Killing for the Crown
Setting the Scene
This beauty pageant murder mystery involves backstabbing, blackmail & bribery among beauties.
After a week of competing in the nation’s most prestigious beauty pageant, the contestants, judges and coaches are invited to a pre-pageant party the night before the final round of competition.
With the crown on the line, everyone seems desperate to gain the competitive edge on their rivals… and for one guest that means murder!
Will it be the whiny Miss Wisconsin who is obsessed with winning?
The ambitious Miss Alabama whose acting career is at stake?
The tawdry Miss Texas who uses her sexuality to get ahead?
Or possibly the reigning queen who does not want to give up her crown.
With a pageant that has been plagued with scandal from its beginning, there is no reason this year will be any different!
Where to Start
- Purchase this Mystery
- Download the Printable/Digital Kit
- Print Your Kit and Start the Fun!
What’s in Our Printable / Digital Kit
- Character Sheets
Juicy secrets, wild motives, and unique roles for every guest. - Host Guide
Easy, step-by-step instructions to run the show like a pro. - Game Materials
Clues, evidence, and everything to solve the case. - Invites & Decor
Printables to build hype and set the scene. - Awards
Certificates for Best Costume, Super Sleuth & more!
How to Play this Mystery
This quick video gives you the rundown on how Night of Mystery parties work. For the nitty-gritty details, be sure to download the intro file that matches your specific mystery — it’s got everything you need to host like a pro.
Guest Breakdown
8-12 guests: 8-12 females.
10-15 guests: 10-15 females.
15-20 guests: 15-20 females.
20+ guests: 20+ females.
Adult version, set at Miss America Pageant.
* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version of this beauty pageant murder mystery. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.
Guest Breakdown
8-12 guests: 8-12 females.
10-15 guests: 10-15 females.
15-20 guests: 15-20 females.
20+ guests: 20+ females.
Adult version, set at Miss America Pageant.
* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version of this beauty pageant murder mystery. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.
Guest Breakdown
8-12 guests: 8-12 females
10-15 guests: 10-15 females
15-20 guests: 15-20 females
20+ guests: 20+ females
Teen version, set at Miss TEEN USA Pageant.
Teen versions are also formatted CLEAN, which means that there are no references to alcohol, extra-marital affairs and/or illegal drugs.
* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.
Amanda America
Reigning Miss America
When she loses the crown, Amanda is afraid she might be losing a great deal more.
Anna Alabama
Miss Alabama
A talented actress, Anna’s career may be riding on her ability to win the title of Miss America.
Allison Alaska
Miss Alaska
Beauty and brains are behind this businesswoman, but could Allison’s calculating ways get her into trouble?
Candy California
Miss California
As a polished pageant pal who loves to travel, Candy is not afraid to use her looks and her resources to get ahead.
Cora Colorado
Miss Colorado
The daughter of a Miss America Runner-Up, Cora feels pressure to succeed where her mother fell short.
Flora Florida
Miss Florida
New to the pageant circuit, this contestant has more energy than she does experience. Will Flora’s enthusiasm be the key to winning the judges over?
Judge Julie
Celebrity Judge
Jasmine Judge
Celebrity Judge
First-time host/hostesses need not be wary. Night of Mystery parties have everything you need to throw a successful party and are designed to be easy-to-run.
If you want to play along, you can! As host, you will want to read the host’s guide in full to ensure that you are setting the game up correctly WITHOUT letting you know who the murderer is!
Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the MURDER!
Excellent Question! And one that needs more explaining, please see the “How to Play” Page of our site and/or download a preview file to get a complete understanding of how our mysteries are run!
Yes. We have invitations you can download at any time to send out to your guests. (We recommend you do this before purchasing if you are unclear of your guest count.)
Once you order, you will have access to your party pdf as well as email invitations with character descriptions included for your guests. See a sample emailable invite with character description here.
YES! As host, you get to decide how much or little you know about the murder.
If you want to play along, you will want to read the host’s guide in full to ensure that you are setting the game up correctly WITHOUT letting you know who the murderer is in this murder mystery party game!
This will depend on (a) the version of party you order and (b) what you/they want to do at the party.
Some murder mystery party game rules say (generally the smaller 6-8 guest and 8-12 guest versions) have the victim rise and become the investigator after their “death.”
Since the victim does not know who murdered them, they can still play along and try to guess the murderer using their previous background knowledge and their money in order to bribe and blackmail others and derive their secrets from one another.
If you have a larger version, and you have not assigned the investigator (they are generally listed as the first person to eliminate for this reason), then the victim will need to become the investigator.
If you have assigned the investigator, but have an extra role that is not already filled, the victim can become this person (if you order the 20-80 player version, this will always be an option).
If the victim wishes to do nothing, they can do that as well. Some guests really enjoy playing along “dead” and trying to figure out who killed them.
“I purchased the Night Of Mystery packet for a work team building event. All of my co-workers said it was the best team event they’ve been to. The packet was very straightforward and had so many ideas and tips to help make running the event super simple. Highly recommend!”
“I hosted my first party and I was scared that if anyone could fail such a flawless package it would be myself. But this kit makes it so so easy and fun. Lots of room to make it your own and not cookie cutter, but always super straight forward! I can’t wait to host another onell! Thanks Night of Mystery!”
“I’ve had three parties over the years. This year we will be doing it again! Normal parties have their groups. High school over there, church over there, family over there. Well with the murder mystery dinner there is none of that. Plus your free to not be you for the night. Every party has been a success! Last one we had over 100 people come.”
“This was the BEST team event we’ve ever done. It was inclusive, creative, and so easy to execute with your kit. Everyone had a blast!”
Are You Up for the Challenge? Get this Mystery Now!
