I’ve never been to a Mystery Weekend Retreat…
I’ve never been to a Mystery Weekend Retreat, so when I started writing a book that takes place within such an environment, I needed to do some research. Bottom line, I found out that the average all-inclusive mystery weekend adventure, though not cheap, sounded like loads of fun.
One of the more intriguing companies I discovered on the internet is Keith & Margo’s Murder Mystery Weekend™. Their website boasts:
“Since 1985 Keith & Margo’s Murder Mystery Weekend™ have offered a thrilling opportunity for people with a passion for cold blooded murder, slippery red herrings, diabolical clues, and creative detective work to immerse themselves in one of the most unusual, interactive, and spine-tingling experiences ever!”
I’m ready to go! How about you?
This company hosts events all over the continental US with luxury accommodations in classic buildings that fit the part. From the enticing photos, I could imagine that once a person arrives, it isn’t hard to get into character fast. One place was a beautifully restored landmark building in the midst of a lush forest. Another, set in the Shenandoah Valley, was described as a refined Georgian Revival inn. Yet another was a Victorian Inn once frequented by President Calvin Coolidge. Though I’ve not been to any of those places, it was that sort of distinguished ambiance I was trying to convey with the Mystery Beach Hotel in my new Tenth Life mystery, Ghost Cat at the Mystery Hotel.
I found several other companies through my internet search that specialize in mystery events, Some go a step farther and make it a theme weekend such as the 70’s Disco Era, Old Hollywood, the Jazz Age, or the Victorian Period (Bring your own costume.) Some events are public for a certain number of guests, and others you can arrange for your own private experience. AARP provides a list of Murder Mystery Adventures for senior sleuths.
For those less audacious folks, there are murder mystery dinner theater productions. These can be either played out on stage for the dinner audience, or in some cases, actors are mixed in with the restaurant clientele to bring the experience closer at hand. In both cases, the audience is invited to solve the mystery. I see there is one outfit right here in Portland! So tempting!
Lurid crimes, forensic examination, and hearts set on murder, these mystery packages are designed to delight.
Have you been on a Murder Mystery Weekend? If so, please tell us about it in the comments. Curiosity abounds!
The game is murder at the Mystery Beach Hotel.
Pre-order Ghost Cat at the Mystery Hotel now!
