Steeped in Scandal: The Rosewood Solarium Murder
A murder mystery party game for 6–14 players · For adults · 2.5 hours · Play on phones or print · From $34.95
A dash of Earl Grey, a dollop of cream, and a deadly secret served on fine china.
The story
In the sun-drenched solarium of Rosewood Manor, the elite have gathered for Lady Margaret Thorne’s legendary Spring Tea. But as the first cup is poured, the hostess collapses, stone-dead before the scones are even cold. Beneath the lace doilies and polished silver lies a web of old grudges, hidden debts, and poisonous ambitions. With the doors locked and the storm rolling in over the estate, one of these elegant ladies has traded her reputation for a killer’s hand. The solarium itself, with its intricate layout of hidden alcoves and a single entrance through the library, becomes a labyrinth of suspicion as the guests realize the murderer must be among them. The fundamental question remains: who among these refined women brewed the cup of death?
Setting: The solarium of Rosewood Manor, a glass-walled garden room filled with exotic ferns, white wicker furniture, and tiered trays of high-tea delicacies.
The characters
- Genevieve de la Croix, The Rival Matriarch: As a titan of the European fashion scene, you are the epitome of grace and success. Others see you as the woman who has everything: beauty, a thriving empire…
- Imogen Fitzroy, The Disinherited Niece: You are the vibrant, slightly scandalous socialite niece that every aunt warns their daughters about. Known for your daring fashion and your even more daring…
- Dr. Helena Halloway, The Personal Physician: As one of the few female physicians in the county, you have earned a reputation for being stoic, brilliant, and incredibly dedicated to your patients. You…
- Penelope Pringle, The Ambitious Protégé: The literary darling of the season, you are the celebrated author of 'Secrets of the Manor'. You are viewed as a sensitive soul with a sharp eye for human…
- Isadora Thorne, The Rebellious Daughter: The youngest daughter of the Thorne family, you are seen as the dutiful, if somewhat quiet, companion to your aging mother. You are the 'Perfect Victorian…
- Tabitha Tucket, The Housekeeper: You are the invisible glue that holds Rosewood Manor together. Having served the Thorne family for four decades, you are seen as a loyal, tireless fixture of…
What's included
- The Game Room: run every round, clue, accusation and the final reveal from your phone, tablet or TV
- Invitations with RSVP, and a private character page sent to each guest
- Narrator audio for each round
- A host guide and a printable kit if you prefer paper
Price by party size
- 6 players: $34.95
- 8 players: $42.95
- 10 players: $50.95
- 12 players: $58.95
- 14 players: $66.95
Up to 200 people can play in large group mode, with detective teams and an event license: see murder mystery events for 15–200 guests.
Questions
What kind of atmosphere can I expect from the Steeped in Scandal: The Rosewood Solarium Murder mystery party theme?
This murder mystery party game transports your guests to the elegant yet claustrophobic solarium of Rosewood Manor. Expect a high-society vibe filled with exotic ferns and fine china, where the polite clink of tea cups masks a dark undertone of betrayal and desperation. Unlike a typical murder party, this historical setting uses the contrast between a beautiful garden room and a deadly botanical poison to create a tension-filled adult murder mystery experience that focuses on class dynamics and hidden secrets.
Is this murder mystery party kit suitable for a first-time host, and what props do I need for the solarium setting?
Yes! This murder mystery game kit is designed for easy hosting. To bring the Rosewood Solarium to life, you simply need a 'tea party' setup with tiered trays of delicacies, white wicker furniture, and some household ferns. The kit provides all the character secrets and witnessed clues you need to host a murder mystery party effortlessly, making it one of the best murder mystery games for those who want a high-impact setting without requiring complex technical skills or a large stage.
Why should I choose Steeped in Scandal over other murder mystery themes for my next social event?
This mystery stands out because of its intricate historical detail and the unique 'Poison Garden' motive. It is a sophisticated murder mystery game that moves beyond generic tropes to offer a specific, high-stakes story about class struggle and survival. Whether you are looking for a teen murder mystery for a mature group or a polished adult murder mystery, the blend of bitter almonds, blue aprons, and Victorian scandal makes it a memorable and unique choice for any host looking for a murder mystery board game style experience with live interaction.
Can I host this as a murder mystery dinner party even though the setting is a tea room?
Absolutely! While the story centers on a high-tea event in the solarium, you can easily adapt it into a full murder mystery dinner party. You can serve courses between the rounds of investigation, using the 'Matriarch's Blend' tea as a central conversational piece. The 'Steeped in Scandal' script fits perfectly into a mystery dinner party format where the meal becomes part of the social maneuvering among the Rosewood elite, allowing your guests to analyze clues over several courses.
How many people can play?
6 to 14 players. The 6 main characters are included for $34.95; add up to 8 more at $4.00 each ($42.95 for 8, $58.95 for 12, $66.95 for 14).
Can a large group play?
Yes. In large group mode some guests play the characters and everyone else joins detective teams, up to 200 people. Large group mode comes with a Non-profit or Business license.
Do I need to print anything?
No. Guests get their characters and clues on their phones, and the host runs each round, the accusations and the reveal from the Game Room, with narrator audio and a TV mode. A printable kit is included if you prefer paper.
How long does the game take?
About 2.5 hours, played over several rounds, usually alongside dinner or drinks.
How soon can I start?
Straight away. The game appears in My Games right after checkout, where you can send invitations and assign characters.
Adult murder mystery games | Murder mystery events for large groups | Browse all murder mystery games | How it works