The Mandatory Holiday Mangle
A murder mystery party game for 6–14 players · For adults · 2.5 hours · Play on phones or print · From $34.95
Where HR goes to die and the punch is definitely spiked.
The story
The annual holiday party at Brickman’s Paper & Staples is usually a disaster of lukewarm appetizers and forced team-building, but this year the stakes have reached a lethal high. As the staff gathers to exchange 'Secret Santa' gifts that nobody wants, the discovery of Burt Brickman’s cold, ham-beaten body sends the office into a tailspin of accusations and awkward silences. With the building on lockdown and the local police stuck in a snowstorm, the employees must sift through paper trails, questionable expense reports, and petty personal vendettas to find the killer among them. Amidst the cringe-inducing humor and corporate jargon, a dark secret lurks in the filing cabinets: who among this dysfunctional crew hated the boss enough to clock him out forever?
Setting: The dreary, fluorescent-lit offices of Brickman’s Paper & Staples during a budget-restricted holiday party.
The characters
- Chadwick Channing, The Sales Bro: As the Regional Sales Manager, you are known for your aggressive networking, your neon-colored ties, and your inability to remember anyone's name. People see…
- Prudence Prim, The Safety Enforcer: As the Head of Safety and Internal Standards, you are the most feared and loathed person in the office. You carry a ruler to measure the distance between…
- Finley Fletcher, The Prankster: You are the office prankster, famous for hiding people’s belongings and making inappropriate noises during meetings. Everyone thinks you’re harmless, if…
- Daisy Dewdrop, The Receptionist: As the bubbly receptionist, you are the face of the company. You handle the phones, the mail, and the constant stream of complaints with a smile that looks…
- Mortimer Moss, The Accountant: As the Senior Accountant, you are the man who knows where every penny is. You are quiet, socially awkward, and have a strange obsession with the exact…
- Lulu Lush, The Liability: As the 'Customer Relations Liaison,' your job description is vague, but your presence is loud. You are usually found near the punch bowl or crying in the…
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
Can I adapt this mystery party for a teen murder mystery or is it strictly for adults?
While primarily designed as an adult murder mystery, the game can be adapted for older teenagers who enjoy corporate satire. However, the 'spiked punch' and office-politics humor make it most effective as an adult murder mystery party. If you are looking for a teen murder mystery party, you might need to tweak some of the disgruntled worker tropes to fit a school setting.
What makes this murder mystery dinner party unique compared to other holiday murder mystery themes?
While many murder mystery themes focus on grand mansions or historical settings, this game finds hilarity in the mundane. This murder mystery dinner party puts a comedic twist on the 'mandatory' office event, making it a standout choice for those looking for unique murder mystery party games that resonate with anyone who has ever worked a desk job.
How intense is the acting required for this comedy-themed adult murder mystery game?
The Mandatory Holiday Mangle is one of the best murder mystery games for groups that love to laugh. As an immersive murder mystery game, players are encouraged to lean into office stereotypes, but the focus is on fun and interaction rather than professional acting. It is a lighthearted murder game that keeps everyone engaged without being overly dark.
Is this a good murder mystery party kit for a first-time host?
Absolutely! This murder mystery party theme is designed with the host in mind, providing all the materials needed for a successful event. Even if you have never tried to host a murder mystery party before, the step-by-step instructions make managing this 6-player mystery party a breeze, even in a budget-restricted setting.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect from The Mandatory Holiday Mangle murder mystery game?
This comedy adult murder mystery party brings the dreary, fluorescent-lit vibe of Brickman’s Paper & Staples to life. It’s the perfect murder mystery dinner party game for those who want to balance relatable office satire with a thrilling investigation, where the HR department is the target and the punch is definitely spiked.
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.
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