You've just started a delicious meal. Then a nearby table erupts. Two customers appear to be arguing. The argument turns to shoving. One man falls to the floor. He rises, grabs a knife and stabs the man through the heart. But wait, things may not be what they seem, at least not according to the police detective who rushes onto the scene. The dead man also has a gun shot wound. Who shot off a gun? Such is a dining experience during a murder mystery dinner.
Murder mystery shows are an old tradition. Sometimes they're combined with a meal and held at a small venue. People enjoy the food as well as the chase. They can eat their steak and like Sherlock Holmes engages their minds once the game is afoot. A variety of types of mysteries exist. Sometimes the audience merely watches and talks to actors, but doesn't solve the case. A second form is one in which guests try to solve the case. Sometimes a guest or two are even in on the secret, asked to join the cast for the performance.
These are popular as parties, and there are even entire cruises dedicated to them. They've leaked into popular culture. It's been in movies and on television. People invited to a party die one by one. One comedic version is Murder by Death. In other versions, a mystery dinner is taking place when someone is really murdered. Adrian Monk, a TV detective, on his show was banned from a mystery weekend for solving the case in under five minutes.
A murder mystery dinner is enjoyable. There are even versions specially made for children, and the whole family can participate.
