Killing For The Crown

After a week of competing in the nation’s most prestigious beauty pageant,
the contestants, judges and coaches are invited to a pre-pageant party the night
before the final round of competition.
With the crown on the line, everyone seems desperate to gain the competitive
edge on their rivals… and for one guest that means murder!
Will it be the whiny Miss Wisconsin who is obsessed with winning?
The ambitious Miss Alabama whose acting career is at stake?
The tawdry Miss Texas who uses her sexuality to get ahead?
Or possibly the reigning queen who does not want to give up her crown.

With a pageant that has been plagued with
scandal from its beginning, there is no reason
this year should be any different.

Download Mystery Intro

Guest Info

Guest Breakdown

8-12 guests: 8-12 females.
10-15 guests: 10-15 females.
15-20 guests: 15-20 females.
20+ guests: 20+ females.

 

Adult version, set at Miss America Pageant.

* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.

8-12 guests: 8-12 females
10-15 guests: 10-15 females
15-20 guests: 15-20 females
20+ guests: 20+ females

 

Clean version, set at Miss America Pageant.

Clean versions are void of references to extra-marital affairs, alcohol and/or illegal drugs. More conservative groups often use clean versions for their mystery of choice.

* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.

8-12 guests: 8-12 females
10-15 guests: 10-15 females
15-20 guests: 15-20 females
20+ guests: 20+ females

 

Teen version, set at Miss TEEN USA Pageant.

Teen versions are also formatted CLEAN, which means that there are no references to alcohol, extra-marital affairs and/or illegal drugs.

* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.

408

The Cast

*Note that the cast listed below is provided only to give an idea of the types of roles available, and not presented in any order relevant to the plot. Not all cast members are included in every version.

  • Amanda America

    Reigning Miss America

    When she loses the crown, Amanda is afraid she might be losing a great deal more.

  • Anna Alabama

    Miss Alabama

    A talented actress, Anna’s career may be riding on her ability to win the title of Miss America.

  • Allison Alaska

    Miss Alaska

    Beauty and brains are behind this businesswoman, but could Allison’s calculating ways get her into trouble?

  • Candy California

    Miss California

    As a polished pageant pal who loves to travel, Candy is not afraid to use her looks and her resources to get ahead.

  • Cora Colorado

    Miss Colorado

    The daughter of a Miss America Runner-Up, Cora feels pressure to succeed where her mother fell short.

  • Flora Florida

    Miss Florida

    New to the pageant circuit, this contestant has more energy than she does experience. Will Flora’s enthusiasm be the key to winning the judges over?

  • Izzy Idaho

    Miss Idaho

  • Kailey Kentucky

    Miss Kentucky

  • Lizzie Louisiana

    Miss Louisiana

  • Mary Mississippi

    Miss Mississippi

  • Natasha New Jersey

    Miss New Jersey

  • Natalie New Mexico

    Miss New Mexico

  • Nina New York

    Miss New York

  • Oprah Oklahoma

    Miss Oklahoma

  • Tina Texas

    Miss Texas

  • Wendy Wisconsin

    Miss Wisconsin

  • Patty Pageant

    Pageant Coordinator

  • Coach Cartier

    Beauty Coach

  • Judge Julie

    Celebrity Judge

  • Jasmine Judge

    Celebrity Judge

Party Tips - killingforthecrown.com

Costumes

Where to find that perfect pageant dress.

• Use (or borrow a friend’s) old bridesmaid’s dress

• Scour the second hand shops and garage sales

• Try the clearance racks in a department store right after a high school dance

• Dress up any outfit or gown by adding beading, cording, fancy fabrics, fringe, etc.

• Not the right color? Take a can of spray paint to the dress.

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Click below for steps on how to create your perfect hairstyle for your perfect pageant hair!

French Twist 
Chignon 
Loose Waves 
Star Fire Pony
Braid Bun

FOR MORE IDEAS on the perfect hair, see this link.

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Directions and templates for your sash. Click Here

Directions on how to sew your own sash. Click here.

Order a personalized tiara. Click here.
Make your own tiara. Click here. Or here.

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From Miss America 2011

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Guest Info

All the information and "how-to"s to help you become pageant-ready before your debut at the pre-pageant party!


Check out theses clips to make sure that you have all the beauty queen aspects mastered!

Strike the perfect pose

Learning the two pageant walks

How to do the beauty queen wave

Smile with sincerity

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Check out these tips to improve your chances at the competition! (Just for fun, of course!)

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Directions and templates for your sash. Click Here

Directions on how to sew your own sash. Click here.

Order a personalized tiara. Click here.
Make your own tiara. Click here. Or here.

<< CHECK THE TABS TO THE LEFT FOR MORE IDEAS <<


From Miss America 2011

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Decorations

Decorations to help deck out your place for the pre-pagent party!!!


Roll out the red carpet! Nothing but glamour for these beauties!
– Consider adding a banner and/or red rope with stanchions to make it official.
– Where to buy a red carpet.
– How to make red rope with stanchions here.
– Where to buy stanchions with red rope.

 

• Have your guests enter through a VIP entrance!
‘VIP Entrance’ sign (included with the mystery)

 

• How about a balloon arch to honor the beauties? It’s easier than it seems!
– How-to make a balloon arch.
– Where to find an inexpensive arch.

 

• Create a luminary walkway for the guests as they approach the party.

• Download and print off pictures of other beauty queen winners and hang them on the wall. (Included with mystery purchase.)
– For added effect, put them in frames.
– You can spray paint the frames gold for an extra touch!

• Cut or punch out star shapes out of gold or silver cardstock. Hang them from the ceiling with fishing line or create garland by sewing them together.

• Hang signs for the different areas, “backstage,” “judges lounge,” etc. (Included with the mystery.)

• Create a “Pageant Powder Room”.
– Within the powder room, include goodie basket for last-minute touch-ups and freshening up throughout the night. Ideas for items to place in your goodie basket: body glitter, hairspray, nail polish, glitzy eye shadow, compacts, and costume jewelry (found inexpensively at your local Goodwill or re-sale shop). (Sign for the powder room included with the mystery.)

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Three popular color schemes for your party may be gold, white, silver and/or pink.
To pull the color scheme through to your whole space consider the following:

• When decorating a large area or to make an area look more intimate and festive, consider draping pink, white, silver or gold gossamer across the ceiling, walls, and edges of the tablecloth. Combine two colors for a fabulous appearance.

• A little spray paint can go a long, long way. Spray paint novelty items, vases, old wine bottles, etc. to help bring out the color theme and add inexpensive decoration to your party.

• Have a tablecloth—whether plastic or fabric – the colors of your choice.

• Accentuate your tablecloth with the alternative color by using paint pens or fabric paint to paint on decorative accents.

There are many ways you could use “fancy” or colorful fabric to decorate:

• Drape brightly colored fabric on the walls like banners.

• Make a table runner, table cloth and/or napkins.

• Drape over furniture.

• Create decorative pillows.

• Tie to the back of a chair.Places to find fancy fabrics inexpensively:
– Searching clearance bins at fabric stoes
– Second hand shops
– The fabric section at Walmart


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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.

• 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.

• Use props like a red carpet, tiaras, boas, lavish chairs, anything you can think of, to create a staged area for pictures.

• 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.
— 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).
— These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive.

 

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Food & Music

How to feed your backstabbing beauties at the party!

THINK PINK!
One option is to serve a number of pink delicacies! Pink champagne, pink lemonade, pink popcorn, pink maccaroons, etc. You name it. Check out this website for more ideas and recipes for pink food.

Click on pictures above for links to recipes

 

A STATELY AFFAIR
Serve food and drinks from each of the states — Mississippi Mud Pies, Texas Toothpicks, Alaskan Salmon Cakes, Alabama Slammers, Californian Wine, you get the picture.
– For a potluck, have each of the girls/women bring a dish from their “home state.”

 

KEEP IT SMALL
These are health conscience beauty queens! Serve everything in smaller portions (of course they can eat just as much!). Mini cupcakes, cocktail weiners, finger sandwiches, etc. Any bite size food will do. Present each of the foods on a little doily to add elegance.

 

FRIED AND FABULOUS!
These pageant beauties are probably sick of dieting for their big day. Serve an array of fattening (but delicious) foods.


AMERICAN FARE
Hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips, Smithfield ham, New England Clam chowder, apple pie. Foods that this country is known for.

 

• Top your cupcakes with some “crowning moments” (pictured below). Cupcake toppers included with the mystery purchase.

• Take any cake and add a butcher knife with some red food gel to add a murderous appeal!

• All it takes are some tiaras, and you have turned any cake (or cupcakes) into a themed dessert for your blushing beauties!

<< CHECK THE TABS TO THE LEFT FOR MORE IDEAS <<


• Construct one long table for dinner. Use a brightly colored or metallic piece of fabric for a runner.

• Drape table with gossamer and put white twinkle brghts underneath to illuminate.

• Decorate the table runner with gold fabric paint.

• Include gold- or silver-toned plastic plates, cups and plastic/silverware.

• Purchase gold colored plastic cups and hot glue fake jewels to the outside of the cups.

• Have decorative napkins held together by elaborate (costume) jewelry.

• Finish off by tying a tulle or other fabric bow onto each chair.

• Use a centerpiece of white roses (fake or real) in a clear vase filled with sparkly gems or beads.

• Spray paint decorative vases and use them as centerpieces. Add flowers or lights to highlight them.

• Make your own placecards with designs included in the mystery packet (pictured below).

• Display your menu for everyone to see or have it at each place setting. (Menu template included with package.)

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STATE SONGS: Make a mix and include songs from the diferent states: Sweet Home Alabama (Lynard Skynard), New York, New York (Tony Bennett),California Girls (The Beach Boys), Texas (George Strait), etc.

PAGEANT FAVORITES: Make a mix and include such songs as: Miss America (Nick Carter), Beauty Queen (Brat) and Little Miss America (Stewart Francke), Here She Comes Miss America. Or try this mix.

PATRIOTIC MUSIC: Pay tribute to this country by playing a compilation of songs about America. Find it here.

FOR FREE MUSIC: Visit your local library to borrow copies of any of the music above or your own picks.

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Music

Check out our playlist selections for this mystery!

Click on the image to get to our Spotify Playlist for this party!

Hosting Tips

  • All of the information regarding how to run your Killing For The Crown party can be found online at Night of Mystery. We highly suggest that you take time to look over our website and download the Killing For The Crown preview file. Upon reading the introduction file, 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.
  • 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.
  • Provide an assortment of accessories to help your guests "get into character" including: tiaras, sashes, wigs, fake eyelashes, hair glitter, outrageous make-up, etc.!
  • For even more party planning ideas, check out our Killing For The Crown Pinterest Board here. It is s filled with ideas for recipes, costumes, decorations, etc. for the perfect Killing For The Crown party!
  • 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:
    • HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN SASHES
    • BEAUTY PAGEANT POSTERS
    • EDITABLE MENU DESIGNS
    • EDITABLE FOOD TABLE TENTS
    • SIGNS (4 designs)
    • WINE CHARMS
    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!!!
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Testimonials

I got together 13 of my girl friends and 4 of my guy friends (ages 19-21) for my 20th birthday. I had gift bags for each person when they arrived. The gift bags contained the first clues for each person, tiaras for each of the girls and sashes saying each one of their names (ex. Miss Arizona), and other little goodies-everyone loved that part. I was hoping everyone would have a good time and be good sports about dressing up and being a little silly. They LOVED it. Everyone got so into it and enjoyed it way more than I was expecting for a group of young adults. It is a great party idea for young adults (19-21), I was a little skeptical at first but it was an unforgettable night and I will definitely be throwing another one soon.

- Sarah M.

My daughter’s 13th Birthday party was a hit with her and her friends. We were looking to do something that we could host at our house, but something that would be a new experience for the girls.This was perfect! I was amazed at how they got into character. Not all the girls knew each other before hand, but the party format made it so that all were comfortable and engaged. The main course was “Lethal Lasagna.” Having the editable menu pdf made for such a fun way to customize the party. My favorite local baker did an amazing job with the cake! So fun. The sashes instructions and template helped set the stage too. The mystery was harder to solve than we expected, which made it all the more exciting when the solution was read. Thanks for all the work you put into creating this plan. It made for a memorable night.

- Becky K.

We had a party for nine 13 year old girls for my daughter. The girls had fun making their own sashes and crowns and getting all dressed up. We had fun even making our own bouquets. They loved being in character and having fancy foods for the party. They also had a sleepover and remained in character all night. Now we are planning to have another party for our soon 11-year old later in October...we are so excited to plan another; maybe do an adult party with our friends!

- Mystery Mike

I love murder mysteries and decided to throw a party for my friends bday. We are all 40 plus, have busy lives so choosing "Killing for the Crown" was fun and a real treat - we all got to get dolled up!! We planned and prepped and and decorated for weeks and the party was a smashing success.

- Mettie USA

WOMEN'S NIGHT OUT!!! We had a blast. I got to decorate my house so that everyone got to walk in on the red carpet. we had a photo booth with pink background to match our WNO group logo, black, gold, and silver stars. We choose to do everyone bring there favorite dish to eat. It was really fun to act like someone that I am not normally like. I will be planning lots more for my family and friends, as well as my girl scout troop!

- Ms. Poon

I bought this game for my daughter's 11th birthday party. It was fantastic! We had 17 girls, so a couple of them played boy parts (PI Pete became PI Paula). All the girls came dressed up and took their roles very seriously. I made the sashes for everyone and had the ready when they walked in. My daughter LOVED her party and her friends had a great time. The parents loved the idea as well. One of the parents commented that it was so nice to see the girls dressed up. This was easily one of the greatest birthday parties of all time.

- Linda Ruth

I have held several parties for teenagers and this particular party was a winner. None of the participants had ever been in a murder mystery party before except for my children. Most did not know what to expect, but they all had a great time and are wanting to have another party. I now am planning a party for the parents of many of these girls as it was such a big hit. This company sends you all you really need in pdf format, although it is rather bland and most people often choose to embellish with other "extras". This party I did not use alot of other "extras" and did not have much time to put the party together, but it still turned out excellent--as mentioned earlier, this company gives you all you really need. It is orgnaized well. It is expensive, but just about any copywrite material is going to be nowadays. It is still well worth the money!

- Mr. Labes

Every year, I host a girls night. I try to have a different theme each time. This year, in December I held a murder mystery- Killing for the Crown. It was my first murder mystery (hosting or attending) as well as a first for all the girls. We had 15 girls in total- using all the "girl characters". Killing for The Crown was a perfect choice for us and fit our group of girls. Everyone went all out, getting into their characters. We had fake tans, fake nails, fake hair, fake eyelashes, and fake accents. It was awesome. Before the night was over, we had people asking when the next one was going to be. The game comes with everything you need in order to host- it was really easy. I even choose NOT to know the outcome by sealing up the "murder info" in an envelope and not reading it at all before hand. And I didn't read each characters personal sheets and objectives. I actually was fooled in the end (by who the true murderer was) I would DEFINATELY play again and will buy my game from Night of Mystery.com as everything went sooo smoothly.

- Pisazz

Purchase Killing For The Crown

Killing For The Crown includes:

Mystery PDF that includes: A Host Guide, A Schedule of the Night, An Introduction, Designed Invitations, Background Information, Character Descriptions, Character Objective Sheets, Name Tags, Evidence, Accusation Sheets, a Detailed Solution, Award Certificates, and more!

Night of Mystery Download Intro