A murder mystery party with colleagues: team building people talk about

Team activities often look alike. A murder mystery party makes everyone talk, listen, argue and cooperate, in a relaxed atmosphere. It is a great idea for a team evening, an away day or an end-of-year drinks.

Why it works at work

• You see colleagues differently: the quiet accountant becomes a formidable liar, the project manager a relentless detective.
• People communicate: you cannot solve the case without talking, cross-checking and persuading.
• Everyone has a role: even the most reserved take part, thanks to their secret goals.
• It is inclusive: no need to be sporty or good at quizzes.

The right conditions

• A quiet room with a large table and a few corners for private chats.
• About three hours, ideally at the end of the day or in the evening.
• A simple meal: buffet or finger food. See our menu ideas.
• A host: a volunteer colleague who reads the texts from the host's book. They can play too, since the book never reveals the killer.

Choosing the right case

For a professional audience, a classic case with no ambiguity works best. Our cases rely on secrets, alibis and evidence, nothing awkward for a team evening.

• The Vernier Case: a true-crime story in a small-town family business, with partners, accounts and debts. The business theme will speak to colleagues. 6 to 12 players.
• La Queimada du Pazo: a harvest night in Galicia, more folkloric and exotic. 8 characters, up to 16 in pairs.

A bigger team?

Have characters played in pairs: two colleagues share one role, which strengthens cooperation. Beyond that, run several tables in parallel with one kit per table: the kit can be reprinted as often as you need for your own private events.

A few precautions

• Avoid giving someone a role too close to their real position in the team.
• Remind everyone it is all fiction: you can accuse your manager with no consequences the next day.
• Let everyone choose how involved they want to be.

For the full organisation, follow our guide.