Hemlock ParlorHemlock Parlor · Clues
Murder mystery party clues
A good set of clues works like a filter: each one rules some suspects out, and only all of them together leave exactly one. Reveal them one at a time, in order, so the guests narrow it down themselves.
Free to print
Murder at Winterbourne's Toys: a mystery for 6 players, about 90 minutes. Invitations, character sheets, three clues and the solution in one PDF.
A worked example with six suspects
Say the suspects are A, B, C, D, E and F. Each clue on its own leaves several people:
| Clue | What it says | Still possible |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The key | Only B, D and E have a key to the room. | B, D, E |
| 2. The photo | A timed photo shows A, B and C elsewhere at the moment of the crash. | D, E, F |
| 3. The trace | Paint on the weapon matches only the room where B, E and F worked. | B, E, F |
Together, only E is on all three lists. Any two clues still leave two suspects (D and E, B and E, or E and F), which keeps the table arguing until the last card is out.
When to reveal each clue
- Clue 1 right after the body is found, so everyone has something to argue about.
- Clue 2 halfway through the second round.
- The last clue about ten minutes before accusations.
What makes a clue fair
- It states a fact, not a hint the host has to explain.
- It never contradicts another clue or a character sheet.
- The murderer may lie about it, but the card itself is always true.
We check every mystery we publish with a test that confirms the clues leave exactly one culprit and that no clue contradicts another.
Questions
How many clues does a murder mystery party need?
Three is enough for six players. Bigger casts need more: our 8-to-12-player editions use five.
Should the host know the answer?
Only if they aren't playing. In ours, the solution is folded closed so the host can play along.
Keep reading
Ready to host?
Our free mystery has invitations, six character sheets, three clues and the solution in one PDF.
Download the free mystery