The final accusation: how to name the killer at a murder mystery party

It is the moment everyone has been waiting for. After three acts of questions, lies and revelations, each player has to name the killer. A good accusation is not a guess. Here is how to prepare it.

What you are asked

On the accusation sheet, each player secretly writes three things:

1. The killer: who committed the crime.
2. The motive: why they did it.
3. One piece of evidence: the case file that proves it.

All three count. Finding the right name by instinct is good. Proving it is better.

Prepare your accusation during act III

Do not wait until the last minute. During act III, sort things out:

• Rule out suspects whose alibi is confirmed by evidence.
• For those left, ask who had the means and the opportunity.
• Finally, look for the motive: who had a reason to want the victim dead?

The evidence: pick the strongest

One piece is enough, but choose it well. Evidence that puts the suspect in the right place at the right time is worth more than a rumour. Note its number: in our kits, every case file has a number so you can find it.

Reading the accusations

Everyone reads their accusation aloud. It is often hilarious: some got it right, others defend a completely wrong theory with great conviction. The killer accuses someone too, lying one last time.

The reveal

The host then opens the solution, kept from the start in a separate file, and reads it aloud. Everything falls into place: the red herrings, the innocents' secrets, the killer's path. Take time to discuss it together: that is where the best memories of the evening are made.

What if nobody found it?

That is a victory too... for the killer. In our cases, they score if they managed to get someone else accused. For details, read how scoring works.

To practise spotting the right evidence, reread how to read clues, then choose your case: The Vernier Case or La Queimada du Pazo.