The Ultimate Guide to Throwing a 1920s Speakeasy Murder Mystery Party
The Ultimate Guide to Throwing a 1920s Speakeasy Murder Mystery Party
Shake up some gin rickeys, dust off your feather headband, and turn your living room into a Jazz-Age crime scene.
1. Why the Roaring ’20s Make Perfect Mystery Fodder
Bootleg booze, smoky jazz clubs, and shadowy gangsters create an atmosphere ripe for
intrigue, double-crosses, and murder plots. The era’s distinct fashion—
flapper dresses, pin-stripe suits, feather boas—makes costuming accessible (and Instagram-ready),
while Prohibition’s secret bars, or speakeasies, provide a built-in setting for clandestine
crimes.
2. Choose a Speakeasy Murder-Mystery Game Kit
Save hours of writing by downloading a print-ready kit. Look for:
- Player Count: A flexible range—9–12 is ideal.
- Act-Break Structure: Three-act pacing keeps suspense high.
- Evidence Props: Printable police files, faux newspaper clippings, and photographs.
- Host Script: Word-for-word narration for easy running.
Bootleg & Bloodshed is our bestselling 1920s speakeasy kit—download, print, and play tonight.
3. Design Bootleg-Style Invitations
Set the tone early with invitations disguised as:
- Secret Password Cards: “Knock twice and whisper ‘Gatsby Sends Regards.’”
- Vintage Newspaper Ads: “Live Jazz, One Night Only — Address Revealed to RSVPs.”
- Bootleg Bottle Labels: Attach invite labels to mini soda bottles hand-delivered to guests.
Include dress code, game start time, and remind players to keep their “business” hush-hush.
4. Transform Your Home into a Hidden Speakeasy
Lighting
- Switch off overhead lights; rely on table lamps, fairy lights, and battery candles.
- Add colored bulb sleeves for a moody amber glow.
Entrance
- Post a “Laundry Service Only” sign on the door; require the password for entry.
- Play a creaking door sound effect as guests enter.
Décor Touches
- Barrel-top “bar” with mason-jar glasses.
- Corkboard crime wall with red-thread map of gang territories.
- Art-deco posters and faux brick wallpaper.
5. Costume & Character Tips
| Archetype | Male Look | Female Look |
|---|---|---|
| Gangster | Pin-stripe suit, fedora, fake cigar | Rogue aviator jacket, newsboy cap |
| Flapper | N/A | Fringe dress, feather headband, long pearls |
| Club Owner | Tuxedo, slicked hair | Beaded gown, cigarette holder |
| Jazz Musician | Vest, rolled sleeves, trumpet prop | Sequined jacket, beret |
| Secret Agent | Trench coat, fake badge | Fur stole, compact pistol prop |
Encourage players to source costumes from thrift stores—affordable and authentic.
Provide a Pinterest board in the pre-party email for inspiration.
7. Curate a Hot-Jazz Playlist
Loop a Spotify or Apple Music playlist featuring Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Bessie Smith.
Keep volume low enough for conversation but loud enough to drown modern background noises.
8. Event Timeline & Game Flow
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 7:00 PM | Guests arrive; bouncer checks password. |
| 7:20 PM | Host reads Opening Narration. |
| 7:30 PM | Act 1 clues distributed; mingling & cocktails. |
| 8:00 PM | Finger-food buffet opens. |
| 8:20 PM | Act 2 clues + evidence photos revealed. |
| 8:50 PM | Dance break—Charleston contest. |
| 9:10 PM | Act 3 final clues; players write accusations. |
| 9:30 PM | Host reveals culprit, awards “Master Sleuth.” |
Adjust times based on kit length and guest energy.
9. Handy 1920s Slang Glossary
- Bee’s Knees: Something outstanding.
- Giggle Water: Alcoholic drink.
- Hooch: Bootleg liquor.
- Jake: Okay, great.
- Whangdoodle: A wild jazz party.
Print these terms on small cards and scatter them on tables for quick role-play reference.
10. FAQs for First-Time Hosts
How many guests should I invite?
8–12 players create lively interaction without crowding your space.
Do I need multiple rooms?
No, a single living room works. Dedicate corners for bar, evidence wall, and photo booth.
What if a guest can’t make it?
Use a kit with “flex characters.” Non-essential roles can be removed on the fly.