Murder by Midnight
Facts of the case
Ring in the new year with a night of murder and merriment at an exclusive Bel Air holiday party!
Guest Info
More on who is coming to the party and how you are all related…
Regina Baxter– Tech Mogul. This powerful, self-built millionaire knows a thing or two about risk assessment… and when to jump ship.
Benjamin Baxter – Stockbroker. Male. While investments and have made millions for this mogul, Benjamin’s future may be in jeopardy due to the legitimacy of their practices.
Lucinda Lewis – Doctor. A leading oncologist, Lucinda’s long hours at the hospital have caused problems for more than her husband.
Gordon Lewis – Retired Golf Pro. Living his best retired life, Gordon isn’t sure if he attracts friends with drama or is the cause of it.
Thomas Brown – District Attorney. Self-righteous and unassuming, this D.A. will not hesitate to prosecute the rich and greedy. Or as some know them, Bel Air’s finest.
Lindsey Brown – Real Estate Guru. A mother of two highly successful children, Lindsey has done more for her children than others give her credit for.
Theo Morgan – Investment Broker. Caught between his family and his friends, Theo is not sure who he can trust anymore.
Patricia Morgan – Socialite. With Miranda’s body being uncovered, Patricia has some answers, but not the ones she had hoped for.
Kelly Luccini – Actor. The silver screen has missed their beauty while they await trial on charges of bribery. With no intention of settling, it looks like Kelly will have their fate decided in court.
Gorgio Luccini – Fashion Designer. The brains behind the plan, this fashion guru is a master designer at more than just clothes.
Shayne Williams – Actor. This Hollywood star is known to take accountability for their crimes, and will make sure others do, too.
Sandy Lloyd – Defense Attorney. Gunning for the district attorney position, Sandy is ready to promote anyone who will help them win!
Kris Perez – Agent. After catapulting their child to celebrity status, Kris is always looking for ways to promote Avery’s popularity. At any cost.
Brent Brown – Lawyer. Following his father’s career path, Brent has chosen private practice over being a public servant – and hopes to make partner soon!
Becky Brown – Housewife. A bit of an outcast, marrying into the Brown family did not get Becky the acceptance she desired. The question is, how far will Becky go to gain it?
Charlie Morgan. – Lawyer. Still holding resentment from high school, both in competition and in love lost. Will Charlie ever get his retribution?
Hayley Brown – Professional Basketball Player. Not always the star of the team, Hayley’s success comes from hard work and taking advantage of the opportunities she has been given in life.
Avery Perez – Reality Star. Bounded to stardom overnight, Avery has learned to exploit all opportunities to increase their popularity. And if they can make money at it, all the better.
Billie Luccini –Influencer. A silenced influencer, Billie is tired of sacrificing their own career to protect their parents’ future.
Hunter Luccini – College Hopeful. Sidelined by their parent’s actions, all Hunter wants to do is get admitted to college. Any. Way. Possible.
Costumes
Costuming Ideas for a New Year's Eve Murder Mystery Game
WHAT TO WEAR:
- Anything to show wealth –
- gold cane
- expensive jewelry
- mink stolls
- fur coats
- feather boas
- watch piece
- Suit with jacket
- Bow tie
- Top hat
- Money tucked into places, like lapel, hatband, etc.
- Cuff links
- Ball gowns
- A cane
ADD TO ANY OUTFIT:
- Boas
- Wigs (think any variety)
- Facial hair
- BLING!
- Gold or silver accessories of any type
- Fancy headress
- Cigarette extension holders
- Props of any sort!
- LARGE hats
- Fake eyelashes
- Fake breasts
- A fake weapon of some sort – exposed or not
Decoration Ideas
How to deck out your Mystery Manor for the Memorial.
Creating Your Entrance
Creating an Entrance
- Have a red carpet runner leading up to the entrance.
- Have a sign for the New Years Bash up and present! You can print out rather inexpensive banners at Walgreens (check their weekly deals for discounts).
- Since you are in Bel Air (minutes from Hollywood) you might have a Hollywood sign in your front yard.
Setting the Scene
Setting the Scene
Looking for decoration inspiration for your party? Here’s a video to help!
Click below to start!
Inside the Party Space
Inside the Party Space
- Print out signed and
• Hang art (ficticous or real) around the venue to simulate Mr. Boddy’s art gallery.
– Create small placards with the frames so that it looks like authentic artwork in a gallery or museum.
– Find inexpensive picture frames and spray paint them gold.
– Print pictures or famous artwork from the internet to place into your frames.
• Glam up the inside with a can of gold spray paint. Paint wine bottles, candlesticks, old vases (and add flowers – fake or real), etc.
• Cover the furniture with white sheets, as if the house is now abandoned and unused.
• Hang spider webs in the corners of Mystery Manor.
• Have a vase of dead flowers as a centerpiece to add to the erie atmosphere.
— You can sometimes get old or dead flowers from a florist for no charge.
• Create a “scene of the crime” with a taped outline, fake evidence and a bloodstain – all roped off with caution or crime scene tape.
Setting the Table
Setting Your Table
- Elegance is key!
- Use linen table cloths.
- Tea lights.
- Fancy table runner.
- Candleabra.
- Spray paint random things gold to add a flare for the elite. Use as table decorations.
- Use chargers with your place settings.
- Gold plates and plasticware.
- Have a printed menu (included with the mystery) at their setting.
Lighting
Lighting – Setting the Mood
TO CREATE AN ERIE LIGHTING, CONSIDER USING NON-TRADITIONAL LIGHTING. SOME EXAMPLES ARE:
- Tea lights — To add a shimmering effect, place them on mirrored circles (found at your local craft shop) or simply cover cardboard with aluminum foil and place the tea lights on top of them.
- White twinkly lights
- White paper lanterns
- Candles
- Chandeliers
- Candleabras
One host took it over-the-top and black lit their party. Check out the cool lighting and decorations!
Extras
Utilizing The Extras
BE SURE TO UTILIZE ALL OF THE EXTRAS THAT COME WITH THE MYSTERY —
- Name cards for your guests
- Personalized menus
- Recipe and directions to make some killer chiller glasses
- How to make a Gravestone
- Family Tree
- Room Signs
- Designed labels to put on wine bottles for awards
- and MORE!
Create a Photo Spot
Create a Photo Spot!
Give your guests an unforgettable souvenier by setting up a photo area where they can capture a picture of themselves in character.
A few suggestions:
• Pick a place where there will be good lighting.
• You can make it as elaborate or simple as you want.
• Accessories and decorations can make the difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with. Consider extra wigs, top hats, bowler hats, mustaches, sherlock hats, magnifying classes, feather boas, etc.
• An easy way to create a background is to use a “scene setter.” These affordable rolls of images transform your room instantly and make for a good backdrop to your picture.
• Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone in to the frame.
• For individual shots of guests, designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.
o Consider your character list and which character would fit the role of taking the picture. Ie, if you want mug shots, perhaps ask the investigator to be in charge of taking the pictures.
• For a group picture, take one just before the introduction is read or right after the solution is read (before people may start heading out).
o These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive.
BACKDROP IDEAS for your A Clueless Murder photo spot
• Create a line-up board and take pictures of all of your suspects. Line-up board included with mystery materials.
• Use scene setters to make a simple background.
• Use props to enhance the photos. Have things like top hats, boas, big sunglasses, etc. for your guests to pose with.
• Paint your own back drop to pose in front of!
Food & Music
Food
A Fancy Feast
Since this is the elite of the elite with impeccable taste, you can consider serving some of the finest food from elegant hors d’eurves to a delectable dinner of this New Year’s Eve murder mystery game.
Try some of these links for: – Elegant Appetizers – Gourmet Main Dishes – Divine Desserts
Spooky Treats To Eat
SINCE MURDER IS THE THEME OF YOUR PARTY, TRY SOME OF THESE HORROR-IFIC FARE TO SHARE WITH YOUR GUESTS.
All the fixin’s for a terrifying feast. Including Awful Arachnids, Eerie Eyeballs, Freaky Witches’ Fingers, Brittle Merangue Bones, Savory Brain Shrimp Spread, Deviled Eggs, Decayed Corpse Chips with Entrail Salsa, Spicy Bat Wings and more… Click here.
MYSTERY MAKINGS FOR DESSERT
• A murderous cake (simply insert a butcher knife into any cake and drape red food gel along it)
A Killer Cake
• Elegance is key!
• Use linen table cloths.
• Tea lights.
• Fancy table runner.
• Candelabra.
• Spray paint random things gold to add a flare for the elite. Use as table decorations.
• Use chargers with your place settings.
• Gold plates and plasticware.
• Have a printed menu (included with the mystery) at their setting.
Utilizing The Extras
BE SURE TO UTILIZE ALL OF THE EXTRAS THAT COME WITH THE MYSTERY–
• Name cards for your guests
• Personalized menus
• Recipe and directions to make some killer chiller glasses
• Designed labels to put on wine bottles for awards
• and MORE!
Music - Spotify Playlist
Host Information
Theme Ideas
To accentuate the idea of the coming to the memorial, you can…
Have a tombstone to honor the beloved.
• Make another tombstone with a “?” and your party date on it (for the one who will perish at the party)!
• Directions on making tombstones included in mystery materials of the New Year’s Eve murder mystery game.
Create a memorial to him in the party space as well.
• Use a picture off the internet, or of a dear friend who couldn’t attend the party, to portray Mr. Boddy.
• Have a guest book and have everyone sign in and note their favorite (fictitious) memory of the lost.
Create a crime scene.
• Evidence markers included in the mystery materials.
Don’t Forget the Suspect Board
Or a way to connect the dots
Leave footprints and fingerprints around the party space for your guests to find
Win a Free Party
Each month we highlight one of our customers who has posted on our blog and award them a FREE party!
To get your $5 coupon AND be entered in the Party Of the Month contest for a chance to win a FREE party, please email nompartyofthemonth@gmail.com
Don’t forget to add all the important details and party highlights that made your party one to remember! We love to hear about all of the hard work you, as host, put into your party. From the decor to the food, costumes, whatever. As well as how you and your guests acted (and reacted!) throughout the night! Everything that made your party one your guests will never forget — tell us about it! And be sure to attach some pictures!!!
Upon submitting, we will email you back a coupon to use for $5 off your next party AND enter you in our “Party of the Month” contest, where you could win a FREE party! Once submitted, you will not have to resubmit, but will be entered EVERY MONTH until your party wins!
Tips
All of the information regarding how to run your Clueless Murder party can be found online at Night of Mystery. We highly suggest that you take time to look over our website and download the Murder By Midnight preview file.Upon reading the introduction file of this New Year’s Eve murder mystery game, it will give you a better understanding about how the parties are run and what to expect once you purchase a full mystery file.
If you still have question, the Frequently Asked Questions page at Night of Mystery is a great resource or you can contact us.
If you still have question, the Frequently Asked Questions page at Night of Mystery is a great resource or you can contact us.
Since our games are custom written for the size of the party (ie, we don’t just create a mystery with 8 characters and then keep adding more characters to it), each mystery size is unique unto itself. That being said, going from 10-15 version to 15-20 version, will not only add in more characters, but it will change the storylines of the existing characters, and vice-versa in going from a larger version to a smaller one.
Because of this, WE STRONGLY SUGGEST you get a guest count before formally ordering. You can do so by downloading an invitation, inviting your guests and then purchasing your mystery once you have a more accurate number of people attending. Unfortunately, if you find yourself purchasing the wrong sized party, you will have to purchase another version of the mystery for the size you want unless you are moving from the 15-20 version to the 20+ version.
You can download an invitation here before ordering.
Because of this, WE STRONGLY SUGGEST you get a guest count before formally ordering. You can do so by downloading an invitation, inviting your guests and then purchasing your mystery once you have a more accurate number of people attending. Unfortunately, if you find yourself purchasing the wrong sized party, you will have to purchase another version of the mystery for the size you want unless you are moving from the 15-20 version to the 20+ version.
You can download an invitation here before ordering.
For even more party planning ideas, check out our Murder By Midnight here.
Once you order, in your mystery packet you will receive directions and/or printables to make unique and original decorations specific to your party! Included will be:
• EVIDENCE MARKERS
• HOW TO MAKE A TOMBSTONE
• SIGNS
• NAME CARDS
• FOOD CARDS
• DESIGNED DINNER MENUS (you can personalize with your menu items)
• WINE BOTTLE LABELS (to use as awards!)
AND MORE!!!
• HOW TO MAKE A TOMBSTONE
• SIGNS
• NAME CARDS
• FOOD CARDS
• DESIGNED DINNER MENUS (you can personalize with your menu items)
• WINE BOTTLE LABELS (to use as awards!)
AND MORE!!!
Each month we highlight one of our customers who has posted on our blog and award them a FREE party!
To get your $5 coupon AND be entered in the Party Of the Month contest for a chance to win a FREE party, please email nompartyofthemonth@gmail.com
Don’t forget to add all the important details and party highlights that made your party one to remember! We love to hear about all of the hard work you, as host, put into your party. From the decor, to the food, costumes, whatever. As well as how you and your guests acted (and reacted!) throughout the night! Everything that made your party one your guests will never forget — tell us about it! And be sure to attach some pictures!!!
Upon submitting, we will email you back a coupon to use for $5 off your next party AND enter you in our “Party of the Month” contest, where you could win a FREE party! One submitted, you will not have to resubmit, but will be entered EVERY MONTH until your party wins!
Check out some of our past winners here! Night of Mystery POM Blogs
Thanks again for hosting with Night of Mystery and we can’t wait to hear all about your party!!!
