Ten steps from invitation to accusation
- 01
Choose the format
Decide between a printable script, boxed case or app-guided party. Match the preparation, roleplay level and group size to your guests.
- 02
Confirm the guest list
Check the player range for the game you chose, then ask for firm RSVPs and set a deadline. Every role needs a player, so an accurate headcount matters.
- 03
Create a theme
Choose a world your group will enjoy inhabiting. A specific setting makes costumes, food and invitations easier.
- 04
Send useful invitations
Include the date, arrival time, location, RSVP deadline, approximate duration, any device or reading requirements and whether costumes are optional or encouraged.
- 05
Distribute the characters
Send roles before the party if the game requires preparation, or hand them out on arrival. Give everyone a few quiet minutes to understand their public identity and private information.
- 06
Plan low-maintenance food
Choose make-ahead dishes, a buffet or grazing plates. Collect dietary requirements and avoid a menu that keeps the host in the kitchen.
- 07
Set the scene
Use lighting, music, a table cue and perhaps place cards. Atmosphere needs one coherent idea, not a house full of props.
- 08
Brief the room and start
Make sure everyone understands the victim, locations and public timeline. Invite each character to introduce their connection and attitude before evidence begins.
- 09
Pace scenes and draw people in
Let the featured character open, read the evidence, then use the supplied questions. Ask quieter guests about facts only their character can clarify.
- 10
Accuse, reveal and debrief
Give everyone a last chance to review the case, submit an accusation, then enjoy the full explanation and post-case awards.
How much work does each format involve?
Printable games suit hosts who enjoy preparing scripts and props. Boxed case files make the evidence tangible. App-guided games reduce physical preparation but usually require every player to use a phone.
| Format | Typical host work | Host plays? | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printable script | Read, print, sort and facilitate | Depends | You enjoy hands-on preparation |
| Boxed case | Learn rules and organise materials | Usually | Your group prefers puzzle evidence |
| Murder At Mine | Set up players and control the pace | Always | You want social roleplay with less preparation |
Late, quiet or cancelled guests
- Late guest: use arrival time for character reading, and start the shared case briefing once the group is complete.
- Quiet guest: ask specific factual questions rather than demanding a performance.
- Reluctant role-player: suggest one accessory and let them speak in their normal voice.
- Cancellation: check whether the game supports removing a role; fixed scripts may need a replacement player or reassignment.
The one-page host checklist
- Choose a format and theme
- Confirm the supported number of players
- Send invitations and collect dietary needs
- Prepare or distribute the game materials
- Prepare simple food, drinks, lighting and music
- Allow time for guests to read their roles
- Explain the shared case before revealing evidence
- Pause between stages when needed
- Invite every player into the discussion
- Finish with accusations, the solution and a debrief
Five common hosting mistakes
- Explaining private details aloud before everyone has read them
- Choosing food that demands the host's constant attention
- Treating costumes or accents as compulsory
- Letting one confident suspect dominate every scene
- Rushing the accusation before guests can connect the final evidence
Murder At Mine
How Murder At Mine simplifies hosting
Murder At Mine handles the story, character assignment, private information, evidence and final reveal in the app. The host chooses a theme, invites 4–10 players and controls the pace without reading the solution in advance.
Guests join with a personal code and receive their character information privately. This removes most of the printing and sorting associated with traditional kits while leaving the host in charge of the room, food and timing.
- Custom case for the confirmed group
- Private dossiers on each player's phone
- Shared timeline, locations and staged evidence
- Host-controlled progression and private accusations