Questions to ask murder mystery suspects can sometimes be difficult, but we’ve put together a guide to help.
If you’ve been to a murder mystery event with us, you’ll know it’s the interaction between the suspects and the guests at the tables that will reveal who is guilty and who is innocent. This is also true for our Zoom shows during the questioning.
For this reason, it pays to make sure you use this time wisely. This is your chance to quiz the characters on their movements that evening, their relationships, and their motivations.
You can ask the suspects anything, even what they had for breakfast, although that probably won’t lead you to uncover the truth.
With that in mind, here are some good examples of questions to ask the suspects:
- Where were you when the deceased met their untimely end?
- Describe your relationship with the deceased.
- Describe your relationship with the other suspects.
- What did you have to gain by X’s death?
- What was your previous job?
- What motivates you? Money? Power? Status?
- What do you/the others stand to gain by X’s death?
- Do you have any money troubles?
- Are you a confrontational person?
Our suspects can be slippery fish though so don’t let them wriggle out of difficult questions. You also must distinguish fact from fiction and know a red herring when you see one. There are also some useful nuggets of information that the suspects will not divulge unless directly asked. This is your opportunity to channel your inner Poirot.
Of course, this part of the evening is also where we like to have a giggle with you, which is just as important as the interrogation!
If, at the start of the evening, you’re unsure what to ask, simply refer to your case files. They contain some background information on the suspects. Remember though, don’t open the clues until asked.
The best advice we can give to our guests is to trust your gut, and don’t over-think it!