Murder mystery games for beginners

We've written our murder mystery games so that they can be hosted by anyone, no matter how inexperienced a host they are.

However, some of our games are more complex than others. Therefore, if you want a more straightforward party, we suggest choosing one of these murder mystery games.

Simpler murder mystery games

These are our simplest games, covering the full range of party sizes:

A Will to Murder

A family-feuding 1930s murder mystery for 6–9 guests aged 18+.

Murder on the Istanbul Express

A murder mystery set in 1914 on a luxurious train, for 7–11 guests aged 12+.

Dazzled to Death

A glamorous 1950s murder mystery for 12–15 guests aged 15+.

Hollywood Lies

A modern-day Hollywood murder mystery for 16–32 guests aged 12+.

Reunion with Death

A modern-day high-school-reunion murder mystery to be played online via video chat, for 6–9 people aged 18+.

The Karma Club – Sandy's memorabilia

I am so glad I began my journey with murder mysteries playing a freeform game. I have heard of many other more controlled or directed games. I doubt those will ever have the same attraction as the working out of a unique sequence of events, determined by the players! Jacobeth Whiting, South Africa

Please note – these murder mysteries are as enjoyable as our more complex games. The more complex games have more rules (for things like combat). To see an example, you can download our free version of Way out West.

A Will to Murder was the first murder mystery game I've hosted and the first one that my group of friends have ever played so not only did we not know what to expect but it was also a learning experience. Despite that, it was a GREAT night of fun!! The night wasn't even over and some of us were talking about doing another one. Denise Knebel, United States

Tips for beginners

Here are some tips to help a first-time murder mystery host:

Just wanted to tell you how great last night was. We put on Dazzled To Death (the first Murder Mystery I've ever hosted!) and it was fantastic! Everyone said how much they loved it and it was a huge success. At first my guests didn't know what was going on but they soon got into the swing of things! We made photographs to hang on the wall, family tree, family portrait and a lovely buffet. It seems as though the general consensus is to do one again but everyone wants me to do one sooner rather than later! So who knows I might be writing to you again around Christmas & New Year with the next story! I highly recommend to people to give Dazzled To Death a go because it was excellent! Thanks a lot Freeform Games! Nick Eccles, United Kingdom

A Purrfect Murder