It’s a PDF, delivered as an instant download the moment your purchase is complete. No waiting for an email — just download, save, and start reading.

42 pages — long enough to cover everything you need, short enough to actually read before your event.

Completely. The ebook is written for someone who has never hosted a murder mystery dinner before and has no idea where to start — but it works equally well for seasoned hosts who want a proven framework to work from. There are no acting skills required and no performance confidence needed. The methodology works for guests who know each other well, and for groups of people who have never met — which means you can mix social circles freely and the game will still hold together.

Everything from who to invite and how to write characters based on real people, to building a plot, planning the logistics, and hosting confidently on the night. It’s Lisa’s full methodology, in writing, with photographs from the early days.

Here’s a look at the chapter headings:

1. What is it?
2. The Guest List
3. Getting Everyone on Board
4. Crafting the Storyline & Characters
5. Character Sketch Tool
6. Relationship Navigator
7. The Co-Writer and Co-Host
8. Accents, Costumes & Props
9. Décor & Food Preparation
10. Lights, Camera, Action!
11. About the Author

One thing worth knowing: nobody plays the murder victim. The victim is part of the game’s backstory, not the evening itself — every guest is written a live, active character they must step into from the moment they arrive.

That’s entirely up to you — and one of the real advantages of writing your own game is that you control the scale. The ebook includes character ideas for groups of 10–24. It works for guests who know each other well, and for groups of strangers — mixing people from different social circles is not just fine, it often makes for a more interesting evening.

One practical note: timing matters more than people expect. Make sure your guests know that arriving on time is non-negotiable — late arrivals can genuinely disrupt the opening of the game.

A Print & Play game is pre-written — you download it, print it, and host it. This ebook is for anyone who wants to create a DIY murder mystery dinner entirely from scratch… It takes more effort, but the result is something completely original — every character based on a real person in the room, every plot twist designed for your specific group. If you want to create rather than just host, this is where to start.

The ebook licence covers personal use only. If you’re planning to run events commercially or charge guests to attend, get in touch before your event to discuss a commercial licence.

Lisa is reachable via the Contact page and is happy to answer questions. If you’d like more hands-on guidance before your event, you can also book a one-hour video call — get in touch for details.