$22.94 – $39.13
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!
charlotte harrison (verified owner) –
None of us had done a virtual murder mystery before and didn’t know what to expect. After the first round we got into the swing of it and we had so much fun. We all got dressed up and it made the evening very fun.
Kate (verified owner) –
Thank you John and Jan for a fab night that really did brighten up a lockdown birthday! Everything was really clear and easy to plan. It was so exciting receiving everything and it was a great event to look forward to. The event ran smoothly and everyone seemed to have a really good night. We played with 12 people over zoom and it worked really well. We also split off into breakout rooms for the mingling which worked really well. I would definitely do one again. Hopefully in person next time!
Jane Murrell (verified owner) –
Great fun!
This was our first murder mystery party so we didn’t know what to expect but we had a blast. It was really easy to play and very enjoyable.
We decided we would do this as our New Years eve entertainment with another family via zoom and we all had such a laugh, getting dressed up, getting in to character, setting the table and making cocktails and food that met the theme. It worked really well around having a meal, with regular food and drink intervals.
Rebecca Mcintyre (verified owner) –
Works great as a Zoom social! A lot less effort than many, the host can join in, and there’s a script if you know you’ll drink too much moonshine to remember what anyone has said (that’s us!). We were 6 couples celebrating a 50th in Jan lockdown 2021. It works well if you give real couples characters who are in couples, as in the script they interact, so there can be some real acting. Like a clip around the ear or a marriage proposal.
Andrew Bennett (verified owner) –
Absolutely brilliant evening!
Format, files and information and provided led to it running really well; even though some us didn’t do any pre-reading before the night, it was still easy to pick up. Suggestions of decorations went down well. Only half of us managed to work out the ‘murderer’…though this could have been due to the Moonshine we were drinking! Will definitely do again.
Katie Hodgson (verified owner) –
Our first time murdering online although we have lots of experience in person!! Game set up was really straightforward & it was easy to identify which files to send where.
Script really helped on zoom as would be trickier with more adlibs leading to speaking over each other. We will definitely play another one soon.
Mia Sturges (verified owner) –
As we couldn’t all be together in person at Christmas this year, we took ourselves back a century to The Big Tiger via zoom. It was hilarious but there were some well-dodgy characters around then! We were very impressed with the game, files and instructions and general tips for organising a murder mystery remotely. Would definitely recommend.
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.