A printable Halloween murder mystery party for adults

What's in the printable kit

The kit is a set of printable PDFs, plus phone features that run the evening. Everything is written for your headcount and theme, so you do not edit a fixed script.

The host guide has an overview and setting, the character list, a setup checklist, before-the-party steps, props and evidence setup when the story has props, a round-by-round guide, and the solution and reveal. Most hosts read it once, and nobody has to memorize anything.

• A host guide (PDF) with the full solution.
• One character booklet per guest (PDF): backstory, secrets, goals and what to do each round.
• Name tags and table cards (PDF), each with a QR code that opens that guest's own character page on their phone.
• Accusation ballots (PDF) for the final vote.
• Party mode: you step through the evening on your phone, and each guest's page unlocks round by round.

Printing it at home

Print the kit on a normal home printer. Color looks best, and black and white works too. You can print as many copies as you need, and the kit stays in your account to re-download any time.

Print a day or two before the party so you have time to fix a jam or run out of ink. Staple each booklet and fold the name tags. Count the pages once so you are not scrambling on the night.

If you have a short deadline, the kit is ready in about 15 to 25 minutes, so a same-day party is possible. Bigger groups and long guest lists can take a little longer.

Why a custom printable beats a fixed script

Pre-written printable kits are made for a fixed cast size. If you have 9 guests and the script has 8 roles, someone sits out or doubles up. A kit written for your group has a real role for every guest.

Add each guest's first name and one detail about them, and the kit weaves it into their character and the story. The details stay affectionate, never embarrassing. The premium kit ($29.99) adds a painted portrait of every character, inside jokes and a personal subplot for each guest.

For the full party plan, including food, costumes and decor, read our Halloween murder mystery party guide at /blog/halloween-murder-mystery-party.

Try the free printable sample first

The free sample needs no card. Type up to six guests, each with a first name and one detail, and pick a theme. In about 30 seconds you see your friends cast as suspects with an opening scene.

You also get our complete printable 6-player sample kit, The Widow's Glass: A Hollowmere Hallowe'en. It is a Halloween seance murder at Hollowmere Hall in Yorkshire in 1891, and it shows you the real format before you buy.

Themes that fit

• Haunted Gothic Mansion: A seance, a shattered mirror and an heir who joins the family ghosts. Easy costumes, and it suits any group size. Create this one
• Haunted Hotel: Room 237 has a new permanent guest. A good fit for a modern Halloween crowd that wants spooky without period costumes. Create this one
• Día de los Muertos Festival: Marigolds, sugar skulls and an ofrenda with one photograph too many. A colorful alternative with strong costume and decor ideas. Create this one

Questions hosts ask