The Christmas Murder Mystery Game
The Nighty before Christmas
BUTLER IS BACK
Det. Insp. George Butler (The Lockdown Murder Mystery) returns with a second unsolved murder case.
This time assisted by SYADS (Scotland Yard Amateur Dramatic Society) with a Christmas Murder Mystery Game.
Ready to solve the Christmas Murder Mystery Game?
That’s great news. You’ll be able to do so on this MURDER MASTERY site soon.
In the meantime, head on over to Christmas Murder (opens in a different window) where you’ll be able to purchase and play.
Good luck.
What the Christmas Murder Mystery players say...
Thanks for putting it all together. We had a fun evening and would definitely do one again.
The main story / whodunnit was perfect.
The Case
The village of Shallow Bottom at midnight; that magical moment when Christmas Eve gives way to Christmas Day, a shot rings out.
Vic Timms is murdered on his own doorstep, allegedly by ‘Father Christmas’. One witness claims to have seen Father Christmas in the sky.
But with the village in floods, no-one had entered or left for days, so you would think the gun and costume must still be there.
And yet they were never found.
The Christmas Murder Mystery Game Tapes
D.I. Butler and his Detective Sergeants have produced THREE TAPES, recreating the case of The Nighty before Christmas. The witnesses and suspects from the original investigation are performed in the hope YOU solve a case that baffled Scotland Yard.
You also get a CLUE PACK, MAPS etc. Simply by playing this Christmas Murder Mystery Game (either alone, in teams, remotely or gathered around the TV and log fire), we hope you spot what we missed. And have some Murder Mystery fun along the way.
The Players
SYADS member Sandra plays all the women in the re-enactment AND one of the men.
Sandra Lester
Detective Sergeant
SYADS member Sandra plays all the women in the re-enactment AND one of the men.
Don't mention...
The all female production of Troilus and Cressida in which Sandra played Ulysses.
George Butler
Detective Inspector
George doesn’t escape his share of ‘acting’, assuming the role of the vicar.
Don't mention...
The ‘famous’ Butler of the Yard has failed to solve yet another case.
Gareth Roberts
Detective Sergeant
SYADS actor, Gareth, was on the original case (before it was a Murder Mystery Game)
Don't mention...
D.I. Butler was out of sweets, nuts, crisps, cheese and biscuits by Boxing Day.
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE SYADS
Detective Sergeants Gareth Roberts and Sandra Lester are dedicated amateur dramatists, keen to play out this re-enactment for YOU to SOLVE.
Here is their 15 second Christmas message.
Where is Shallow Bottom?
The village of Shallow Bottom is in the far north of England, approximately 12 miles east of The Irish Sea.
To the north, an imposing cliff face marks the edge of Dodgy Moor and twenty miles of marshland. To the south, the fast flowing River Bott had flooded. To the east and west, the only two bridges were monitored.
Nobody could get in or other than by helicopter.
The Journey Begins...
D.I. Butler has repeatedly said, often with an eye to SEO, “Murder is not a game.”
But having ‘failed’ to solve this Christmas Day Murder Mystery, he has reluctantly opened up the case for YOU to solve.
D.S. Roberts and D.S. Lester are in agreement; ‘Everyone loves a cozy Christmas Murder Mystery Game.’
It all began with that Christmas morning helicopter journey from London to Shallow Bottom.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this game work?
Three videos set the scene and tell the story. Between each film, you’ll be offered tangible clues. The case is re-enacted by the Scotland Yard detectives. They didn’t solve the case but the hope is that you do.
Do I need a TV or a computer or…what?
The videos are not downloadable so you need internet access to watch them – on a phone, tablet, laptop or TV. Some link their phone to their TV. It’s up to you how you watch (and this may depend on your audience size).
What about these ‘tangible clues’?
Once purchased, you can download and print the clue packs and other clues. Or you can share them as PDF’s so that your audience has the information in advance. However, there are also online versions accessible during your membership so you have the choice; ‘prepare’ or ‘play now’ (but both contain the same information).
What format does it follow?
This style of murder mystery is not to found anywhere else online, as far as we know. This is the follow up to The Lockdown Murder Mystery and is played in the same way.
Have you got to be over 18 to watch it?
Nope. It can be played by all ages. There’s no swearing. Nothing…too offensive.
What do you mean, ‘Nothing too offensive’?
Alright! Look, there’s nothing overt (aside from the fact a man was murdered) but there is a reference to an affair (you need a motive). This being the 21st century, it’s the fashion to take offence (see our ‘amusing’ blog on this very topic).
I think I will. It sounds fun. How long does it take?
Up to you. There are three films, about an hour in total. You can whip through them or take leisurely intervals. You could play over a three course meal if you like.
Oh, then there is a ‘summing up’ (if you know what I mean) with a duration of about twelve minutes.
Summing up! Are you saying you already know the answer?
Look, this is a work of fiction, OK! It’s supposed to be fun. Watch the first film, think about it (discuss it if you like), then watch the next.
You may also want to spend time on the clue pack.
What is this Clue pack?
The clue pack contains information on the victim and interviewees, along with photos, newspaper clippings, clues and an answer form.
Oh, and a tie-break form in case you want to play competitively.
How much is this all going to cost? It’s beginning to sound expensive.
The Lockdown Murder Mystery is just £3.99. You can play that if you want to get an idea of how this works. But with Detective Sergeants to pay, not to mention royalty free photos, software…
…enough with the excuses. How much?
Twenty quid (about $25).
What, £20 PER PERSON!
No! You can have as many people as you like. How you play is up to you. You can gather together around a large screen or you can play remotely, on Zoom or similar.
You can share your screen if you’re the organiser but, for a better quality, each remote location should buy a licence. Look what my reviews said. It’s hardly expensive!
I suppose not. It had better be good though. Is it?
I think so. Try it and make up your own mind.