After our Evening with „Murder in Chicago“ we were asked more often, How a murder mystery dinner actually works.
That's why here's a brief overview for anyone considering doing it themselves to attend a murder mystery dinner.

What is a crime dinner, exactly?

There are essentially four different types of murder mystery dinners, which we would like to briefly introduce here:

• Crime game in front of an audience – Here, professional or semi-professional actors perform in front of an audience. The audience is only actively involved briefly, otherwise they enjoy a perfect show. One example of this is the highly recommended provider Crime scene thriller, who has been staging numerous crime shows at various locations for many years.
• Crime game for home – Here, you buy a ready-made box containing all the role descriptions, and you take care of the food and other arrangements yourself. Games for home are available, for example, at Magic Feather Shop.
• Crime game with movement – Here you get a rough role and many possibilities for action in the room. You can at Private Mystery even become a murderer themselves.
• Interactive crime game – Our crime game „Murder in Chicago“ is exactly that. You get a role, you interact, but you sit at the table and don't perform actions; instead, you try to solve the case alone or collaboratively.

So our murder mystery dinner is a mix of Role-playing, theatre and detective story.
Each participant takes on a fixed Role within a murder mystery and will an active part of the plot.

There is no audience and no supporting characters – just like our evening in Lüdenscheid, everyone is right in the middle of things.

How does our murder mystery dinner start?

To begin, each player receives their role with Background story, goals and secrets.
The initial situation is then explained – in our case a A poker night in 1930s Chicago.

Even after a few minutes, the first shock moment occurs:

„Machinegun Tommy was strangled.“

From this moment on, it is clear:
The perpetrator must be among those present.

What do you do during the game?

The evening consists of several discussion and game phases – and of course from shared meal.

Typically, the murder mystery dinner is divided into several courses, usually three to four, with the action taking place between each one:

• Between courses, there is talking, asking, and suspicion.
  
• new clues are being distributed
  
• Secrets come to light
  
• Alliances form or break.
  

The food itself is not just a sideshow, but part of the evening:
The conversations at the table, the strategising between the starter and the main course, and the discussions over dessert are all part of the game, just as much as the actual investigation.

Exactly like with us, a network of its own gradually emerges Motives, lies, and subplots.

In the end, everyone gives their guess as to who the murderer is – after that, the reveal follows.

Do you have to be able to act?

No.
Nobody has to be a professional actor.

It's enough to speak in character and respond to questions.
Many of us also started hesitantly – and were completely engrossed in their characters after a short time.

How strict are the rules?

The rulebook provides structure but barely restricts.

At Murder in Chicago for example

• All players must, in principle, tell the truth
  
• Dodging and vague answers are allowed
  
• An honest answer is only required upon direct request.
  

Just these Blend of truth and tactical silence provided particularly much excitement for us.

How long does a murder mystery dinner last?

Depending on the scenario, between two and four hours.

Our evening in Lüdenscheid lasted just under three hours – including breaks, discussions, and the final resolution.

Ein Krimidinner ist geeignet für 6 bis 12 Personen.

That depends on the game.

Typical group sizes are:

• 6-8 people for small gatherings
  
• 10–14 people for medium groups
  
• 16–20 people for large scenarios
  

Murder in Chicago is specifically designed for larger groups.

Is fancy dress required?

It isn't compulsory – but it really enhances the atmosphere.

Even with historical scenarios like our Chicago setting, small details can help:

• Hut
  
• Jacket
  
• Dress
  
• Jewellery

Quickly get into character.

Is a murder mystery dinner more of a puzzle or a role-playing game?

Rather a Role-playing game with a criminal framework.

As we realised that evening, it’s less about „being right“,
but rather because:

• to develop the story together
  
• to Bluffing
  
• to improvise
  
• to get into character
  

Winners and losers quickly become secondary.

A murder mystery dinner is suitable for anyone who enjoys a bit of intrigue and wants to have a bit of fun. It’s a great option for: * **Parties and Special Occasions:** Birthdays, anniversaries, hen parties, stag parties, or just a get-together with friends. * **Team Building Events:** It’s an interactive way for colleagues to bond and collaborate. * **Couples:** A unique and engaging date night activity. * **Fans of Mysteries and Role-Playing:** If you love detective stories, solving puzzles, or stepping into different characters, you'll likely enjoy it. * **Groups Looking for Interactive Entertainment:** It’s much more engaging than just watching something. * **People Who Enjoy Dressing Up:** Many events encourage or require costumes.

A murder mystery dinner is ideal for groups who:

• Happy to play together
  
• Fancy a chat and some improv
  
• would like to try something other than classic board games
  

For escape room fans in particular, it's a perfect addition.