha” moment when the killer is revealed.

So, whether you’re Professor Tobias Arthur leading the way or just the one dimming the lights at the perfect moment, your role matters. And at the end of the night, the real win is the laughter, accusations, and memories your group takes home.

Looking for the perfect game to host your way? Explore our full lineup—from the adventurous Emerald Expedition to the vintage charm of The Grand Gilded Express—and discover how easy it is to host a night everyone will talk about long after the mystery ends.