When it comes to a murder mystery party game, there are only two kinds of people: those who love digging for clues, and those who love dodging them. The good news? There’s no wrong answer—just different ways to enjoy the mystery.

At a professionally run murder mystery event by The Murder Mystery Company, every guest plays detective, solving a thrilling whodunnit alongside friends, coworkers, or that one guy who always goes way too hard in character (and thank goodness for him).

But a few lucky guests will also be chosen to play suspects—the characters at the center of the drama. And whether you’re solving the mystery or helping stir it up, your role depends less on who you are in real life… and more on how you like to have fun.

What we’ll cover in this blog:

• Every guest plays detective
• Some are chosen as suspects
• Personality-based role breakdown
• Spotlight lovers vs. sleuthy minds
• Why both roles are a blast

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The Detective: For the Quiet Problem-Solvers

No trench coat required. Being a detective in a murder mystery game is all about diving into the story, following the breadcrumbs, and working with your team to crack the case. Even if you’re not officially “cast” as a suspect, you’re still fully part of the experience—and some of the sharpest minds come from outside the suspect lineup.

You might love being a detective if you:

• Thrive on logic puzzles and escape rooms
• Like working behind the scenes
• Are a not-so-secret mystery novel addict
• Prefer asking questions over answering them
• Enjoy piecing together the bigger picture

Detectives get to mix, mingle, and interrogate their way through the story. They’re often the glue holding a team together, catching details others miss and cracking codes that would stump Sherlock. You don’t need the spotlight—you just need a motive, a timeline, and maybe a notepad.

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The Suspect: For the Drama Lovers

Suspects are the wildcards—the ones with secrets, stories, and possibly a motive. During the mingling hour before the show, The Murder Mystery Company’s actors will hand-select guests to play suspect roles. No preparation is needed, and you’ll still be trying to solve the case like everyone else… even if you turn out to be the killer. (Plot twist!)

You might love being a suspect if you:

• Light up in social settings
• Love acting or public speaking
• Are the first to say “yes” to karaoke
• Enjoy a little improv or playful lying (just in character, of course)
• Would rather be the red herring than find one

Playing a suspect is perfect for outgoing types who want to lean into the fun. You’ll answer questions, share your character’s backstory, and try to stay cool under pressure as detectives close in. It’s all part of the drama—and the best suspects keep everyone guessing simply by being themselves.

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Can You Be Both? Absolutely.

The beauty of a mystery dinner party is that no one sits on the sidelines. Whether you’re cast as a suspect or not, every guest is a detective, fully involved in solving the crime. Suspects are just detectives with a secret or two—and even they don’t know if they’re guilty until the final reveal.

So if you’re not picked as a suspect, don’t worry. You’ll still get swept into a night of intrigue, laughs, and high-stakes accusations. And if you are picked, congrats—you’ve got a front-row seat to the mayhem and the mystery.

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Find Your Role and Start the Fun

Whether you’re more of a clue-hunter or a chaos-bringer, there’s a perfect place for you in every interactive mystery game. And the best way to experience one? Let the pros at The Murder Mystery Company take the reins.

They handle everything—from casting suspects to creating a seamless experience—so you and your guests can focus on the mystery, the mayhem, and the memories.

Want help planning the perfect murder mystery dinner party game for your group?
Call 888-643-2583 or fill out a contact form right here on the site. The next great mystery could be yours.