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English Mansion Murder Mystery
IT IS OCTOBER, 1936
The European continent is poised to either create a legacy of political order or unravel a system of post-World War checks and balances.It has been nearly four months since the Italian Duce, Benito Mussolini, ordered his troops into Abyssinia. Two weeks later, civil war broke out in Spain and Generalissimo Franco called up Adolph Hitler and his Nazi legions to aid the rebel troops.
Even today, the German Luftwaffe is practicing a new type of warfare called blitzkrieg because of the lightning fast speed which it takes place. Less than a week ago, Il Duce's son-in-law, Count Ciano, concluded the talks with Hitler that created the Berlin-Rome axis of power. In England, King Edward VIII's coronation is being planned for early next year. His affair with American divorcee Wallis Warfield Simpson is well-hidden from the public as the British press has agreed to publish nothing about the relationship to avoid a scandal.
And, at the English country estate, Conifers, Sir Hugo Smythe Armbruster's 70th party took place last night. Sir Hugo had been knighted after The Great War for his contributions to the war effort. His brilliant sense of both history and propriety established him as an able publisher whose newspaper, The Daily Truth, kept the citizenry informed of what was happening at the front.
The assembled guests celebrated the event with enough food and drink to choke the proverbial horse. But, it seems, the horse may have fought back. This morning, Sir Hugo was found dead in the stables. Although the death was at first viewed to be accidental, Scotland Yard took little time in declaring that, indeed, evidence pointed toward murder.
The old gentleman had been a cat fancier, priding himself in the rare breeds that freely roam the grounds of Conifers. It was said that he preferred cats to humans. He had even threatened to leave his vast fortune to The Royal Feline Society rather than have his millions squandered by "fools and scoundrels." One could only imagine what surprises would unfold when the will is read.
Sir Hugo Smythe Armbruster was a Royalist who did whatever he could to protect the Royal Family.
the suspects
Can you identify the killer?
GILES JENKINS
Sir Hugo's valet and butler for the past 20 years. He keeps track of everything that takes place at Conifers and arranged the surprise party.
LILY FISH
The maid at Conifers. Lily has been employed by Sir Hugo for the past five years. She has a history of service at estates in Berkshire.
ALBIE ARMBRUSTER
Sir Hugo's son and only heir. He has a reputation for fast cars and fast women.
REBECCA ARMBRUSTER
Albie's wife and daughter-in-law of Sir Hugo. Her humble beginnings have produced potential wealth through her marriage to Albie.
MAUDE ADAMLY
The leading lady in the West End production of "The Lady Likes to Live it Up." She recently took an extended hiatus from the cast.
PERCIVAL BROMLEY
Sir Hugo's stable groom. He has a way with horses and an interest in Sir Hugo's social events.
SHEILA STANTON
An artist who returned to England after living in Italy. She was an uninvited guest who seemed out of place among the others.
ARTHUR MACKENZIE
The editor of "The Daily Truth." He's worked for Sir Hugo for many years. To him, only the truth will do.
DCI Laurence Law
Optional Facilitator Role. He's an experienced Scotland Yard lawman who is committed to solving this case.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
Janine Kilty, Pittsford, NY
Tracie Betts, Buckman Laboratories, Memphis, Tn
Tracie Betts, Buckman Laboratories, Memphis, Tn
Here are photos from my recent party, The Cat Screamed at Midnight, thought you'd like evidence of how much fun we had! Thanks for your help in planning this ... it was great.
Tracie Betts, Buckman Laboratories, Memphis, Tn
Tracie Betts, Buckman Laboratories, Memphis, Tn
Tracie Betts, Buckman Laboratories, Memphis, Tn
This event was planned for our top global management team. We rented a Victorian home for a dinner party and "The Cat Screamed At Midnight" was a perfect fit. Thanks for providing us with great team building materials!
Roseana Yoder, Cheltenham, Pa
Tracie Betts, Buckman Laboratories, Memphis, Tn
Valerie Feller (Lily), Wayne, Pa
The party was an international success and we had over 35 guests all dressed to character and sporting a variety of different accents. Thank you for making this party a success.
Valerie Feller (Lily), Wayne, Pa
Rod Beaumont, South East European University, Tetovo, Macedonia
Valerie Feller (Lily), Wayne, Pa
Saturday was our Cat Screamed at Midnight party, and it was great!! You asked for pictures; here's the whole group. Most of Arthur's great glue-on beard is covered up by Maude's feather, but you get the idea. Left to right, the couples are Albie and Rebecca, Arthur and Maude, Giles and Lily, Percival and Sheila. None of us solved the mystery, which means either we're dumber than 35% of the people who do it or we drink more. But that didn't keep us from enjoying every minute. I like the costumes, the food (we do a sit-down dinner), and the carrying on, so I don't care whether I solve it or not. Thanks for a great mystery! We do a murder party every February, and I'll be back at your website next year.
Rod Beaumont, South East European University, Tetovo, Macedonia
Rod Beaumont, South East European University, Tetovo, Macedonia
Rod Beaumont, South East European University, Tetovo, Macedonia
I am an English professor at University level and recently was working in South East European University in Tetovo, Macedonia. I was teaching Macedonian, Serbian, Kosovar and Albanian students to become teachers of English. As one of the optional courses we had a course entitled ‘Applied Communication’ This was with the top language students from that year. I was looking for something exciting and different to make their class memorable and came through with one of your mysteries … the one with Sir. Hugo! I selected eight students of different English proficiency and gave them the roles of the main characters (suspects) we ran through their scripts a couple of times before the actual class. The students all to this day remember this. I want you to know this is another excellent way to use your games. This game was used with students who do not have English as their native language. They enjoyed and understood the lesson.
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