Spring into a murder mystery
Daffodils are blooming, birds are singing, skies are finally blue again... what better time to unearth clues and bring all sorts of misdeeds into the light? While most people associate murder mysteries with dark and stormy nights, there's no reason why sunshine and murder can't go together, especially if you're planning a party in March, April or May. Why not let your investigative urges blossom with one of these 5 spring-ready murder mystery games!
Murder in the Library
I often think of this as our prettiest murder mystery party. Set in a tranquil English village, Murder in the Library invites you to investigate the murder of eccentric romance novelist Lady Cattersley (think Barbara Cartland but with more cats). Decorate the table with bright spring flowers, piles of trashy romance novels, and a cake that would make Prue Leith blush.
Simply Murder at the Garden Party
It may not be warm enough for a garden party just yet, but the glorious bank holiday weekends aren't far off and you can certainly fling open the patio doors in the meantime. This unscripted game needs no preparation, which means it's perfect for a casual get-together with family or friends. Play with gourmet burgers, leafy green salad, and some beers... murder has never been this easy!
A Very Shakespearean Murder
With Hamnet just hitting the big screen and Shakey P’s birthday on the 23rd April, there's no excuse not to party like it's 1599. This one's half Blackadder II, half Shakespeare-plays-we-studied-in-school, and the humour is definitely for adults only. Don't be put off by the costume suggestions -- you don't need to don full Elizabethan garb to find poor Yorick's killer (although you can if you want to!) This murder takes place at a feast so lay on a sumptuous spring buffet or serve with a traditional Sunday lunch!
Girls Just Wanna Have Guns
The start of spring also signals the start of wedding season so if you're planning a certain kind of hen party, Girls Just Wanna Have Guns will make it a night to remember (well... you might remember it, depending on how much Bucks Fizz is consumed). The murder happens on a tropical island, so it's perfect for the warmer months, and really easy to theme: think bright colours, huge paper flowers, fruit, and colourful cocktails!
Murder for 2: Murder in Court
Dust off those tennis racquets (or rackets, if you’re reading this in the US) for a thrilling singles match with just your other half. No, you don't have to play tennis in this game, but you do get to play as a tennis player... and a blues singer, a physio, and a county judge. In fact, this 1930s-set murder mystery has you taking on three roles each, with quick, easy costume changes and lots of flirtatious banter to keep things light. Serve with strawberries and sparkling wine for a heady finish!
Bonus game!
Murder Mystery Picture Puzzles
Investigate a murder at a wedding reception, the death of a prize gardener, and the curious case of the cat show photographer in this downloadable volume that contains 3 coffee break crimes for you to solve on your own or with fellow armchair detectives. First, read the story to meet the suspects, then look for clues in the crime scene photographs to work out whodunit. With encrypted solutions in the form of a mini crossword puzzles, these bite-sized mysteries are sure to wake up your little grey cells!
