A printable murder mystery game for adults: what to look for

What to look for in a printable adult mystery

Start with the cast. A good game has a character for each guest, with no filler parts that do nothing, and it matches your headcount. A kit written for a different number leaves someone doubling up or sitting out.

Next, check what you get besides characters. You want a host guide that explains setup and each round, a way to run the final vote, and a solution you can read aloud. Clues that make sense on a second read matter more than a long page count.

Finally, check the tone. Adults often want something a little sharper than a family game, with real secrets and motives. Choose a tone that suits your group, whether that is silly, dramatic or dark.

• A role for every guest, sized to your group.
• A host guide with a setup checklist and round-by-round steps.
• A solution and reveal that holds together.
• Files you can reprint if you need extra copies.

How Gather & Gasp works

You choose a theme from 71 presets across six categories, or describe your own setting. You set the length (Quick 1 to 2 hours, Classic 2 to 3 hours, or Epic 3 to 4 hours), a difficulty (Casual, Standard or Expert) and a tone (Campy, Dramatic or Dark).

Then you list your guests. Each one gets a character with their name, and one detail about them is worked into the story. The kit is written from scratch and is usually ready in 15 to 25 minutes. We email you when it is done.

What is in the kit

Every kit has a host guide, one character booklet per guest, name tags and table cards, and accusation ballots for the final vote. Each name tag has a QR code that opens that guest's own character page on their phone.

Party mode lets the host step through the evening on their phone, while each guest's page unlocks round by round so nobody reads ahead. The kit stays in your account, so you can download it again and print as many copies as you need.

Printing tips

Print on standard letter or A4 paper; the files work with either. Color looks best, especially for the covers and name tags, but black and white works fine if that is what you have.

Use heavier paper or cardstock for name tags and table cards. They get handled and propped up all evening, and cardstock holds its shape. Ordinary paper is fine for booklets and ballots.

Print a test page first to check the margins, then print the rest. Staple or clip each booklet, and keep each guest's pages together so you can hand them out in one go. If you do not have a printer, a copy shop or office printer can run the files.

Try before you buy

Our free sample needs no card. Type up to six guests and a theme, and in about 30 seconds you see your friends cast as suspects with an opening scene. It also gives you a complete printable 6-player kit, "The Widow's Glass," so you can check the print quality yourself.

Themes that fit

• Film Noir Detective: Shadowy and sharp, with a dramatic tone that suits an adult crowd. Create this one
• Monte Carlo Casino: Tuxedos and high stakes, a good fit for a dressed-up evening. Create this one
• Vineyard Harvest Party: A grown-up setting that works well with wine and a long dinner. Create this one
• Mystery Writers Convention: A room full of people who plot murders for a living, which gives a clever group plenty to work with. Create this one

Questions hosts ask