Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about hosting your murder mystery party.
Getting Started
Q:What exactly do I get when I purchase a mystery?
You get a complete, downloadable PDF kit that includes: a host guide with step-by-step instructions, individual character booklets for each player (with their backstory, secrets, and objectives), printable clue cards and evidence props, name tags, accusation ballots, and a party planning guide with decoration and costume suggestions.
Q:How long does it take to generate a mystery?
Usually 15-25 minutes. Every mystery is written from scratch for your group, so it takes a little while. You don't need to wait on the page: we email you the moment it's ready to download. Larger groups and heavy customization (like custom character names woven into the story) can take a bit longer.
Q:Do I need any special equipment?
Just a printer! All materials are designed to be printed at home on standard letter/A4 paper. Color printing looks best, but black and white works too. We recommend cardstock for clue cards if you have it.
Q:How many players do you support?
We support groups of 4-20 players. Each mystery is generated specifically for your group size, so every character has meaningful involvement in the story—no filler roles.
Hosting Your Party
Q:How long does a murder mystery party take?
Depending on your chosen duration: Quick (1-2 hours) is great for casual gatherings, Classic (2-3 hours) is our most popular option and works well with dinner, and Epic (3-4 hours) is perfect for dedicated mystery nights with multiple courses.
Q:Do I need to memorize everything as the host?
Not at all! The host guide includes everything you need. You'll have the timeline, all clue distribution instructions, hints for stuck players, and the complete solution. Most hosts just read through it once before the party.
Q:What if someone can't make it last minute?
Each mystery is generated for your specific player count, so we recommend having that number present. However, the host can play a character in a pinch, or you can redistribute one character's key information to others. The host guide includes tips for handling this.
Q:Can players read their materials ahead of time?
Yes! We actually recommend sending character booklets 1-2 weeks before the party. This gives players time to prepare costumes, get into character, and build excitement. Just remind them not to share their secrets!
Customization
Q:Can I use my friends' real names for characters?
Absolutely! This is one of our Premium features. Just tell us the names you want to use, and we'll weave them naturally into character backstories and relationships. It's a huge hit at birthday parties.
Q:Can I add inside jokes or specific references?
Yes! Premium kits let you specify inside jokes, references, or themes you'd like included. We'll work them into the mystery in clever ways—as clue descriptions, character quirks, or plot points.
Q:What if I want a completely custom theme?
Just describe it! Beyond our 50+ preset themes, you can request anything: "a mystery set at a 1970s disco competition," "murder at a cat café," or "whodunnit on a reality TV set." If you can imagine it, we can generate it.
Technical & Billing
Q:Can I redownload my mystery later?
Yes! All purchased mysteries are saved to your account and can be redownloaded anytime. Print as many copies as you need for your party.
Q:What's your refund policy?
If you're not satisfied with your mystery, contact us within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. We want every host to have a great experience. See our full refund policy for details.
Q:Do you offer group or corporate pricing?
Yes! We offer special pricing for event planners, corporate team-building, and educators. Contact us at corporate@gatherandgasp.com to discuss your needs.
Q:Is my payment information secure?
Absolutely. We use Stripe for payment processing, which is PCI-DSS Level 1 certified—the highest level of security in the payments industry. We never store your full card details on our servers.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our support team is happy to help.