Recently, HorrorBuzz was invited out to a very special, invite-only murder mystery show at the historic Houdini elp explain the rules to us, which involved determining who had the motive and means to commit what ended up being a string of murders throughout the night through using play money to bribe the suspects. We were then introduced to the potential suspects, all of whom were chosen from the crowd, including Joey Graceffa, who was listed as hosting the event but didn’t end up playing a particularly pivotal in the proceedings. After a short time enjoying our appetizers, we entered into the first of three investigation phases and bribe money flowed freely to extract whatever info we could from our impromptu performers, though I’m not sure the ultimate purpose of the bribe money was ever made clear to any of us.

At this point we’re led up to the second floor past life-size Buddha sculptures and a huge bust of Houdini himself to another gathering space where we watch James Charles and a woman plucked from the audience act out a reenactment of how the murder may have played out while we dine on one of three available main courses. I opt for a steak with cream sauce and herb roasted potatoes. Delightfully savory and seasoned, my only complaint there was I could have used another serving. Informal investigations continue, though scant little time is available to do much in the way of interrogating if you wanted to finish your meal and have a drink or two. My bribe money went unused that night but developments were revealed through public performances from the actual actors in the main cast and details that they offered freely, so it never felt like much of a necessity.

It was then time to make our only incursion into the estate proper, investigating a bedroom where we inspected dusted fingerprints with a magnifying glass and shining a flashlight on UV-reactive paint to uncover a hidden message. It felt a bit like what a child imagines a detective does but its simplicity allowed for it to be approachable and inclusive and the sophistication was likely not too far out from the standard of forensic technology in 1919. Dessert was then served along with the thrilling conclusion of the mystery as we dug into mousse and chocolate raspberry tarts while making our final deliberations. Thanks to several members of our team having excellent deduction skills and a vigor for this sort of puzzle-solving (I tried to help but ended up feeling a bit carried) we ended up solving the murders in the final moments but we were not alone in guessing correctly and another team was found to have produced the superior report.

This was an exceptionally enjoyable and well-orchestrated event that clearly had a lot of money and logistical manpower poured into it. The setting couldn’t have been better, the food and drinks suited the opulence of the occasion and the performers have a knack for this slapstick style of comedy immersive theater. The only real complaint I could make is that I would have preferred to have actual actors serving as the suspects, which would have made the narrative more impactful and allow it to proceed more smoothly as the suspects chosen from the audience did their best but often seemed unsure of their motivations or how to answer questions from guests. Despite my reservations about that particular choice, it’s clear The Murder Mystery Company knows how to throw an entertaining party where those who might arrive as strangers can get to know one another through conversation and teamwork.

Find or book a murder mystery party of your own at murdermysteryco.com