Murder at the Juice Joint

A night of mystery and intrigue
in the wild and romantic
era of the roaring 20’s!

With the passing of prohibition and organized crime on the rise, The Juice Joint, a swanky speakeasy run by Rosie Marie, has been nothing but jumping. To celebrate its success, Rosie is planning a party to remember at the exclusive nightspot… and you are invited!

However, one of the names on the guest list is also on 
another’s hit list… and no one is safe from the consequences.

With murder on the menu, you are certain to find a medley of individuals to make the night most memorable. From major mobsters and their molls to the swanky singer with her hopes at Hollywood. The cigarette girl with a temper that sizzles to the crooked police chief with nothing to lose—no one is safe from murder…but everyone will have a chance at solving it.

Will the culprit be the Mayor who is capable of murder?
The blacklisted bootlegger desperate to increase their sales?
Or possibly the director with a shot at making history?

With the recipe for murder, The Juice Joint will be certain
to be serving up a night of mayhem to remember.

Download Mystery Intro

Guest Info

Guest Breakdown

For 20-80 guests:  at least 6 males, 7 females, and 2 gender-neutral

For 15-20 guests: 6 males, 7-10 females, 2-4 gender-neutral

For 10-15 guests: 3-5 males, 5-7 females, 2-3 gender-neutral

For 8-12 guests: 3-4 males, 3-5 females, 2-3 gender neutral

For 6-8 guests: 3 males, 2-3 females, 1-2 gender neutral

 

* 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.

For 20-80 guests:  at least 6 males, 7 females, and 2 gender-neutral

For 15-20 guests: 6 males, 7-10 females, 2-4 gender-neutral

For 10-15 guests: 3-5 males, 5-7 females, 2-3 gender-neutral

For 8-12 guests: 3-4 males, 3-5 females, 2-3 gender-neutral

For 6-8 guests: 3 males, 2-3 females, 1-2 gender-neutral

 

This version is set at the Juice Joint at a New Years Eve party!

* 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.

For 20-80 guests: at least 16 males and 4 gender-neutral

For 15-20 guests: 13-16 males, 2-4 gender-neutral

For 10-15 guests: 8-12 males, 2-3 gender-neutral

For 8-12 guests: 6-9 males, 2-3 gender-neutral

 

This mystery is composed of mostly-male characters that may be in same-sex relationships.
The names will vary slightly from the cast listed on this page.

* 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.

The Cast

*Note that the cast listed below is provided only to give an idea of the types of roles available, and not presented in any order relevant to the plot. Not all cast members are included in every version.

  • Rosie Marie

    Juice Joint Owner

    As the widow to Louie Marie, the original Juice Joint owner, Rosie not only inherited a gold mine but the power that comes with it. It is hard to say, is Rosie out to avenge her husband's death or capitalize on it?

  • Notorious Nick Nemetz

    North Side Mob Boss

    Since the rise of organized crime, Nick's operation has done nothing but prosper. With Nick having so much power, he seems to have a lot going for (and against) him.

  • Natalie Nemetz

    Notorious Nick's Sister

    Annoyed by her brother’s over-protective nature, Natalie has kept more than secrets from Nick.

  • Mugsy Malone

    North Side Henchman

    As Nick’s right-hand man, Mugsy has worked hard to gain his position in the operation and will stop at nothing to keep it.

  • Cy Ramsey

    Juice Joint Bouncer and North Side Gang Member

    Cy’s success in Nick’s operation could be considered a threat to those in the operation….and to those opposing it.

  • Kitty Cocktail

    Juice Joint Cocktail Waitress

    As Cy’s main squeeze, Kitty will do anything to help advance her boyfriend in his chosen career.

  • Southside Sal

    South Side Mob Boss

  • Flora Nemetz-Gadora

    Notorious Nick’s Ex-Wife

  • Hal Hollywood

    Movie Director

  • Molly Moll

    Notorious Nick’s Girlfriend

  • Dina Diva

    Juice Joint Singer

  • Mayor Biggs

    Mayor

  • Mabel Biggs

    Mayor's Wife

  • Chief Cameron

    Police Chief

  • Cindy Butt

    Juice Joint Cigarette Girl

  • Bernie Booze

    Bootlegger

  • Gino Gin

    Bartender

  • Flirty Flapper

    Juice Joint Patron

  • Anna Marie

    Rosie's Daughter

  • P.I. Pinkerton

    Investigator

Party Tips for Throwing Murder at The Juice Joint

If you are set on having a flapper dress, check out this assortment you can order online.

 


Complete any outfit with a number of accessories that scream 1920s. You can find a number of these around the house or at your local thrift store or follow the links to order them online.

Mustache
Suit Vest
Suspenders
Tie
Cigar
Fedora
Holster with Gun

 

<< CLICK ON THE TABS TO THE LEFT FOR MORE RESOURCES <<

HOWEVER, there is no stopping you from taking a little black dress and accessorizing it up to give it that flapper appeal!!!

FLAPPER ACCESSORIES:
– Long Beads
– Feather Boas
– Sequined Headbands
– Feather Headbands
– Cigarette Holders
– Bobbed Wigs (see below)
– Garter (gun optional)
– Fishnet Leggings
– Fringe on your dress
– Fake Eyelashes

1920’s Hairstyles

Check out these links to give you the best “do” of the time

The Earphone Hairstyle

A Recap of Hairstyles

Don’t have short hair? Check out this video on how to do a 1920s-30s hairdo for long hair.

 

<< CLICK ON THE TABS TO THE LEFT FOR MORE RESOURCES <<

Check out some of these get-ups!

 

Since alcohol was prohibited in this time period, speakeasies were often located in obscure places with secret entrances, and often passwords to get in. You can simulate this all with your party to make your guests feel like they are really stepping back in time to a 1920’s speakeasy. Here are a few ways to do this.

 

Have your guests enter through a hidden/secret entrance — maybe around the back, down a basement stairway, etc.

 

Don’t have a back or alleyway entrance? No problem. Make one using a styrofoam facade (directions included when you purchase the mystery).

Make a peephole for your entrance. We made this out of a door that we purchased at a home improvement store on clearance.

Have a secret password and/or knock to allow the guests to enter. 
– Have the password listed when the guests RSVP.

 

Have a bouncer and/or a gun check at the door. Cuz… you know you don’t want any of the riff raff at your party. Or do you?

 

<< CLICK ON THE TABS TO THE LEFT FOR MORE RESOURCES <<

 


Download this dictionary to brush up on your lingo and fit in as one of the Family.




The Charleston originated in the early 20’s in illegal drinking places during the time of prohibition. The combination of a particular type of jazz music and the highly polished,
slippery floors of the Speakeasies gave rise to an in and out flicking of the feet which
essentially characterized the dance.

 Follow this link to learn how to Dance the Charleston.

One of our hosts chose to teach her crew the Charleston

And even had a Juice Joint Singer!!!

Speakeasy
A speakeasy is an establishment that sells alcoholic beverages illegally. The term “speakeasy” derived from the idea that people patronizing a speakeasy needed to stay quiet or “speak easy” to avoid detection.

In addition to offering alcohol, some speakeasies operated as night clubs with music, dance, gambling and other entertainments for guests. In order to avoid detection, you often had to enter a speakeasy by the back door and provide a password to enter. These restrictions were designed to admit only select elite clientele and used to keep government agents out.


Flapper
Flapper in the 1920s was a term applied to a “new breed” of young Western women who wore short skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for what was then considered acceptable behavior. Flappers were seen as brash for wearing excessive makeup, drinking, treating sex in a casual manner, smoking, driving automobiles and otherwise flouting social and sexual norms.

FIND MOREABOUT FLAPPER FASHION AND COSTUMES

<< CLICK ON THE TABS TO THE LEFT FOR MORE RESOURCES <<

 

RAGTIME
An early type of jazz, in vogue from about 1895 to 1920, usually written out rather than improvised. Most ragtime was played on the piano. Scott Joplin was the most famous composer of ragtime. Find it here.

 

JAZZ
The jazz decade saw the emergence of many of the great figures who defined the music for the world. Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Earl Hines, Bix Beiderbecke, Fats Waller, Jack Teagarden, Fletcher Henderson – these giants set the standards for blues singing, big band arrangements, and solo improvisation that are the foundations for jazz. Find it here.

 

DO THE CHARLESTON
Originated in the early 20’s in illegal drinking places during the time of prohibition. The combination of a particular type of jazz music and the highly polished, slippery floors of the Speakeasies gave rise to an in and out flicking of the feet which essentially characterized the dance. See downloadable instructions above.Find it here.

 

SWING
A form of jazz music that developed during the 1920s. Swing is distinguished by a strong rhythm section, medium to fast tempo, and the distinctive swing time rhythm that is common to many forms of jazz. Find it here.

 

FOR FREE MUSIC
Try your local library for a number of compilations from the time.

<< CLICK ON THE TABS TO THE LEFT FOR MORE RESOURCES <<


There are a number of ways to “decorate” for your party, but the most authentic way would be to set up your space to resemble a speakeasy. In order to do this, there are a couple of things to pay attention to:

 

 


• Have the guests enter by the side door instead of the front–many speakeasies had secret or side entrances so as not to call attention to themselves.

 

• Use a peephole in the door before letting your guests in.

 

• Create a back alleyway using a brick wall scenesetter or making your own styrofoam wall (see below).
We created this “back entrance” to our Juice Joint and had people enter through the garage. We used a hung door which we purchased from a local hardware store and cut a peephole out of it. For the walls we painted some styrofoam insulation sheeting. Add in the crates we created (templates below) and we had a perfect entrance.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE YOUR OWN STYROFOAM WALL HERE

 

• Have the guests use a secret password to get in. If the guests do not know or can’t remember the password, make them do something (sing a silly tune, do jumping jacks, etc.) in order to gain entrance to your private club.

 

• Create your own crates (boxes) of bootlegged liquor. Included in theMurder at The Juice Joint mystery are 6 label designs. Simply download and print out these labels we’ve designed for you onto craft paper and paste them onto the sides of boxes. You can place the boxes on the outside or in of your speakeasy to help set the mood.

 

• Create “WANTED” posters for felons coming to the party – Southside Sal, Notorious Nick and Mugsy Malone – to name a few. (Included with the mystery when you orderMurder at The Juice Joint.)

 

• Have a bouncer ‘frisk’ your guests at the door– gun check!

 

• Set up an actual gun check.

<< CLICK ON THE TABS TO THE LEFT FOR MORE RESOURCES <<

 

• These printable designs (and more) are included in your Murder at The Juice Joint packet when you order. Simply print them out to make signs for your Juice Joint.

 

 

• Shower your walls with bullethole (clings)to to remind your guests of past events that have gone down at The Juice Joint.

 

 

• Chill your beverages in the bathtub (bathtub gin).

 

 

• One elegant addition may be a juice fountain for some of your “juice” or champagne cocktails.

 

 

• Tea lights placed around your home are an easy way to create atmosphere. Don’t forget a few flickering flames out on the patio, but make sure they’re secure in a votive glass.

 

 

• Flapper accessories, feathers and shiny beads, can also be used for decoration. Maintaining black and white is best.

 

 

• Set up an intimate nightclub atmosphere. This can also be created outside by using white table covers, hanging lights, candles.

 

 

• Have a small dance floor and tiny stage with a bandstand– you could even hire a jazz band! Or create your own.

 

 

• Have a fog machine– to fill the speakeasy with “smoke”.

 

 

• Play silent and/or black & white movies on the wall– This is the era of the silver screen. Some suggestions include: Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, The Great Gatsby.

 

 

• Set up tables for gambling– since the Juice Joint IS where Notorious Nick runs some of his gambling rackets out of!

 

• Set out oak barrels.

 


• Create a bar stocked with “old” liquor bottles.

(1) Save empty bottles.
(2) Print out old liquor labels (included with Murder at The Juice Joint mystery packet)
(3) Cut labels out and paste them to your bottles.
Tip: Ask a local bar to save empty bottle for you on a busy night.

 

 

• Stage a midnight raid– by Elliot Ness and his prohibition agents.

 

 

• Have a Charleston Contest-–instructions here.

 

• Take “mug shots” of your guests. See how some of our customers have done this in the past:

DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN
LINE-UP BOARD HERE~ allows you to enter in
your own party date!

 

 

• Post pictures of gangsters— Have them sign “To Rosie–…love, Al’ for instance on Al Capone’s pict. NINE autographed pictures are included in Your Murder at the Juice Joint mystery party when you purchase! (pictured below)

 

<< CLICK ON THE TABS TO THE LEFT FOR MORE RESOURCES <<

What did average Americans eat in the 1920s?

Food historians tell us we had a sweet tooth, a taste for the exotic, and a well-developed sense of ordered creativity. Translation? Fruit cocktails, Pineapple upside-down cake and Jell-O molds. Tea sandwiches, fancy salads, and chafing-dish recipes were also “in.”

 

Serving a large crowd? Here are some affordable choices that were popular that decade.

 

• Molded/fruited Jello-salads, fruit cocktail, sliced pineapples & bananas (maraschino cherry ok)

 

• Deviled eggs, celery, olives, pickles, salted nuts (almonds, pecans, peanuts, filberts)

 

• Bread sticks, Parker House rolls, saltine-type crackers, potato chips

 

• Caesar salad, Waldorf salad

 

• Finger sandwiches…peanut butter & jelly, ham, turkey, chicken salad, tomato, egg salad, cream cheese

 

• Fried chicken, baked ham

 

• Pineapple Upside down cake, angel or devil’s food cakes, ice cream & chocolate sauce, chocolate pudding.

 

• Canned peaches work well.

 

 


The 1920s were the era of elegant food and elaborate presentation.If you are a master chef and/or want to treat your guests to an authentic fare from the times, you may want to consider this lavish menu from the time period.

 

Appetizers — Gravlax Canapés • Shrimp Canapés • Oysters on the Half Shell• Stuffed Mushroom Caps

 

Sides — Tomato Onion Panade • Smashed Red Potatoes • Broccoli and Cauliflower with Garlic and Oil • Rice Pilaf

 

Main — Beef Tenderloin with Marinated Walnut Sauce • Chicken Amandine• Rack of Lamb with Mustard Sauce • Magret of Duck with Fig and Port Sauce

 

Dessert — Vanilla Rice Pudding • Chocolate Mousse Truffle Cups • Create your own fruit salad

 

• Serve appetizers and desserts that give the appearance of elegance, but not the time-consuming process of making it.

Some suggestions: Stuffed Mushrooms, Deviled Eggs, Bruschetta, Strawberry Shortcake, Cheese or Chocolate Fondue, Fruit Salad, Artichoke Dip, Finger Sandwiches.

 

• Dress up your food — garnish them with beads, feathers, etc. (See pictures above.)

 

• Use silver serving trays — To add class without the price, check out your local dollar stores. We found quite a selection there.

 

• “Name” your food — Serve “Speakeasy Cheese”, “Flapper Fruit Salad” or “Gangster Guacamole.” With the right adjective, any dish can become timely.

 

• Juice Fountain — reminiscent of the times and the joint it is named after. You can serve your beverage spiked or not.

 

 


No matter what design you want for a cake, one way to make it murderous is to insert a knife into the cake and drip it with red decorating gel or icing.

Whatever your menu choices, download this menu, input in your foods and print it out.

 

<< CLICK ON THE TABS TO THE LEFT FOR MORE RESOURCES <<

SERVE IT UP

 

• Drinks were often served in coffee mugs or tea cups so that if a raid were to ensue, it would be less conspicuous.

 

 

• BATHTUB GIN — Instead of a cooler, use a bathtub to chill your drinks in.

 

 

COCKTAILS OR MOCKTAILS?
With the advent of cheaply-made illegal alcohol during Prohibition, they quickly became popular, often to cover the taste of the inferior alcohol. Fashionable parties with fashionable drinks.

Not sure what to serve at your Juice Joint? Here’s where we found some great recipes for cocktails from that time period.

 

 

If alcohol isn’t on the menu, consider the popular beverages of the time:

  • Soft drinks garnished with fruit & fruit juices (ginger ale with maraschino cherry juice, decorated with cherries)
  • Ginger Ale
  • Coca-Cola
  • Kool-Aid
  • Lemonade
  • Punch
  • Orange Pekoe Tea

 

<< CLICK ON THE TABS TO THE LEFT FOR MORE RESOURCES <<

 

RAGTIME
An early type of jazz, in vogue from about 1895 to 1920, usually written out rather than improvised. Most ragtime was played on the piano. Scott Joplin was the most famous composer of ragtime. Find it here.

 

JAZZ
The jazz decade saw the emergence of many of the great figures who defined the music for the world. Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Earl Hines, Bix Beiderbecke, Fats Waller, Jack Teagarden, Fletcher Henderson – these giants set the standards for blues singing, big band arrangements, and solo improvisation that are the foundations for jazz. Find it here.

 

DO THE CHARLESTON
Originated in the early 20’s in illegal drinking places during the time of prohibition. The combination of a particular type of jazz music and the highly polished, slippery floors of the Speakeasies gave rise to an in and out flicking of the feet which essentially characterized the dance. See downloadable instructions above.Find it here.

 

SWING
A form of jazz music that developed during the 1920s. Swing is distinguished by a strong rhythm section, medium to fast tempo, and the distinctive swing time rhythm that is common to many forms of jazz. Find it here.

 

FOR FREE MUSIC
Try your local library for a number of compilations from the time.

<< CLICK ON THE TABS TO THE LEFT FOR MORE RESOURCES <<

Hosting Tips

Murder at the Juice Joint Gallery

See Over 1000 Client Pictures View Full Gallery

Testimonials

Hello, I recently hosted a “Murder at the Juice Joint” party and what a great time. I was so excited to receive my murder package and start picking out what friends would play what characters. As soon as I sent out the invitations my friends began planning their outfits. I started the night by having Rosie, the joint juice owner explain how the night would go and everyone opened their envelopes with the first set of objectives. My decor was roaring 20s, black and gold, I served fruits, veggies, dips and elegant desserts, which were carried around by the cigarette girl. I had a bartender who served drinks, such as the bees knees and used the labels that were provided in the packet, everybody was super impressed by this and enjoyed cocktails while listening to some 1920s music. After the “murder” happened (which all my friends decided to play super dramatic)the second set of objectives were handed out and PI Pinkerton explained how the rest of the evening would go. At the end of the night we listened to everyones guess of who the murderer was and then awards were handed out(these were also provided in the packet). It was a fabulous evening everybody had fun, I hope to have another murder party in the near future. Thank you for supplying such a great evening.

- Kristin Odell

We threw one of the best parties of our lifetimes with your Murder at the Juice Joint kit! The kit was really easy to use and we appreciated all the decorative extra print outs!. We also thought that the mystery was really well put together and 2 out of the 20 guests were able to figure out who the killer was, so the mystery was definitely not too easy and also not impossible. A very well done mystery.

- Taylor Muncaster

What a way to create a night to talk about for years to come! I threw my husband his 30th birthday at “The Juice Joint” and it was the perfect way to celebrate with our friends and family. We had a total of 33 people and everything ran beyond smooth thanks to they way Night of Mystery sets it up for you. Every single one of our friends got into character. Even the bar tender and servers at the hall I rented were making guesses! The night was perfect! I highly recommend using Night of Mystery and can’t wait to plan my next one!

- Kelly MaDonald

We celebrated my 46th birthday with a Murder Mystery party. I made apples from the 1920's and of course, all my alcohol beverages were from the 1920's (apparently strong drinks, even according to the burly men)! I made all the decor and back-drops for the scenes. There was 1920's music playing in the background all evening. And the poker table was a huge hit with everyone!

- JC Scudds

For my 30th bday I threw the Murder at the Juice Joint party. We had a blast! The game was so fun! The materials provided were outstanding! By the end of the party, My guests were plotting which game we’d do next ! Thank you for the fun and memories.

- Steph McAllister Downing

This was such a fun party to host. I received many compliments on the decor I set up as well as how organized and easy to complete. I can take credit for the decor. I had lots of silver serving dishes for food, backdrops for photo ops (made with plastic table cloths, duct tape, and paper letters), dim lighting for ambiance, signs to create a 20s feel, and ostrich feathers/pearls scattered throughout. I, however, cannot take credit for how smoothly the party went. The downloadable kit was sooo easy to follow and set up for! It made it easy to put together character envelopes and have an idea for timing. I liked that I didn't have to know who the murderer was even though I hosted. The character objectives and speeches were easy for everyone to follow and feel comfortable even though they can't act. Thanks for a successful night! I'm already having friends ask when I will be hosting another.

- Emily Farmer

We held a "Murder at the Juice Joint" party last night. It was a blast! The instructions were easy to follow, I was able to host and play without knowing the killer or victim ahead of time. We bought the 8-12 package and it fit our group of 9 perfectly. I loved all the printables, and everyone really got into their characters--sneaking off to plot and bribe each other. Thank you for such a fun evening!

- Rebecca Wellens

Purchase Murder at the Juice Joint

Murder at the Juice Joint includes:

Mystery PDF that includes: A Host Guide, A Schedule of the Night, An Introduction, Designed Invitations, Background Information, Character Descriptions, Character Objective Sheets, Name Tags, Evidence, Accusation Sheets, a Detailed Solution, Award Certificates, and more!

Download Intro