FAQs

What is a murder mystery game?

A murder mystery game is first and foremost a game of conversation. Each player receives a character prompt, where they will read their character background, as well as a list of clues to reveal, and secrets to keep. Then, the players will converse with each other, sharing their clues and making accusations. But be prepared; any clue that’s revealed might offend another player, and soon the players will be yelling, arguing, laughing, and crying. It’s your job to wade through the lies and emotions to find the truth, and make a final accusation.

Why is it fun? What’s the point?

It’s fun to pretend to be a different person, and to react outrageously to the things other players reveal. But it’s even more fun to create memories with your friends and family by sharing a few contrived rivalries, shocking revelations, and inside jokes! Believe me, you may not remember that one time you guys went to the movies, but you’ll remember that one time you were settlers in the 1889 land run, and you spent your evening accusing each other of murder. Not to mention, playing this game is cheaper!  

I’m an introvert. Will I like murder mystery games?

Yes! In fact, of all the people I know that enjoy murder mystery games, the vast majority are self-declared introverts. I’m an introvert, and I love to play! This is because murder mystery games are less about our desire to be in front of people (or how we get our energy), and more about our desire to be creative and “go with the flow”. All you need is a willingness to be silly.

What about my friends who crave rules, formulas, and structure? Will they like this game?

They’re strange creatures, but we all know one or two. Don’t worry, they’ll enjoy it too – and it will be a chance to practice being flexible!

Can I have more/less players than the game suggests?

Each game will have a certain number of necessary players, and a certain number of extra players. For example, Murder at Stillwater Creek is for 8 players, and includes 2 extra characters. You need at least 8 people to play. You cannot play with less. The extra characters are just that – extra. They’re not necessary to the game, and are completely optional to use. But here’s a warning: the extra characters don’t add a lot to the game, so if you use them, it’s best they’re played by the people most hesitant to participate.

Do I need to memorize my part? Do I need to study my part before the game?

Absolutely not! This game is not about perfection. Part of the fun is flying by the seat of your pants, pretending you know everything, and failing miserably. Embrace the chaos!

What ages can play?

Each individual game will have its own age range. Murder at Stillwater Creek, for example, has a fair amount of reading, so I suggest ages 14 and up. However, my 10-year-old niece played a character for the test run and she did a great job without any problems, so it’s really up to the host’s discretion. Some things discussed are murder, betrayal, deceit, and love triangles. No sexual encounters are a part of the storyline.   

How long will it take to play?

It will depend on the group playing, i.e., how often the players banter and argue outside of the clues given to them, but each game should last around 1.5 – 2 hours.

How’d you get the name Bearded Rat Mysteries?

I like to joke that I’m trying to grow a beard, and I also really, really love rats. That’s why, when I was trying to think of what to name my wifi, my friend Matt suggested “The Bearded Rat”. The name just kind of stuck, and now it has graduated to my business name.

Why did you start writing murder mysteries?

During the bygone days of 2014, I helped to throw a birthday party for a friend. We wanted to play a murder mystery game, but due to a combination of spotty internet and slim resources, I decided I’d just write one. My brother Jesse suggested that I sell it, and though I thought it was a silly notion, I kept it in the back of my mind for future ponderings.

Then, Christmas of 2017 rolled around, and I wrote a murder mystery game for my whole family to play. I worked so hard on it that I literally made myself sick, but it was worth it. Isn’t that the beginning of all great business ventures?

After that, I started writing more murder mystery games, and I made my brother Daniel design my business cards.

And that’s how Bearded Rat Mysteries began.

What’s your mission statement?

To create games that spark human connection in a digital world.