Want to create a custom game for friends and family? Expert DIY kit from crime author and game designer Fiona Sherlock.

You can get a copy of the kit here on Etsy!

How to write a murder mystery game

Welcome to the captivating realm of murder mystery games, where intrigue, suspense, and cunning are woven into the very fabric of storytelling. Rooted in the vast landscape of crime fiction, murder mystery games immerse players in a world where they become both detective and protagonist, unraveling enigmatic puzzles and uncovering hidden truths.

There are a wide range of mystery game structures including:

• Hosted dinner theatre/murder mystery weekends, where professional actors perform a mystery in front of diners whilst they try to guess the killer. Some, but not much audience interaction. 
• Cluedo, the eponymous boardgame where players deduce the murder weapon, location, and killer
• Fully-scripted game, where each player takes turns reading a full script to other players. This can take a long time, and can move slowly, but is a good option if you want to include very intricate clues or evidence.
• Flexible/ad-libbing game, where players have basic points of evidence to convey to other players (my preferred structure). This is often a more engaging format, allows players to add colour to their character, but may not be challenging enough for very experienced players 

Most likely, your game will fall somewhere between the third and fourth option, depending on the level of difficulty you would like your players to face and how much you’re willing to write. Some playing for the first time may expect a setup like they have seen on TV or in movies such as Poirot, Murder She Wrote, or Knives Out. Therefore it’s important to set out the rules of the game clearly in the ‘Host Welcome’.

Crime fiction, such as writer Agatha Christie’s canon,  with its rich tapestry of deceit, motives, and suspense, serves as the foundation for these interactive narratives. Within the world of murder mystery games, you’ll find yourself thrust into scenarios that demand your wit, logic, and analytical prowess. Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or a newcomer to the genre, these games offer an opportunity to step into the shoes of a detective, interrogating suspects, gathering clues, and piecing together the puzzle to unmask the elusive culprit.

Want to learn more about writing murder mystery games? Purchase your downloadable kit and start plotting today with my DIY write your own mystery kit, which includes:

• Full instructions

• Editable templates and planners

• Free, editable and reusable bestselling game, The Wizard’s Dagger
• You can get a copy of the kit here on Etsy!