22 Questions to Evaluate Your Murder Mystery Game: Is Your Murder Mystery Kit to Die For?

So, you’re writing a murder mystery kit. Congrats, you devious mastermind! But before you send your guests spiraling into a world of intrigue, betrayal, and dramatic gasps, it’s time to put your game under the magnifying glass. A great murder mystery balances structure and spontaneity, challenge and accessibility, and, most importantly, fun.

If you're new to writing these games, check out our guide, How to Make a Murder Mystery Game: A Killer Guide. But if you've already drafted your mystery, here are 25 questions to ensure it’s airtight, immersive, and unforgettable.

Story & Engagement

1. Does the mystery hook players right from the start?
   If the first 10 minutes aren’t compelling, you might lose their attention. A shocking murder or juicy secrets can help.

2. Are the stakes high enough?
   If solving the crime doesn’t feel urgent or meaningful, players won’t feel the pressure. Make sure the outcome matters.

3. Does each character have a personal stake in the story?
   No one wants to play an extra. Give each character motives, secrets, and potential plot twists to keep things engaging.

4. Have I considered how extroverts will experience the game?

   Extroverts may enjoy opportunities to take center stage, so consider adding roles that encourage bold moves, dramatic reveals, or public interactions. Providing space for them to improvise can keep them engaged. Learn more about how to assign characters according to the personalities of your guests with How to Assign Characters for a Murder Mystery Party.

5. Have I considered how introverts will experience the game?

   Introverts may prefer structured guidance, so ensure there are clear objectives, conversation prompts, or smaller group interactions to help them engage comfortably. Offering roles that rely on observation or puzzle-solving can help them shine.

Structure & Pacing

1. Is there a clear beginning, middle, and end?
   A great mystery game flows like a novel—each phase should build suspense without rushing or dragging.

2. Does the game have a natural climax?
   The best murder mysteries ramp up to an explosive reveal. Ensure players feel tension mounting as they get closer to the truth.

3. Does the murder get solved too quickly or too slowly?
   If it’s too easy, the game is boring. Too hard, and it’s frustrating. Balance is key.

4. Are there logical points where new clues or twists emerge?
   Games without twists can feel flat. Sprinkle in key revelations to keep things lively.I usually include a special event at the halfway point of the mystery, where I also introduce a few key items or clues. For example, Chaos at the Circus features a circus performance midway through, while The Disappearing Wings includes a dance competition at that point.

5. Have I given the host clear instructions on pacing?
   A confused host equals a confused group. Make sure they know when to introduce clues, nudge players, or wrap up the game.

The Mystery Itself

1. Is the culprit’s motive believable?
   “Because they’re evil” isn’t a great motive. The best murderers have compelling reasons (even if they’re totally unhinged).

2. Are there multiple plausible suspects?
   If only one character has a motive, your mystery is more obvious than a neon sign. Keep players guessing.

3. Do players have to piece together clues to solve the mystery?
   The best mysteries require deduction, not just reading a final answer off a card.

4. Is there a mix of physical clues, character interactions, and hidden information?
   Variety is the spice of murder. Players should use different types of evidence to reach conclusions.

5. Is the murderer’s reveal satisfying?
   Whether shocking, ironic, or poetic, the ending should leave players feeling satisfied and impressed.

Playability & Fairness

1. Do all players have something interesting to do?
   No one should be left twiddling their thumbs. Give each character meaningful objectives.

2. Are there built-in moments for players to interact?
   If characters don’t need to talk, some players won’t. Create reasons for them to interrogate each other. I incorporate elements like romance, rivalries, and secret clubs into the storyline to deepen character connections.

3. Is the game flexible for different group sizes?
   Can you tweak roles or add extra side plots if more people join? A good kit can scale up or down.

The Fun Factor

1. Does the game encourage creative role-playing?
   The best murder mysteries let players go off script in fun and unexpected ways.

2. Does the game allow for surprise betrayals or alliances?
   Nothing spices up a murder mystery like unexpected backstabbing (in the figurative sense).

3. Will players leave talking about the experience?
   The ultimate goal: your guests should rehash the drama long after the game is over.

4. Would I be excited to play this game?
   If it doesn’t thrill you, it won’t thrill others. If you’re excited about it, your players will be too!

Writing a murder mystery game is an art—part storytelling, part puzzle-crafting, and part psychological warfare (the fun kind). By asking yourself these 22 questions, you’ll refine your mystery into an experience your guests will never forget.

And if you’d rather play than plan? Check out our ready-to-go mystery kits and let us do the plotting for you!