Name: Murder at Horror Castle
SKU: horrorcastle
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.00 (12 reviews)

Story and Characters for this Spooky Fantasy Horror or Halloween Murder Mystery Game

Fantasy horror murder mystery party game where witches plot, vampires, zombies, demons and serial killers backstab and poltergeists create mayhem.

Creatures of nightmare want an ancient curse to come true so they can overrun the Earth and feed on mankind. Only the powerful Witch Kingdom stands in their way.

The Witch King has summoned representatives from the supernatural and human worlds to his court at Horror Castle.

And, as the feast ends and the peace treaty is due to be signed, a murderer strikes. Or is it the ancient curse?

Prince Merlyn, the son of the Witch King, is found. Dead. Killed with a magical silver dagger.

The suspects are slung into a deep dungeon while investigations are underway. They are released to face an investigation by the fearsome Head of Witch Kingdom Security.

If found guilty, a terrifying fate awaits ...

Instant download lets you host a fun horror fantasy murder mystery party. Face-to-face and virtual options. Ideal for Halloween but suitable for any time of year.

This fun fantasy horror murder mystery party game has a spooky mix of vampires and the undead (zombies), serial killers and terrifying Head of Witch Kingdom Security

and

pesky poltergeists and a pompous Witch lord or lady. Some versions also have demons or mutants.

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.

Murder Mystery Party Game: 6 - 8 Players

Gender of 6 essential players: 1 female, 2 males, 3 neutrals
Gender of 2 optional (minor) players: 2 neutrals
Suspects: 6 - 8

Required Female Suspect

Vamp - a vampire Ambassador for the Blood Kingdom; glamorous, sexy and devious.
My favourite honeybite; I do so love men with good necks.

Required Male Suspects

Lord Dredd Bonecracker - fearsome Head of Witch Kingdom Security.
Bones-a-cracking, I do love supervising those dungeons. I’m not called Bonecracker for nothing!

Mac MacMoon - Scottish Laird of Horror Castle in its Earthly dimension; runs the castle as a Haunted Hostel where guests may stay - if they dare!
Och, if ye think I’ve murdered some wizard, then yer oot yer tree!

Required Gender-Neutral Suspects

Ghostie - one of two resident poltergeists; loves telling bad ghost jokes, playing terrible pranks and a bit too fond of Witches' Brew.
I’m a nobody. No body? Get it? Whoooooo! As public-spirited as we are ...

Grimm Greaper - zombie Ambassador of the Undead Kingdom with some grudges to settle; uses Diviner Cards to predict all bad things.
Death and darkness to all!

Lord or Lady Croke - new heir to the throne; pompous and generally disliked.
As the new heir to the throne, I now expect to be called Your Highness. I'll have the heart of anyone who ...

Optional Gender-Neutral Suspects

Count or Countess Drakuna - vampire Ambassador of the Blood Kingdom; arrogant and pompous.
Blood and bones! – blood preferably ...

Spookie - the other resident poltergeist; also loves telling bad ghost jokes, playing terrible pranks and is a bit too fond of Witches' Brew.
You could say we're a bit high-spirited ...

Murder Mystery Party Game: 8 - 10 Players

Gender of 8 essential players: 2 females, 3 males, 3 neutrals
Gender of 2 optional (minor) players: 2 neutrals
Suspects: 8 - 10

Required Female Suspects

Bea Eville - demon or mutant Ambassador of the Soul Kingdom; uses Diviner Cards to predict all bad things but is seductive and devious.
Bless your sweet little soul ...

Vamp - a vampire Ambassador for the Blood Kingdom; glamorous, sexy and devious.
My favourite honeybite; I do so love men with good necks.

Required Male Suspects

Lord Dredd Bonecracker - fearsome Head of Witch Kingdom Security.
Bones-a-cracking, I do love supervising those dungeons. I’m not called Bonecracker for nothing!

Lord Croke - new heir to the throne; pompous, arrogant and generally disliked.
As the new heir to the throne, I now expect to be called Your Highness. I'll have the heart of anyone who ...

Required Gender-Neutral Suspects

Count or Countess Drakuna - vampire Ambassador of the Blood Kingdom; arrogant and pompous.
Blood and bones! – blood preferably ...

Grimm Greaper - zombie Ambassador of the Undead Kingdom with some grudges to settle.
Death and darkness to all!

Optional Gender-Neutral Suspects

Bo GeyMan - demon or mutant Ambassador of the Soul Kingdom; reads skulls to make psychic predictions.
Our SOS - Storage of Souls - offer really is so generous; we'll arrange your death for you and then your soul can live on in us. What could be fairer?

Spookie - the other resident poltergeist; also loves telling bad ghost jokes, playing terrible pranks and is a bit too fond of Witches' Brew.
You could say we're a bit high-spirited ...

Murder Mystery Party Game: 10 - 12 Players

Gender of 10 essential players: 3 females, 3 males, 4 neutrals
Gender of 2 optional (minor) players: 2 neutrals
Suspects: 10 - 12

Required Female Suspects

Bea Eville - demon or mutant Ambassador of the Soul Kingdom; uses Diviner Cards to predict all bad things but is seductive and devious.
Bless your sweet little soul ...

Lady Crow - fiancé of Lord Croke; arrogant, tactless and generally disliked .
His Dearest Highness, Lord Croke, is the esteemed heir to the throne. As the most important lady in the Witch Kingdom; I will be treated with respect.

Vamp - a vampire Ambassador for the Blood Kingdom; glamorous, sexy and devious.
My favourite honeybite; I do so love men with good necks.

Required Male Suspects

Lord Dredd Bonecracker - fearsome Head of Witch Kingdom Security.
Bones-a-cracking, I do love supervising those dungeons. I’m not called Bonecracker for nothing!

Lord Croke - new heir to the throne; pompous and arrogant in the extreme.
As the new heir to the throne, I now expect to be called Your Highness. I'll have the heart of anyone who ...

Required Gender-Neutral Suspects

Count or Countess Drakuna - vampire Ambassador of the Blood Kingdom; arrogant and pompous.
Blood and bones! – blood preferably ...

Grimm Greaper - zombie Ambassador of the Undead Kingdom with some grudges to settle.
Death and darkness to all!

Ghostie - one of three resident poltergeists; loves telling bad ghost jokes, playing terrible pranks and a bit too fond of Witches' Brew.
I’m a nobody. No body? Get it? Whoooooo! As public-spirited as we are ...

Spookie - one of three resident poltergeists; also loves telling bad ghost jokes, playing terrible pranks and is a bit too fond of Witches' Brew.
You could say we're a bit high-spirited ...

Optional Gender-Neutral Suspects

Shady - one of three resident poltergeists; also loves telling bad ghost jokes, playing terrible pranks and is a bit too fond of Witches' Brew.
Ghostie and Spookie are kindred spirits; it’s dead certain that ...

Murder Mystery Party Game: 12 - 14 Players

Gender of 12 essential players: 5 females, 3 males, 4 neutrals
Gender of 2 optional (minor) players: 2 neutrals
Suspects: 12 - 14

Required Female Suspects

Bea Eville - demon or mutant Ambassador of the Soul Kingdom; uses Diviner Cards to predict all bad things but is seductive and devious.
Bless your sweet little soul ...

Lady Crow - fiancé of Lord Croke; arrogant, tactless and generally disliked .
His Dearest Highness, Lord Croke, is the esteemed heir to the throne. As the most important lady in the Witch Kingdom; I will be treated with respect.

DK Ing - zombie Ambassador of the Undead Kingdom; would-be sexy undead.
Rotting but not rotten; I'm a lover not a murderer; any takers?

Jac MacMoon - Scottish Lady of Horror Castle in its Earthly dimension; aggressively domineering wife of Mac; runs the castle as a Haunted Hostel where guests may stay - if they dare!
Och wee hen; that's my man and ye better stay away! Or else.

Vamp - a vampire Ambassador for the Blood Kingdom; glamorous, sexy and devious.
My favourite honeybite; I do so love men with good necks.

Required Male Suspects

Lord Dredd Bonecracker - fearsome Head of Witch Kingdom Security.
Bones-a-cracking, I do love supervising those dungeons. I’m not called Bonecracker for nothing!

Mac MacMoon - Scottish Laird of Horror Castle in its Earthly dimension; hen-pecked wife of Jac; runs the castle as a Haunted Hostel where guests may stay - if they dare!
Och, if ye think I’ve murdered some wizard, then yer oot yer tree!

Lord Croke - new heir to the throne; pompous and arrogant in the extreme.
As the new heir to the throne, I now expect to be called Your Highness. I'll have the heart of anyone who ...

Required Gender-Neutral Suspects

Count or Countess Drakuna - vampire Ambassador of the Blood Kingdom; arrogant and pompous.
Blood and bones! – blood preferably ...

Grimm Greaper - zombie Ambassador of the Undead Kingdom with some grudge to settle.
Death and darkness to all!

Spookie - one of three resident poltergeists; also loves telling bad ghost jokes, playing terrible pranks and is a bit too fond of Witches' Brew.
You could say we're a bit high-spirited ...

Optional Gender-Neutral Suspects

Running Your Fantasy Horror or Halloween Murder Mystery Party

Age Guidance and Sensitivities

This is intended as an adult mystery but many parents will be happy for teens aged 14+ to attend. This is very much down to the individual family and the maturity of the teenager.

Vampires, Zombies, Ghosts, Witches, Warlocks, Demons, Mutants

This is a fantasy horror mystery and so there are vampires, zombies, ghosts, witches, warlocks, demons and mutants. The tone is fairly light-hearted but if you find the supernatural offensive, this may not be a mystery for you.

Mild Violence

Some characters make threats such as "tortured for eternity" but no explicit details are given. There are references to executions and killings. There is a serial killer - but no explicit details are given.

Mild Sexual Innuendos and Flirtations

One character - a vampire - is a professional seductress. She calls people "my favourite honeybite" and might say lines such as "I do so like men with a good neck". No explicit details are given.

In the larger parties (8 - 10 players and upwards), Bea Eville is also seductive and devious. Again, no explicit details are given.

There is no bad language.

The host instructions give details of who Vamp and Bea Eville may flirt with so couples can be paired (if you wish).

Mild Gore

There are references to blood (there are vampire characters!) but these references are largely comic.

Alcohol

Some characters are said to be too fond of Witches' Brew.

Suggested Accent

Mac is prompted to speak with a Scottish accent. In the 12-14 player version, Jac is also Scottish.

Sensitive Subjects

The victim was stabbed with an ancient, magical, silver dagger - one of two such daggers in existence able to kill a witch of royal blood. No explicit details are given.

There are no religious references, but the Soul Kingdom is made up of demons and mutants who wish to feed off the souls of living creatures. As with everything, this is handled in a light-hearted way.

How Our Murder Mysteries Work

Murder Mid-Party?: No - the victim is killed before the party begins so all players can keep the same role throughout the evening.

Host Plays a Character?: Yes.

Random murderer?: No – we carefully organize clues throughout the game so that only a particular person or persons can be guilty. We find that this gives a more satisfactory solution than whodunnit games where the killer is chosen on the night.

Format

Short optional initial mingling session - guests get to know the main themes of the evening and learn who is who while solving personal objectives.
Audio introduction is played.
6 rounds with a "flexible" script - players can substitute their own words, ad-lib and don't know what others will say.
Optional interactive whodunnit round - many red herrings are cleared up as everyone declares their innocence and hams up their role for a final time.
Audio solution is played.

A sample set of initial mingling instructions can be seen on the last page of a Sample Pre-party Booklet.

A sample "flexible" script can be seen in a Sample Party Booklet and in the illustration below:

Example of a character Party Booklet for Murder at Horror Castle with an example of our flexible script; example shown is the booklet for Mac.

Themes: Fantasy, Horror, Halloween, Vampires, Zombies, Ghosts

Availability: instant download on payment receipt (pdfs + 2 audio MP3 files with a printed fallback + editable Word invitations & menus); supplied in zip files

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 player (if double-sided) or 12 A4 pages per player (if single-sided). There are also 7 pages of essential clues. We provide other optional files that players and hosts can if they wish print.

File Sizes:

Host Instructions zip = 2,212 KB
Pre-party zip = 4,469 - 6,574 KB
Party zip = 6,155 - 10,157 KB
Two audio MP£ files with a printed fallback = 2762 KB and 3,335 KB
Optional zip file for decorations = 16,785 KB
Optional menu and place setting card zip = 4,751 - 4,717 KB

Time: 1.75 - 3+ hours (depends on party size and number of ad-libs); food and chatting breaks in addition

Age: Adults and most teens age 14+. (See Age & Sensitivities above for parental guidance.)

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.)

Included With Your Murder Mystery Game Kit Purchase - All Ready for Instant Download!

Downloadable party pack for Murder at Horror Castle includes low ink printing, decorations and audios

Choice: the menu and place setting cards are available in a conventional horror-themed format or as a coffin template. The room signs are available in a grey and red, blood-splattered design or as a light and humorous ghost theme.

1 Comprehensive, Easy-to-Follow Host Instructions

16-page Host Instruction Booklet includes everything you need to assign characters to guests and to plan a spooktacular party. It includes pre-party host instructions together with approximate timings for the evening, a format of how the evening works, information needed to assign characters to guests, printing information, and decorations. There is also a tip sheet for virtual parties.

View Host Instructions for Face-to-Face Party

View Host Instructions for Virtual Party

We have also included additional pages of helpful, detailed content on adding a spooky element to your party with our food, drink, decoration, and music tips.

View helpful Horror and Halloween party hosting tips.

Host information provided for Murder at Horror Castle. Information includes host instruction booklet and lots of helpful pages on decorations, food and drink and party photos.

Example of a Pre-party Booklet for Murder at Horror Castle; example shown is the booklet for Ghostie.

2 Pre-party Information to Send to Guests

Just one fold and you have an attractive A5 (Half Letter) booklet with borders. The front page, a copy of Witch Kingdom News, gives a bite-sized introduction to the murder mystery background. Each character also has a personal bio, costume suggestions, suggested mannerisms and quirks, and also a “secret” motive for murder. The booklets also contain a list of suspects conveniently grouped into which kingdom the suspect belongs to.

View Sample Pre-party Booklet

The spooky Invitation is supplied as a Word document with editable fields. We offer two versions: striking (for emailing to guests) and one that uses less ink (for printing).

View Party Invitation – High Ink

View Party Invitation – Low Ink

3 Well-designed Party Kit

Party booklets for each character – 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 outgoing players, however, can use their own words and ad-lib as much as they wish.

These neat A5 (Half Letter) booklets include the game instructions, round prompt cards, map, accusation sheet, and optional interactive whodunnit round in one booklet for each character; headings are given in a special horror font.

View Sample Party Booklet

Attractive Clues – enable evidence to be presented in bite-sized chunks.

View Sample Clue

Optional Name Tags – useful for the initial mingling.

Award Certificates – there are certificates for the best actor, best costume, and best solution; optional certificates for best decor and best food. All have an eerie background. Optionally, you can provide prizes as well.

View Sample Award

Audio Introduction and Solution – both MP3 audios feature two professional voiceover actors and a mix of eerie background music. Should you have any problems, there is a printed backup.

Example of Murder at Horror Castle game kit decoration printouts and also menu and place setting cards.

4 Plenty of (Optional) Printouts

Optional Printouts for Decorations – go for scary, gory, Gothic or light-hearted fun as you wish. Or, if running as a Halloween murder mystery party, choose a conventional Halloween theme.

List of Game Printouts

Internal signs in a Light-Hearted Ghost-Theme

Bathroom
Banqueting Chamber
Kitchen
Lounge
Treaty Room
Weapons Room
Haunting Grounds
Ghosts Keep Out
Ghosts Welcome

Signs in a Grey and Red "Blood" Theme:

Enter if You Dare
Bathroom
Banqueting Chamber
Kitchen
Lounge
Treaty Room
Weapons Room
Portals' Room

Posters

Beware: Vampires
Protect Our Poltergeists
Spooks for Snoops
Horror Power Party: Together We Can Overcome the Witch Kingdom
Beware Horror Power Party
Storage of Souls
Let Earth Scream
Mankind is Dying to Meet Us
Storage of Souls

Curse of the Vampire King - an attractive blood-splattered scroll

Labels for Wine Bottles

Vampire's Blood
Witches' Brew
Vampire's Kiss
Bats in the Brewery
Gravestone Wine
Castle of Horrors
Something Wicked
Tis the Season to be Spooky
Zombie Attack

Protect our Poltergeists - a petition

Optional Dinner Table Printouts – Menus and Place Cards

Editable menu card (supplied as a Word document) and place setting cards for each character. Choice of conventional or coffin theme.
The coffin-themed place setting cards have an additional template so that you can, optionally, create 3D paper coffins for each place card setting. These look suitably creepy when covered with tissue paper and filled with miniature LED balloon lights or gingerbread skeletons.

We Hope You Enjoyed this Murder Mystery Game and We'd Love to Hear From You!

12 reviews for Murder at Horror Castle

Rated 5 out of 5

Elisabeth Bernatska (verified owner) – 31 October 2024

Great Party and Easy to Host!

Everyone had a great time! I appreciated that the bulk of the work was done for me as the host, and all I had to do was assign characters and print materials. You had great suggestions for costumes and decorations. My guests and I enjoyed the various jokes and puns sprinkled throughout.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jacqueline – 23 May 2024

Murder mystery doesn't get better than this

I recently took part in a Maple Murder Mystery and it was brilliant entertainment.
The story was good, the comprehensive guide to the characters, storyline, costume ideas, dining experience and decorations were superb.
Easy to undertake on an evening with friends, family, colleagues or a mix – it doesn’t matter because the early mingling breaks the ice.
Rated 5 out of 5

Carmen Elisa Eveleens (verified owner) – 18 March 2024

Spooktacular!

We had a ton of fun acting out the murder at horror castle. With all the prepared information it was really easy for us to get to know our characters and come up with a good costume.

We definitely recommend playing the game and are also planning our next murder mystery already! Thank you for creating this!
Rated 5 out of 5

Tash – 30 January 2024

What a "Ghoul" time we had!

We got to unleash our mischievous side!
Muahaha!

Great fun was had, cannot wait for our next one.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah Place (verified owner) – 18 October 2023

Best party ever!!

My friends and I had so much fun with this! I would recommend for anyone who is looking for a good time.
Rated 5 out of 5

jonathan cobbold – 24 October 2022

Murder at horror Castle

What an absolutely fantastic evening; as always extremely well-crafted plot and great characters. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended-especially if you’re prepared to let your hair down and ham up the character and just enjoy the ride. Everyone had a wonderful evening thank you.
Rated 5 out of 5

Adrian Balaam – 6 October 2022

Murder at Horror Castle

What a fantastic night of murder and mystery. Loved it.
Loved the well-written adventure and once again failed to identify the murderer.
Can’t wait to do the next one.

All I can say to anyone thinking of doing a Maple Mystery game, GO FOT IT and have some fun…
Rated 5 out of 5

Justin – 4 October 2022

This was an awesome experience! We had a great time with friends with excellent entertainment. The Murder at Horror Castle made an easy way to get to know new people.
Rated 5 out of 5

Hanna – 4 October 2022

This was our first murder mystery and we didn’t really know what to expect, but all expectations were exceeded and had a lot of fun!
Rated 5 out of 5

Robert O (verified owner) – 2 October 2021

Fantastic! Spooky! Fun!

We bought this for my Mum’s birthday as she loves horror and fantasy. There were 8 of us in total, ages ranging from 15 to 71! We had a great time hamming up the vampires, demon, witches and zombie. I played the serial killer! Clear instructions – a fun night for everyone.

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Murder at Horror Castle

Story and Characters for this Spooky Fantasy Horror or Halloween Murder Mystery Game

This fun fantasy horror murder mystery party game has a spooky mix of vampires and the undead (zombies), serial killers and terrifying Head of Witch Kingdom Security

and

pesky poltergeists and a pompous Witch lord or lady. Some versions also have demons or mutants.

Murder Mystery Party Game: 6 - 8 Players

Required Female Suspect

Required Male Suspects

Required Gender-Neutral Suspects

Optional Gender-Neutral Suspects

Murder Mystery Party Game: 8 - 10 Players

Required Female Suspects

Required Male Suspects

Required Gender-Neutral Suspects

Optional Gender-Neutral Suspects

Murder Mystery Party Game: 10 - 12 Players

Required Female Suspects

Required Male Suspects

Required Gender-Neutral Suspects

Optional Gender-Neutral Suspects

Murder Mystery Party Game: 12 - 14 Players

Required Female Suspects

Required Male Suspects

Required Gender-Neutral Suspects

Optional Gender-Neutral Suspects

Running Your Fantasy Horror or Halloween Murder Mystery Party

Check Out Our Helpful Party Tips Specially Designed for Running our Mystery Game.

Our Helpful Party Tips Include:

Age Guidance and Sensitivities

How Our Murder Mysteries Work

Format

Included With Your Murder Mystery Game Kit Purchase - All Ready for Instant Download!

1 Comprehensive, Easy-to-Follow Host Instructions

2 Pre-party Information to Send to Guests

3 Well-designed Party Kit

4 Plenty of (Optional) Printouts

We Hope You Enjoyed this Murder Mystery Game and We'd Love to Hear From You!

12 reviews for Murder at Horror Castle

Keep Informed of Future Mysteries and Receive Discounts.

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