Early Twentieth Century
Murder Mysteries
Inspired by historical figures from Bellingham’s past — though the story, events, and dialogue are purely fictional.
Beneath the veneer of prosperity, tensions simmered. Business partnerships dissolved in bitter rivalries, secret deals were struck in smoke-filled backrooms, and more than one prominent citizen harbored dark secrets that could destroy reputations – or lives. It was in this atmosphere of ambition and dangerous secrets that tragedy would strike…
This immersive murder mystery experience takes place in the historic setting of early 1900s Bellingham at the Roeder residence. Guests will investigate clues, question suspects, and work to solve the mystery before the evening concludes.
As guests arrive:
Once all guests have arrived:
Evening, folks. Glad you could all make it. Mr. Denny Butler, proprietor of the Silver Spur – barbershop by day, speakeasy by night – had arranged this little dinner to celebrate a new business venture. Said he had something big to announce, something that’d put this town on the map.
You know Denny — always chasing the next idea. When prohibition forced him to shut down the saloon side of the Silver Spur, he needed a way to make money. Built himself a darkroom down in the basement and said he’d found a way to make “honest money” printing portraits and promotional photos for the town’s business owners. Maybe he wanted investors. Maybe he had something else in mind. Either way, he made sure all of us were here tonight to hear it.
[Pause, scan the room.]
But before we could even raise a glass, there’s been trouble. Denny’s been found dead, right here in the house.
Now, we know Denny wasn’t short on friends – or enemies for that matter. He cut hair, served whiskey, and heard more secrets than a confessional. But it appears one of you in this room had reason enough to see him gone.
[Lower voice slightly.]
Before we go on, I just had word from the detective who’s already been through the darkroom down in the basement and he asked me to pass along what he knows so far.
Denny didn’t die in a fight. No gunshots, no knife wounds. The detective says it looks like poisoning—something slipped into his drink. He was found slumped on a stool beside his latest batch of pictures, glass still in hand. The time of death’s guessed to be somewhere between twenty to eight and eight o’clock. He couldn’t have been gone long before we found him at five after.
There was an open whiskey bottle, a half-full glass, and a little corked vial on the desk—nothing else disturbed. The detective is taking them to the lab, but for now, he says no one here’s cleared. Every one of us might’ve had the chance.
[Straighten, steady voice.]
That’s what we know for now. Carry on with dinner. Listen, ask, and remember what you saw between 7:30 and 8:10. The detective will have more to say as the night goes on.
[Raises glass with a confident smile]
Now, as Denny always said, “Life’s short, so pour it strong.” So let’s raise a glass, to Denny Butler. May he rest easy, and may the truth come out before dessert.
[Hold the toast. Brief pause.]
To Denny.
[Host glances around the room, tone lighter but measured.]
All right, folks — the detective says supper can go on as planned. He figures people talk easier over a good meal. So while we eat, start thinking about where you were between seven-thirty and eight o’clock. Who you spoke to. What you saw or heard.
Denny always surrounded himself with folks who knew how to talk — now’s your chance to prove it.
[Small smile.]
Round one begins now. Eat, mingle, and listen close. The gossip is on your character sheet.
Allow guests to mingle and gossip, dropping hints about motives. Encourage subtle in-character accusations or jealous remarks. This news threatens at least 2–3 characters directly.
As guests are finishing their appetizers and mingling, the murder occurs:
Staging the Murder:
The announcement should be made with dramatic tension by the ghost of Heinrich Roeder (the family patriarch):
[Heinrich Roeder’s ghost, appearing ethereal and mournful]
“My dear friends… I’m afraid I bring the most dreadful news. I have been… murdered. Struck down in my own study with a decorative letter opener from my desk.”
[Pause for shocked reactions]
“My earthly form lies cold in my private study, a brandy glass overturned, spilling across my business papers. There are signs of a brief struggle - my killer did not expect such resistance. The door was locked from inside - the key found in my vest pocket.”
“The constable cannot reach us tonight due to the storm, and the roads are treacherous. Until morning, I’m afraid you are all… confined to this house with my murderer. My study has been secured, but I must ask from beyond - did any of you see who visited me after the announcement this evening?”
“I shall remain among you as a spirit observer, watching as justice unfolds. Find my killer, dear friends… find them before dawn breaks.”
For the Host:
Character Reaction Guidelines:
After initial shock subsides:
[Donavan speaks] “While we await the authorities, perhaps we should gather what we know. For all our safety, we must determine if the perpetrator is among us.”
Hand out Clue Pack #1 to each character (see Clue Packs section).
Serve the first course while allowing hushed conversations and nervous speculation. Encourage guests to:
Host’s Role: Subtly guide conversations if energy drops, but don’t solve the mystery for them. Ask leading questions: “Did anyone else notice how quickly Railroad Baron excused himself after dinner?” or “Farmer’s Daughter, you seemed quite upset by the business announcement…”
The investigation should feel organic while maintaining structure. Guide guests through three distinct phases:
“[Any character can deliver this] Given our situation, I believe we must conduct our own investigation. Perhaps if we each share our whereabouts during the time in question, we can begin to understand what happened to Heinrich. Each character should explain their movements after the announcement this evening.”
Process:
Key Alibis to Track:
Host’s Role: Ask follow-up questions: “Farmer’s Daughter, did you see anyone else when you were in the garden?” “Railroad Baron, how long were you outside? Anyone see you return?”
Hand out Clue Pack #2 with more specific evidence.
“Upon closer inspection of the study, we’ve found several items of interest. The constable’s deputy arrived briefly but had to leave due to a bridge washout. He did share these observations…”
Evidence to Reveal:
Character Reactions:
“The evidence seems to point in various directions. Perhaps it’s time we speak more directly about what we each know - and what we suspect.”
Encourage:
Host’s Management:
Red Herring Management:
Final Evidence Presentation:
“I’m afraid there’s one final piece of evidence that has come to light. When examining Heinrich’s study more closely, we found this telegram hidden beneath other papers on his desk…”
The Damning Evidence: A telegram reading: “RAILROAD BONDS WORTHLESS STOP INVESTORS DEMANDING IMMEDIATE REPAYMENT STOP BENNETT LIABLE FOR FULL AMOUNT STOP FEDERAL INVESTIGATION PENDING”
[Bennett, defeated] “Yes… yes, it’s true. I killed Heinrich Roeder, but you must understand - he was going to destroy me! Those railroad bonds he convinced me to purchase were worthless paper. He knew it, and yet he demanded I invest everything I had saved for my family’s future. When the announcement was made tonight about upcoming changes in business arrangements, I knew what it meant - I would never see a penny of my money again. Worse, Heinrich was planning to use my ruin to consolidate more power for the Roeder family enterprises.”
“I didn’t plan to kill him. I went to his study to demand the truth about those bonds. When I confronted him with what I’d learned, he laughed. He said that business was about knowing when to cut losses - and that I was simply a loss he was cutting. He actually offered to let me ‘work off’ my debts by essentially becoming an indentured servant to the Roeder family enterprises. When I refused and threatened to expose him… he said no one would believe a bankrupt railroad man over Heinrich Roeder. That’s when I… I grabbed the letter opener - it happened so quickly.”
“And so ends this tragic evening. While we await the proper authorities, let us reflect on how greed and deception can poison even the most civilized of gatherings.”
- Railroad Baron: Will face trial for murder, but the questionable business practices may be taken into account
- The Banker: Recovers his loans through the Roeder estate, continues banking
- Lottie Roth: As a Roeder family member, inherits part of the family enterprises and becomes a successful businesswoman
- Other characters: Brief, satisfying conclusions based on their revealed motives
“To truth revealed, and to the hope that justice, however delayed, eventually finds us all.”
End scene with guests breaking character for final discussion and appreciation of the game.