Feature: Spotlight on murder mystery weekends

Thursday, 24 February 2011 5:47 PM

Ever played the board game Cluedo? Well, if you have, you will know exactly what we’re getting at here. Someone’s been murdered in the library. But who dunnit? Was it the butler? Or maybe the dotty aunt? You never know, it might even have been Professor Plum with the candlestick! Are your detective skills good enough to solve the mystery? Well, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to test your theories. A murder mystery weekend gives you the chance to be your own Rebus, Taggart, Sherlock, Poirot or even Wallander as you attempt to solve the weekend’s mystery.

Imagine! A shot in the dark, a scream is heard, the police arrive, and you are set for a fun, rollicking weekend of excitement, suspense, passion, revenge and a lot of laughs. But don’t forget…you could end up as the prime suspect if you’re not careful! So, pack your magnifying glass, your detective’s hat and the old pipe that you’ve had stowed away since the last murder mystery, and get ready for a weekend of twists and turns.

Invented by Joy Swift in 1981, the murder mystery weekend concept takes you through a rollercoaster of red herrings and a thickening plot that tests your sleuthing skills to the max. So, if you feel that you’re a born detective, this is where you can show off – hopefully! Until recently, the only knowledge we at HolidayChic.co.uk had of murder mysteries was the board game, but now we can’t get enough of the ‘real stuff’. Let yourself become part of the plot and experience all its twists and turns in the hunt for the killer. We have sampled a few suggestions for the perfect murder mystery experience: the original, the home party, the LA dinner and the hen night...but don’t stop there, there are many more murder mystery events to be experienced – and solved!

The Original
It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning your first or 21 murder mystery weekend, Joy Swift’s Original Murder Weekends promise to never disappoint. Its originality and variety of storylines will keep even the most dedicated detective on his or her toes. The weekends offer a mix of deductive reasoning, light-hearted games and camaraderie. Ideal for individuals, couples or larger groups, Joy Swift’s mysteries could have you come back for more. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself addicted to solving mysteries!

Taking place over three days, the weekend starts Friday night when a murder will be committed. The police will start their investigation and you become a sleuth. The actors will stay in character throughout the weekend and at least three killings will take place during the three days. This is where you start biting your nails! The killer won’t be revealed until Sunday morning, which means that everyone’s a suspect during the entire weekend! Held at a number of Principal Hayley Hotels throughout the UK, you will be spoiled for choice when choosing where to spend your next Original Murder Weekend. Take a stab at it! We will!

The Home Party
If you’re not ready for a whole weekend of twists and turns and a thickening plot, why not arrange a murder mystery for your next party? Allow your guests to be woven into a world of murders, suspects and red herrings that they can’t get out of until the revelation. Moneypenny Productions organises murder mystery entertainment events throughout the country. So, if you think that your circle of friends could do with a little shaking up or perhaps your family party needs an extra BANG, you can arrange your own home murder. But be careful, your kitchen, living room or toilet even could be known as the ‘murder’ room in the future. No-one knows where the killing will take place!

The LA Dinner
Welcome to the world of interactive audience participation murder mystery dinner theatre shows. Admittedly this is not your average weekend away in the countryside, but a murder mystery dinner show is perfect for a great night out if you are holidaying in the US. And LA is the perfect destination if you want to be part of your own blockbuster thriller. Here, professional actors are concealed among you and at any time you may wind up part of the plot. Don't worry, you don't have to learn any lines or do anything other than be yourself and have fun. But be careful, ‘evidence’ may be created and you could find yourself a suspect! So not only do you get to dine at one of the finest restaurants in the area with a full four course dinner, but you also get a murder mystery dinner show where you get to solve the crime and match wits with the detective!

Since 1985, Keith and Margo have masterminded unique and eerie evening that put you smack dab in the middle of a homicide investigation. They call it ‘Comicide’ because it’s done with a lot of laughs. Are you ready to take your detective skills stateside?

The Hen Weekend
There’s no doubt that your hen night is going to be something special if it includes a murder mystery that you have to solve – perfect for a party with a difference. Are your detective skills good enough to solve the mystery? Well, you will find out if you plan a hen night of the bloody kind. StagsandHens.com has sampled number of murder mysteries for a blood curdling hen weekend. Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham and London are all on the map for a murderous hen party away.

Many of the special hen parties are based around the bride-to-be with all the members of your group having a role to play. The script will be written for the bride and will most often include details of the wedding. Each person taking part in the hen weekend away will be able to choose their character for the weekend and can dress up for the part. A weekend to die for!

What next?
If you’ve got the taste for experiencing your own murder mystery, whether during a weekend away in the English countryside, at a dinner party in the US, at your own home party or perhaps for a hen party, there are plenty of options. You can tailor-make your own murder mystery. If you search for 'murder mystery weekend' you will realise that there are many more mysteries waiting to be solved. Are you the detective to solve them?!