Murder Under The Big Top
Setting the Scene
Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! Step Right Up for
The Greatest Circus Murder Mystery On Earth!
Anxious to bolster his small, dog-and-pony show-like circus to a spectacle rivaling Ringling Brothers, Harold Hargove’s desperate attempts to lure audiences with jaw-dropping attractions have created rivalries that extend beyond the center ring.
As the pressure builds for everyone–performers, guests, and managers– a murder is committed that steals the show… and you are left to uncover the culprit of this circus murder mystery before the final act.
Was it the raging ringmaster in an attempt to clean up the spectacle?
The talented tightrope walker whose fall took them out of the limelight?
A revolting roustabout with revenge in his veins?
Or possibly a possessive performer whose death-defying demeanor went too far…
In an intense world of illusion and intrigue, you must rely on your wit and intuition to find the killer before the grand finale!
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
With 20+ guests: At least 5 males, 4 females, 11 gender-neutral.
With 15-20 guests: 5 males, 3-4 females, 7-11 gender-neutral.
With 10-15 guests: 4 males, 2-3 females, 4-8 gender-neutral.
With 8-12 guests: 4 males, 3 females, 1-5 gender-neutral.
* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version of this circus murder mystery game. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.
Guest Breakdown
With 20+ guests: At least 5 males, 4 females, 11 gender-neutral.
With 15-20 guests: 5 males, 3-4 females, 7-11 gender-neutral.
With 10-15 guests: 4 males, 2-3 females, 4-8 gender-neutral.
With 8-12 guests: 4 males, 3 females, 1-5 gender-neutral.
Clean versions are void of references to extra-marital affairs, alcohol and/or illegal drugs. Teens and/or conservative groups often use clean versions for their mystery of choice.
* 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.
Harold Hargrove
Bossman
As owner of the circus, Harold has been cleaning up his image and the circus to make it succeed. Whether his tactics are legal or lethal is the question.
Matilda Hargrove
Harold’s wife
Even though she is not in command, others may differ with that opinion. Even with her exquisite tastes, there is little this woman cannot get. Or that Harold will get for her.
Boomer Jackson
Ringmaster
The voice of the circus, Boomer is in charge of the performers and commanding the perfect show…his job depends on it.
Finley Fiscal
Ticket Taker
Being your first impression as you enter the show, Finley is one who has mastered their appearance… but what is hiding under the exterior?
Ariel Swinger
Trapeze Artist
Currently performing in the center ring, some believe Ariel got her position by luck, some by talent and still others by her connections.
Robert Flyer
Catcher
As Ariel’s sidekick, Robert gets little credit for the fame that she claims, but she would be nowhere without him.
Twisty Kristy
Acrobat
Ruby
Clown
Ricky Mammal
Menagerie Man
DJ Ink
Tattooed Spectacle
Payton Protector
Head of Security
Nick Dagger
Knife Thrower
Patty Pachyderm
Animal Performer
Rowan McGregor
Midway Director
Harley Bell
Strong Person
Agent Swift
FBI Agent
Skylar Toppolet
Tightrope Walker
Cat Levens
Lion Tamer
Casey Saber
Sword Swallower
Mandy Small
Skinny Woman
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.
“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!”
“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.”
“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 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!”
Are You Up for the Challenge? Get this Mystery Now!
