£13.60 – £23.20
Swell 1920s’ Speakeasy Murder Mystery Party for 6-12 players; face-to-face or virtual party. Easy to run; instant download. No Commercial Use.
Swell 1920s' Speakeasy Murder Mystery Party Game: Flappers, Gangsters, Bootleggers, Temperance Society and Law Enforcers in Prohibition America
Play with 6 - 14 players. Host plays too.
Age: adults and most teens 13+ (see Age and Sensibilities below).
Flexibly-scripted. At Home or virtual options.
Sale price: £13.60 - £23.20 (Was £17 - £29)
It's the Roaring Twenties during the height of American Prohibition. In this 1920s' murder mystery party game, The Jazz Age is in full swing and The Big Tiger is THE Speakeasy in town, doll.
Gangsters and molls, flappers and bootleggers, all swear that the moonshine at The Big Tiger is swell.
But Buster McNail is dead. He's been whacked, chilled off, rubbed out, zotzed in his own Speakeasy.
The dolls and the molls pretend horror; the gangsters and bootleggers had been watching the hoofers and the Temperance Movement founder claims to have been waving placards outside.
As rival gangsters scheme, the authorities want order, rummy.
Yet in this hilarious 1920s' murder mystery party, everyone has secrets and everyone has the opportunity.
Can YOU sift through the red herrings to discover the murderer before the local Big Cheese takes matters into his own hands?
In this 1920s' murder mystery dinner party or party game, there's been a homicide. The victim is the nephew of the local Big Cheese. So the homicide needs solving. Fast ...
"This is the third mystery I’ve done from Maple Mystery Games and I’ve enjoyed this one just as much as the previous two! We played with ten people virtually and good times were definitely had ..."
"A fantastic evening had by all! Fantastically written! The plot was creative with a few red herrings thrown in for good measure. This was our first murder mystery and after this, I will definitely be doing another."
"A fantastic mystery! Went perfectly with the family across Zoom. We all had a great time and really can’t wait to play another!"
"Great fun! Just spent a happy evening playing the virtual version with friends and family over the internet. Everyone had a great time playing their roles, and the mystery was good too."
Polite notes: please check how many wish to play BEFORE purchase. The two optional/minor characters are fully integrated and are suspects but have slightly smaller roles.
Gender of 8 essential players: 4 females, 3 males, 1 neutral
Gender of 2 optional/minor players: 2 neutrals
Number of suspects: 8 - 10
The Honourable Bunny Clifford-Smythe - (twin sister of Bertie) English flapper and minor aristocrat; now a private detective with dreams of being a fashion designer
Absolutely spiffing; old bean, we must catch this beastly murderer before Pa McNail sends his beastly goons to ice us all.
Mercy Sober - founder of the Moonshine Gap Temperance and Moralism Society; campaigning against flappers, drink, gambling, speakeasies, gangsters and ...
Engaged to Mayor O'Clipper
As the founder of the Moonshine Gap Temperance and Moralism Society, I must protest against ... Optionally blows tin horn / bangs drum to highlight (frequent) protests
Mary May - bootlegger (with Jimmy Joe) in the infamous McNail gang; as tough as any man but is in love with Jimmy Joe
“I ain’t fallen off no turnip truck; I may be a woman, but you respect me or I’ll cancel your birth certificate!” Frequently makes a fist at people.
Ruby Ellen - widow of Buster; jazz singer and flapper; grew up in Texas but wants to sing on Broadway
All y’all honeybees know, Buster was the honey of my heart; my one true love. Frequently, dabs eyes and places hand theatrically on heart.
Jimmy Joe - bootlegger (with Mary May) in the infamous McNail gang; sells the best moonshine this side of the mountains and has dreams of hitting the big-time
Dag nab it! I make the best moonshine this side of these tarn mountains
Mayor O'Clipper - on a mission to clear the town of bootlegging, drinking, gambling and gangsters
Originally from Texas; engaged to Mercy Sober
Howdy; I’m the most honest Mayor this little ol’ town has ever seen, darlin’
Whackem Will - gangster son of Pa McNail, that feared leader of the McNail gang; wants Bunny as his moll
Bursts into song and touches toy weapon when planning a hit
No-one messes with a McNail or a McNail’s doll; say that again and we’ll go for a drive!
The Honourable Bertie Clifford-Smythe - (twin brother or sister of Bunny) minor aristocrat; occasional actor and general "playboy or it girl without the money"
Awfully splendid, old fellow. Quite agree, old girl.
Donnie O'Clipper - flamboyant bartender or waitress; nephew or niece to Mayor O'Clipper
Wants to be a star in the new talkies
Toots, as a future star in those new talkies … Blows air kisses a lot
Scars McNail - gangster in training; nephew or niece to Whackem Will
Has a fierce temper and the scars to prove it!
Being a gangster is the berries! Drives to the mountains are soo fun!
Gender of 10 essential players: 5 females, 4 males, 1 neutral
Gender of 2 optional/minor players: 2 neutrals
Number of suspects: 10 - 12
The Honourable Bunny Clifford-Smythe - (twin sister of Bertie) English flapper and minor aristocrat; now a private detective with dreams of being a fashion designer
Absolutely spiffing; old bean, we must catch this beastly murderer before Pa McNail sends his beastly goons to ice us all.
Clara - French hoofer (dancer) and canary (singer) at The Big Tiger with dreams of conquering Broadway and winning a few hearts
Oh là là. Ruby Ellen screeches like a banshee; I sing like an angel.
Mary May - bootlegger (with Jimmy Joe) in the infamous McNail gang; as tough as any man but is in love with Jimmy Joe
“I ain’t fallen off no turnip truck; I may be a woman, but you respect me or I’ll cancel your birth certificate!” Frequently makes a fist at people.
Mercy Sober - founder of the Moonshine Gap Temperance and Moralism Society; campaigning against flappers, drink, gambling, speakeasies, gangsters and ...
Engaged to Mayor O'Clipper
As the founder of the Moonshine Gap Temperance and Moralism Society, I must protest against ... Optionally blows tin horn / bangs drum to highlight (frequent) protests
Ruby Ellen - widow of Buster; jazz singer and flapper; grew up in Texas but wants to sing on Broadway
All y’all honeybees know, Buster was the honey of my heart; my one true love. Frequently, dabs eyes and places hand theatrically on heart.
Agent Ted O'Clipper - straight-laced Prohibition Agent; in love with Clara
Duty is absolute; you can't bribe an O'Clipper
Jimmy Joe - bootlegger (with Mary May) in the infamous McNail gang; sells the best moonshine this side of the mountains and has dreams of hitting the big-time
Dag nab it! I make the best moonshine this side of these tarn mountains
Mayor O'Clipper - on a mission to clear the town of bootlegging, drinking, gambling and gangsters
Originally from Texas; engaged to Mercy Sober
Howdy; I’m the most honest Mayor this little ol’ town has ever seen, darlin’
Whackem Will - gangster son of Pa McNail, that feared leader of the McNail gang; wants Bunny as his moll
Bursts into song and touches toy weapon when planning a hit
No-one messes with a McNail or a McNail’s doll; say that again and we’ll go for a drive!
The Honourable Bertie Clifford-Smythe - (twin brother or sister of Bunny) minor aristocrat; occasional actor and general "playboy or it girl without the money"
Awfully splendid, old fellow. Quite agree, old girl.
Donnie O'Clipper - flamboyant bartender or waitress; nephew or niece to Mayor O'Clipper
Wants to be a star in the new talkies
Toots, as a future star in those new talkies … Blows air kisses a lot
Scars McNail - gangster in training; nephew or niece to Whackem Will
Has a fierce temper and the scars to prove it!
Being a gangster is the berries! Drives to the mountains are soo fun!
Gender of 12 essential players: 5 females, 4 males, 3 neutrals
Gender of 2 optional/minor players: 2 neutrals
Number of suspects: 12 - 14
The Honourable Bunny Clifford-Smythe - (twin sister of Bertie) English flapper and minor aristocrat; now a private detective with dreams of being a fashion designer
Absolutely spiffing; old bean, we must catch this beastly murderer before Pa McNail sends his beastly goons to ice us all.
Clara - French hoofer (dancer) and canary (singer) at The Big Tiger with dreams of conquering Broadway and winning a few hearts
Oh là là. Ruby Ellen screeches like a banshee; I sing like an angel.
Mary May - bootlegger (with Jimmy Joe) in the infamous McNail gang; as tough as any man but is in love with Jimmy Joe
“I ain’t fallen off no turnip truck; I may be a woman, but you respect me or I’ll cancel your birth certificate!” Frequently makes a fist at people.
Mercy Sober - founder of the Moonshine Gap Temperance and Moralism Society; campaigning against flappers, drink, gambling, speakeasies, gangsters and ...
Engaged to Mayor O'Clipper
As the founder of the Moonshine Gap Temperance and Moralism Society, I must protest against ... Optionally blows tin horn / bangs drum to highlight (frequent) protests
Ruby Ellen - widow of Buster; jazz singer and flapper; grew up in Texas but wants to sing on Broadway
All y’all honeybees know, Buster was the honey of my heart; my one true love. Frequently, dabs eyes and places hand theatrically on heart.
Agent Ted O'Clipper - straight-laced Prohibition Agent; in love with Clara
Duty is absolute; you can't bribe an O'Clipper
Jimmy Joe - bootlegger (with Mary May) in the infamous McNail gang; sells the best moonshine this side of the mountains and has dreams of hitting the big-time
Dag nab it! I make the best moonshine this side of these tarn mountains
Mayor O'Clipper - on a mission to clear the town of bootlegging, drinking, gambling and gangsters
Originally from Texas; engaged to Mercy Sober
Howdy; I’m the most honest Mayor this little ol’ town has ever seen, darlin’
Whackem Will - gangster son of Pa McNail, that feared leader of the McNail gang; wants Bunny as his moll
Bursts into song and touches toy weapon when planning a hit
No-one messes with a McNail or a McNail’s doll; say that again and we’ll go for a drive!
Agent Toni O'Clipper - straight-laced Prohibition Agent; thinks raiding speakeasies is fun
We're the best Prohibition Agents you've never seen; our disguises are the cat’s pyjamas. Offer Agents Ted or Toni a drink and you can cool off in the cooler. So very fun.
The Honourable Bertie Clifford-Smythe - (twin brother or sister of Bunny) minor aristocrat; occasional actor and general "playboy or it girl without the money". If female, think flapper.
Awfully splendid, old fellow. Quite agree, old girl.
Scars McNail - gangster in training; nephew or niece to Whackem Will
Has a fierce temper and the scars to prove it!
Being a gangster is the berries! Drives to the mountains are soo fun!
Donnie O'Clipper - flamboyant bartender or waitress; nephew or niece to Mayor O'Clipper
Wants to be a star in the new talkies
Toots, as a future star in those new talkies … Blows air kisses a lot
Sam "Fast Guns" McNail - gangster; cousin to Whackem Will
Has a fierce temper and is the best shooter this side of the mountains.
I ain't called Sam "Fast Guns" McNail for nothing. Violence is so sad - sometimes, but I get real angry real quick. You've been warned!
You don't have to decorate, serve up authentic speakeasy food or splash out on 20s' costumes to enjoy your party; you and your guests can have a swell time with minimal work.
But, if you want to make your murder mystery party the bee's knees - or even the cat's pyjamas! - the Roaring Twenties offers so much scope for swell decorations and costumes that are just berries, doll! As speakeasies in this period largely offered quick finger food to mop up all the alcohol, authentic food can be also provided with minimal cooking.
Fish based = Lobster canapes, caviar rolls, crabmeat cocktails, shrimp cocktail, shrimp patties, oyster toast, Oysters Rockefeller, jellied anchovy mould
Non-meat = Devilled eggs, stuffed eggs, savoury cheese balls, cheese platter with olives and grapes, stuffed mushrooms, stuffed eggs, egg & mayonnaise finger sandwiches, stuffed eggplants or peppers (served hot or cold)
Meat = sliced roast turkey, sliced roast ham, sliced sausages, pigs in blankets, antipasto platter
Salads = Waldorf salad, shredded cabbage salad or Chinese chicken salad
Hot Food = Hoover stew, Macaroni and cheese, Chicken à la King, potato croquettes, chicken croquettes, meat loaf
Dessert = pineapple upside-down cake; fruit cocktail cups topped with marshmallows or powdered sugar, pumpkin or cherry pie, lemon meringue pie, Lady Baltimore Cake, strawberry shortcake, chocolate ice box cake, fruit jelly
Cocktails are the bee’s knees, doll; especially those with gin or champagne.
Or try a Bathtub Gin Punch or a Planter's Punch (serve in teacups for authenticity!).
Absinthe, or The Green Fairy, was a popular Prohibition drink due to its hallucinogenic properties; a slightly different recipe can now be bought legally.
Mocktails, lemonade, soda pop or iced tea are ideal for non-alcoholic drinks.
You don't have to dress up to have a swell party, doll. ... but there IS a Best Costume award! Many customers find that making a little bit of effort with costumes, even if it is just a token headband for flappers or toy gun for gangsters, adds to everyone's enjoyment of the evening.
Some people just adapt what they have in their wardrobes, others buy a few token props, others still buy an entire outfit from charity shops or online outlets. The choice is entirely yours.
Flappers (Bunny, Ruby Ellen, Donnie if Played by a Female)
Beaded, fringed knee-length dress. Or a sequinned, bare-backed evening dress with feather & rhinestone headband. Optional long black gloves, fringed velvet shawl or feather boa, long pearl or tassel necklace.
Gangsters (Whackem Will and Scars)
A dark, possibly striped, three-piece suit; colourful striped shirt with white collar. Contrasting tie. White or black band fedora hat with a contrasting band or a Panama hat slightly tilted; slicked-back hair. Cigar. TOY (for safety) Tommy Gun or other weapon. Buttonhole of red carnations.
Alleged Bootleggers (Jimmy Joe and Mary May)
Dungarees (or trousers with braces) plus an open-necked shirt. Broad-rimmed hat. TOY (for safety) weapon of your choice. Deep pockets, or bottles strapped to your body or legs, to hide that all-important moonshine. Fake beard (Jimmy Joe) and long hair optional.
Temperance and Moralism Society Protester (Mercy Sober)
Think old-fashioned, dowdy and modest with greys or dark colours or a dark skirt and white blouse. Try Edwardian, maybe even Victorian: high neckline, floor-length skirts, full-length sleeves. Starched white apron. White cap, bonnet or large broad-rimmed hat. Black gloves. Pearls and brooch optional. Optional placard or tin horn/drum (for noisy protests).
Mayor O'Clipper
Three-piece suit or full tuxedo. White wingtip collar shirt. Black bowtie or a colourful tie with a matching pocket-handkerchief. For the height of fashion, add a matching coloured band around the base of a fedora hat. Cigar.
This is a fun, light-hearted game for adults but many parents will feel happy allowing teens 13+ to attend. This is down to parental judgment.
There is no bad language in the mystery and all subjects are handled in a light-hearted, non-explicit way.
Mild Sexual References
It's the Roaring Twenties, doll, and there are allegations (denied) of an extra-marital affair; there are also allegations (denied) that one character had an illegitimate child/children. No explicit details are given.
Mild Alcoholic References
The mystery is set in a 1920s' speakeasy, where illegal alcohol is (allegedly) sold; there is also a bootlegging theme. There are references to characters drinking alcohol.
Mild Comic Violence
The gangsters threaten other characters on a frequent basis with a TOY weapon and threats of "going for a ride to the mountains".
Gambling
There are references to gambling.
Sensitive Subjects
This is intended as a light-hearted, fun mystery and most will not be upset; as with all parties, however, life experiences determine how your guests will react.
The victim is whacked over the head and then stabbed with a bottle of illegal moonshine.
There is talk of a failed hit on the local Big Cheese before the mystery begins.
There are allegations (denied) that one character gave her child/children to be adopted.
Try Some Roaring 20s' Dances
Who hasn't heard of The Charleston, that famous 20s' dance named after the city of Charleston in South Carolina? The flappers loved this dance - although bluenoses such as The Moonshine Gap Temperance and Moralism Society campaigned to have it banned! The dance is obscene, they claimed - ladies' legs could be seen and those shameless flappers rouged their knees to draw gentlemen's attention!
Other dances popular in the Roaring Twenties were The Breakaway, The Black Bottom, The Shimmy, The Toddle and the Lindy Hop. Then there were the more traditional ballroom dances such as the Foxtrot, Waltz and American Tango.
Play Jazz - That Most Popular of All Twenties' Music
What better way to set the scene for a Roaring Twenties' Speakeasy mystery than to play the type of music that dominated the speakeasies in the twenties? We're talking jazz, doll, the music of moonshine and underground bars (speakeasies). Stars such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and King Oliver rose up through the speakeasies; other bar owners hired jazz bands to create that all-important party mood.
A few famous songs of the decade are "Heebie Jeebies" and "The St Louis Blues" (Louis Armstrong), "Ain't Misbehavin" and "Honeysuckle Rose" (Fats Waller), "Gulf Coast Blues" and "I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle" (Bessie Smith, that celebrated Empress of Blues), "Rhapsody in Blue" (George Gershwin composition), "In the Jailhouse Now" (Jimmie Rodgers), "Makin' Whoopee" (Eddie Cantor), and "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" and "The Mooche" (Duke Ellington).
Don't be a Bluenose - Be The Bee's Knees with the Right Slang
Each Party Booklet begins with an introduction in 20s' slang:
"The Big Tiger is THE speakeasy in town, doll. The world wants to hear that swell jazz singing, watch those hotsy-totsy dancers and, of course, drink that famous moonshine!
Enjoy your giggle water as you Charleston the night away. Forget about the Temperance Movement and the Mayor’s new crackdown.
Everything is Jake! Be the bee's knees and order more foot juice - but be prepared to beat it or 23 skidoo if your secrets are found out ..."
Full host instructions to throw a swell 20s' murder mystery party. Separate host instructions for virtual parties (and also a host tip sheet for virtual parties). Your host instructions for the party are highlighted in orange.
View Host Instructions For Virtual Party
View Host Instructions For Face-to-Face Party
Be the bee's knees, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's miaow.
Just one fold and you have an attractive A5 booklet with borders and an easy-to-read font. The front page, a copy of Moonshine Gap News, gives a bite-sized introduction to the murder mystery background.
The 1920s'-style Invitation is supplied as a Word document with editable fields and a background image.
View Sample Invitation - At Home Parties
View Sample Invitation - Virtual Parties
A short MP3 audio introduction to set the scene; a short MP3 audio solution in addition to the optional Whodunnit round. Should you have any problems, there is a printed backup.
Suitable for both beginners and experienced crime-solvers! Our prompt cards CAN be read like a script (ideal for those who find ad-libs difficult). More out-going players, however, can use their own words and ad-lib as much as they wish.
These neat A5 booklets include the game instructions, round prompt cards, map, accusation sheet and optional interactive whodunnit round in one easy-to-print booklet for each character, with colours and font themed for the 1920s.
Clues enable evidence to be presented in bite-sized chunks.
Certificates for the best actor, best costume and best solution are in a swell Roaring Twenties' style, doll. You may if you wish provide prizes as well.
The virtual option also has certificates for the best decorations and food.
Themes: 1920s = The Roaring Twenties, Speakeasy, Prohibition, Gangsters and Flappers
Murder Mid-Party?: No
Host Plays a Character?: Yes
Format: optional initial mingling session, 6 rounds (flexible "script" where players can substitute own words, ad-lib and don't know what others will say), optional interactive whodunnit
Availability: instant download (pdfs + 2 audio MP3 files with a printed fallback + editable Word invitations & menus)
Essential Printing Required by host or guests (unless players use a device to read): invites, pre-party booklets and party booklets = 6 A4 pages per person (if double-sided) or 12 A4 pages per player (if single-sided). There are also 10 pages of essential clues. We provide other optional files that players and hosts can if they wish print.
File Sizes: 3 zip files (1500KB, 3950 - 5500 KB, 7650 - 10650 KB), 2 audios, plus two optional zip files
Time: 1.75 - 2.75+ hours (depends on party size and number of ad-libs); food and chatting breaks in addition
Age: Adult and most teens 13+ (See Age & Sensitivities above).
Type: virtual party (ideal for Corona lockdown) or house or garden party.
Dinner Party: 6 - 8 Players - 3 females, 3 males, 0 - 2 neutrals (£17)
Party: 8 - 10 Players - 4 females, 3 males, 1 -3 neutrals (£21)
Party: 10 - 12 Players - 5 females, 4 males, 1 - 3 neutrals (£25)
Party: 12 - 14 Players - 5 females, 4 males, 3 - 5 neutrals (£29)
Cost: £17 - £29 (payment via PayPal)
Discount for an additional version (different number of players) of THIS mystery: 40% discount. (Please email us via our contact form if this is required.)
Renee Kennedy (verified owner) –
We loved the 1920’s Murder Mystery. We played as a family — online — in various parts of the world (the US, Germany, and Singapore). For the US members, our “party” started at 8am! The game was super organized and worked well, even though half of the party-goers had not read through their roles in advance! Also, our family was a mix of the older generation, middle-agers and three teenagers. The game was fun for everyone. I would highly recommend this game, especially during covid-19 days.
Cerissa Harper (verified owner) –
The game was certainly entertaining! The dialogue was a bit repetitive in nature and because it was written in a script format it made it a little difficult to follow the overall development of the plot because you had to pay close attention to when it was your turn in the script but it was fun.
Note from Maple Mystery Games: dialogue suggestions give players (optional) catchphrases that can be repeated with a few variations throughout the party; our research has found that most players find this helps them to ham up their role and have a good time. If players prefer, however, these catchphrases can be omitted and the party will run just fine without them. We have since (slightly) changed a few catchphrases to add a little more variety whilst still making the characters fun.
Kelly Hollidge –
So much fun! I’ve done the 1990s and 1920s one, with work colleagues and friends – both fantastic. Lots of thought into the packs and extras and such good value for money. Would highly recommend sending the packs to people a few days before like the instructions say – gives everyone lots of time to get into character. FIVE STARS all round.
Stephanie (verified owner) –
This is the third mystery I’ve done from Maple Mystery Games and I’ve enjoyed this one just as much as the previous two! We played with ten people virtually and good times were definitely had (the 1920’s theme which included lots of moonshine opportunities may have helped…) The game box included all the necessary files in an easy to navigate organizational system and included plenty of helpful décor and design files to help make the virtual experience as immersive as possible. The characters were all unique, fun, and full of personality with plenty of opportunity for the players to play them as big or as conservatively as they were comfortable with. With lots of motivation given to each character, the murderer could be anyone! Definitely recommend for a light hang with some good friends.
D Carter –
Great fun! Just spent a happy evening playing the virtual version with friends and family over the internet. Everyone had a great time playing their roles, and the mystery was good too.
Harry Charles (verified owner) –
A fantastic mystery! Went perfectly with the family across Zoom. We all had a great time and really can’t wait to play another!
Mark –
Great, enjoyable evening. Interesting characters, lots of twists, can you work out whodunnit?
Robyn Brunning –
A fantastic evening had by all! Fantastically written! The plot was creative with a few red herrings thrown in for good measure. This was our first murder mystery and after this I will definitely be doing another.