Murder at Midnight: A New Year's Eve Mystery
A murder mystery party game for 6–14 players · For adults · 2.5 hours · Play on phones or print · From $34.95
When the clock strikes twelve, the toast turns deadly.
The story
The year's most anticipated New Year's Eve bash at The Vanderbilt Sky-Lounge, a glass-walled penthouse ballroom atop the Azure Spire, was hosted by Sterling Vanderbilt, the ruthless tech titan. Known for his lavish parties and merciless ambition, Sterling had amassed a fortune and a legion of enemies. Within the opulent Sky-Lounge, whispers of scandalous affairs, bitter betrayals, and dark secrets permeated the air. As the rain-slicked neon metropolis glittered below, a shocking discovery shattered the revelry: Sterling Vanderbilt lay dead. Now, every guest, from the enigmatic Lysandra Vale to the charming Sebastian Kross, becomes a suspect in a web of vice and vengeance. The investigation must uncover who among the elite dared to silence the powerful billionaire.
Setting: The Vanderbilt Sky-Lounge, a glass-walled penthouse ballroom atop the Azure Spire. The room is decorated in silver and midnight blue, featuring a central dance floor, a private bar, and a sprawling balcony overlooking a rain-slicked neon metropolis.
The characters
- Lysandra Vale, The Dispossessed Heiress: The last of the Vale dynasty, Lysandra is often seen at high-society events draped in vintage silk and a perpetual look of boredom. Her family once owned the…
- Sienna 'Siren' Song, The Pop Diva: A global pop sensation whose voice is heard in every corner of the world. Her relationship with Sterling has been the subject of tabloid fodder for…
- Octavia Grimm, The Tabloid Queen: The editor-in-chief of 'The Gilded Truth.' Octavia is the woman everyone fears and everyone invites. With a sharp bob and sharper tongue, she has dismantled…
- Sebastian Kross, The Tech Rival: A shark in a bespoke suit. Sebastian is the CEO of Kross-Tech and Sterling’s primary rival. His public banter usually suggests a healthy competition, but the…
- Dr. Alaric Mondrian, The Discarded Genius: The brilliant mind behind the 'Aegis' algorithm. Dr. Mondrian was Sterling’s first employee, though he now works as a 'consultant.' He is eccentric, often…
- Caspian Frost, The Security Chief: The stoic, impenetrable Head of Security for the Azure Spire. A former Special Forces operator, Caspian is known for his efficiency and his absolute silence…
Optional characters for bigger parties
- Rocco Vex, The Celebrity Chef: Rocco Vex is the world-renowned chef behind the Michelin-starred restaurant 'Entropy,' known for his explosive temper and even more explosive flavors. He…
- Imogen Lazar, The Avant-Garde Art Curator: Imogen Lazar is the city's most influential and feared art curator, whose eye for talent can make or break an artist's career. She is known for her minimalist…
- Riley Mercer, The Crypto Oracle: Riley Mercer is a mysterious and eccentric figure in the world of cryptocurrency, known only by their online handle '@ProphetCoin'. They are rumored to have…
- Roman Pierce, The Disgraced Politician: Roman Pierce was once a charismatic city councilman on a fast track to the mayor's office before a sudden, shocking scandal forced his resignation. Now a…
- Dr. Anya Petrova, The Bio-Hacker CEO: Dr. Anya Petrova is the brilliant and controversial CEO of 'Elysian Dynamics,' a biotech firm specializing in human augmentation and life-extension. She is…
- Sage Harlow, The Celebrity Ghostwriter: Sage Harlow is the best-kept secret in the literary world, the anonymous voice behind dozens of best-selling celebrity autobiographies. They are a master…
- Dante Moretti, The Professional Gambler: Dante Moretti is a legendary high-stakes gambler who haunts the private poker rooms and illegal casinos of the world's elite. He is dangerously charming and…
- Fallon Shaw, The Social Media Influencer: Fallon Shaw is a mega-influencer whose 'aspirational lifestyle' content reaches millions of followers daily. They are known for their relentless positivity…
What's included
- The Game Room: run every round, clue, accusation and the final reveal from your phone, tablet or TV
- Invitations with RSVP, and a private character page sent to each guest
- Narrator audio for each round
- A host guide and a printable kit if you prefer paper
Price by party size
- 6 players: $34.95
- 8 players: $42.95
- 10 players: $50.95
- 12 players: $58.95
- 14 players: $66.95
Up to 200 people can play in large group mode, with detective teams and an event license: see murder mystery events for 15–200 guests.
Questions
Do I need special props to host this murder mystery dinner party game in the Vanderbilt Sky-Lounge setting?
While the murder mystery dinner party game is fully playable with the digital or printed materials included in the kit, you can enhance the 'Murder at Midnight' vibe with simple silver and blue decorations. Key clues like the platinum champagne flute, the security panel, and the VIP drink tray can be represented by household items, allowing you to focus on the high-intensity murder mystery party games experience without a huge budget.
Why is 'Murder at Midnight' a specifically memorable choice compared to other murder mystery games?
Unlike a standard 'whodunnit,' 'Murder at Midnight' is a grounded thriller that trades tropes for a high-tension corporate revenge plot. With a tight 6-player count, every guest is a primary suspect with a deep motive, from Dr. Mondrian's stolen patents to Siren Song's forced marriage. This focus on personal stakes makes it a standout murder mystery dinner party choice for those who want a night of serious intrigue and shocking reveals.
Is 'Murder at Midnight' a good choice for a first-time host planning an adult murder mystery party?
Absolutely! Our murder mystery party kit for 'Murder at Midnight' is designed to be streamlined and host-friendly. While the plot involving corporate espionage and neurotoxins is complex and mature, the host guide provides clear instructions on managing the 6 players and timing the clues—like the security logs and the autopsy reveal—making it one of the best murder mystery games for those new to hosting.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect from the 'Murder at Midnight' murder mystery party theme?
This thriller transports your guests to the Azure Spire's Vanderbilt Sky-Lounge, offering a high-stakes, neon-noir experience. With a silver and midnight blue aesthetic and the backdrop of a rain-slicked metropolis, it's a perfect immersive murder mystery game for those who want a sophisticated and serious vibe. The countdown to the midnight toast creates a palpable sense of tension as the clock ticks toward Sterling's demise.
How many people can play?
6 to 14 players. The 6 main characters are included for $34.95; add up to 8 more at $4.00 each ($42.95 for 8, $58.95 for 12, $66.95 for 14).
Can a large group play?
Yes. In large group mode some guests play the characters and everyone else joins detective teams, up to 200 people. Large group mode comes with a Non-profit or Business license.
Do I need to print anything?
No. Guests get their characters and clues on their phones, and the host runs each round, the accusations and the reveal from the Game Room, with narrator audio and a TV mode. A printable kit is included if you prefer paper.
How long does the game take?
About 2.5 hours, played over several rounds, usually alongside dinner or drinks.
How soon can I start?
Straight away. The game appears in My Games right after checkout, where you can send invitations and assign characters.
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