Everything flows from the game you pick. Before you think about food, decorations or invitations, find a game that suits your group size, age range and how much structure your guests will enjoy. At Murder Mystery Host we stock games for small intimate gatherings right through to large group events. Some games are fully scripted — great if your guests aren't natural improvisers. Others are freeform, giving everyone more freedom to play their character their own way, but this requires a little more preparation from your guests. Not sure which style suits your group? Read our guide to freeform vs scripted games.

Most murder mystery games work best with between six and twelve players, though plenty of titles work for larger or smaller groups. The key is matching the game to your headcount before you buy — or find the game you want to play and then invite the corrcet number of guests. Our games page lets you filter by player count so you can find the right fit straight away.

If possible give your guests at least two to three weeks' notice. Murder mystery parties work best when everyone arrives in character — and that means people need time to read their character brief, plan a costume, and get into the spirit of things. Most of our downloadable kits include printable invitations. Send them digitally or print and post them for an extra theatrical touch. Alternatively if your guests are already with you and you're running the game today - find your game and print out the required information as soon as you can, so you can hand out the character packs.

You don't need to redecorate your entire house. A few simple touches go a long way — candles, music, a hand-written note on the table. The atmosphere you create sets the tone before the game even begins. For themed ideas, check the hosting notes included with your kit. Some have practical suggestions for food, drink and décor that suit the game's setting.

On the night, give everyone a few minutes to read their character brief before the game starts. Remind them that they don't need to be brilliant actors — they just need to stay in character when they're being questioned. The host (that's you) keeps the game moving, manages the timeline and announces the final reveal. Our kits include full hosting instructions so you'll know exactly what to do and when.

The most satisfying moment of any murder mystery evening. Give players a few minutes to write down their accusation and reasoning, then read out the solution together. Don't be surprised if it sparks a lively debate — that's entirely normal, and usually the sign of a well-written mystery.

Browse our full range of murder mystery games — all available as instant digital downloads, ready to print and play. Find your perfect game →