$22.92 – $39.09
Story and Characters for this Swell 1920s’ Murder Mystery Game
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 and a bootlegging scheme is uncovered, the authorities want order, rummy. Law enforcers declare their intentions of ridding the town of drink, gambling and gangsters and the Temperance Society campaigns against that most scandalous of dances, The Charleston.
Yet in this hilarious, light-hearted 1920s' murder mystery party, everyone has secrets and everyone has the opportunity. But the victim is the nephew of the local Big Cheese. So the homicide needs solving. Fast ...
Can YOU sift through the red herrings to discover the murderer before the local Big Cheese takes matters into his own hands?
This is a fun, light-hearted 1920s' murder mystery dinner party or party game that will transport your guests back into the excitement of the Jazz Age when The Big Tiger was THE speakeasy in town, doll.
This swell Twenties' game has a mix of gangsters and flappers, bootleggers and law enforcers
and
a very fearsome Temperance and Moralism Society campaigner!
Polite notes: please check how many wish to play BEFORE purchase.
Murder Mystery Dinner Party Game: 6 - 8 Players
Gender of 6 essential players: 3 females, 3 males
Gender of 2 optional/minor players: 2 neutrals
Number of suspects: 6 - 8
Female Suspects
The Honourable Bunny Clifford-Smythe - 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
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.
Male Suspects
Jimmy Joe - bootlegger 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!
Optional/Minor Suspects - Gender Neutral
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!
Murder Mystery Party Game: 8 - 10 Players
Gender of 8 essential players: 4 females, 3 males, 1 neutral
Gender of 2 optional/minor players: 2 neutrals
Number of suspects: 8 - 10
Female Suspects
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.
Male Suspects
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!
Gender Neutral Suspects
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.
Optional/Minor Suspects - Gender Neutral
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!
Murder Mystery Party Game: 10 - 12 Players
Gender of 10 essential players: 5 females, 4 males, 1 neutral
Gender of 2 optional/minor players: 2 neutrals
Number of suspects: 10 - 12
Female Suspects
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.
Male Suspects
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!
Gender Neutral Suspect
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.
Optional/Minor Suspects - Gender Neutral
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!
Murder Mystery Party Game: 12 - 14 Players
Gender of 12 essential players: 5 females, 4 males, 3 neutrals
Gender of 2 optional/minor players: 2 neutrals
Number of suspects: 12 - 14
Female Suspects
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.
Male Suspects
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!
Gender Neutral Suspects
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!
Optional/Minor Suspects - Gender Neutral
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!
Sophy Azzopardi (verified owner) –
I hosted a mixed age group pre Christmas party and it was a great success!
It took a little while to get my head around the instructions, and there was a lot of printing involved, but it was well worth it as everyone had a brilliant night. We’re already planning our next one!
Loretta Dignam (verified owner) –
Well done! Great game. There were 10 of us. Pre invites were great to get everyone into the swing of it. Dressing up and accents was the highlight.
Definitely recommended!
Theresa Clinton (verified owner) –
Great & affordable murder mystery game that provided many laughs along the way. The only thing that I would mention is that it would be great if all characters had the script of when all characters spoke. But other than that, I highly recommend
Makesha Rainey –
Thank you Mrs. Jan for allowing us to use your game as a fundraiser for our community theatre! We were able to adjust and use the story line as improv, interactive dinner theatre! We had an awesome time putting it on and our guests raved about how well it went and are asking for more! I can not wait to do another one. The kit is set up with all you need to host a night of fun as a game, including signs, audio files and dialogue. Our actors used the dialogue as a guideline for the answers to guests questions. Pre-party books were awesome for characterization and knowing the story.
Jonathan Cobbold (verified owner) –
Many thanks for a great service and product. We had 19 people and doubled up from 14 which, despite the intelligent and ferrel group I had to control!….was great fun and v clear and it just ran itself. All said they want to now do all the others and we will work through every game please. Again much appreciated. Ten out of ten with all the attention to detail with flyers and posters and name badges …amazing.
Carolyn Ruffles (verified owner) –
What a swell murder mystery game this was! Great characters and a thoroughly entertaining script. We had lots of fun attempting the accents (with varying degrees of success). As usual with a Maple Mystery Games, instructions were easy to follow and the outcome was well crafted into the dialogue. Unlike many such games, the clues are there to spot the murderer (even though I didn’t). Absolutely spiffing fun.
Rashmi Menon (verified owner) –
I got the 1920s speakeasy as a surprise for my sister’s birthday party. She loves the historical times especially the 1900s. I had her and our friends dress up and used the suggested decorations for the party. To say we had a blast would be an understatement! The entire group enjoyed solving the murder mystery. It was one of the liveliest parties we attended since the pandemic. I recommend this game to any murder mystery fan!
Chris (verified owner) –
This was absolutely brilliant. We did it over Skype with 4 different bubbles. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, although at times we didn’t have any idea of what was going on especially when certain parties ad-libbed. I would recommend this mystery to anyone.
sharon lloyd (verified owner) –
A brilliant evening had by my whole family to celebrate my mum’s 70th. We enjoyed dressing up and trying to work out who the murderer was! The script is easy to follow and there are so many suggestions and ideas to make the evening really fun and to be able to get into character. Would definitely recommend it
Karis (verified owner) –
Honestly it was the most fun I’ve had in lockdown! Did it for two of my friends birthday over zoom everyone dressed like the characters thanks to the information provided! We also made gift bags and dropped them to everyone’s houses with all the scripts etc in! The best part is I was the host and I even didn’t know until the big reveal! Defo will do again!