The circus has been in town and it’s the last night before you pack up and move on to the next town. As a company you are celebrating a successful run with a few drinks at a party, but all is not as it seems.
Beneath the cheerful exteriors that is the circus some issues that have been suppressed for too long finally came to light and several heated arguments took place. With affairs and scandals that have been kept secret being brought to the surface now everyone suddenly seems mad at the Burnum brothers.
When one of them turns up dead, suspended from his own knife throwing board no one seems that surprised. But who killed him? Were they aiming for him or his brother the ring master? It’s up to you to find out.
Game Length
1.5 - 3.5 Hours
Difficulty
Medium
Game Setting
The Circus
Character Genders
Flexible
The Kit
What's In Your Digital Kit
Character GuidesA booklet for every suspect — secrets included
Host Guide BookletStep-by-step hosting, zero prep stress
Detective Audio & VideoThe Detective sets the scene for you
EvidenceClues to reveal round by round
Costume SuggestionsDress the part, effortlessly
Invitation BookletsSet the scene before the night
Everything in your kit
The Guest List
· Murder at the Big Top
Meet the suspects
Every guest becomes a character. Choose your edition by how many join the party — the bigger the night, the deeper the cast.
4–8 PlayersThe core cast — in every edition
4–14 PlayersMore guests join the party
Unlocks with 4–14 & up
4–20 PlayersThe full house
Unlocks with 4–20
Want every suspect at your table? Pick the 4–20 edition.
Free with every game — never required
The murderer is chosen in secret. Even you won't know.
Every kit is complete on its own — and every game now includes a free app. Use it, and it sends cinematic invitations, slips each guest their secret script, and quietly casts the killer.
1The Invitations
Invites with their faces on
Cast your guests and the app sends each one a cinematic invitation — their character, their costume brief, and an RSVP that fills your table for you.
2The Green Room
Every phone becomes a secret dossier
Before the party, each guest steps into the green room — their character portrait, their backstory, their costume, and lines only they can see.
3The Reckoning
The app picks the killer — in secret
One tap, and someone in the room becomes the murderer. Only their phone knows. They read the guilty lines; everyone else plays it straight. Nobody can spoil it — not even the host.
4The Investigation
Evidence, detective recordings — and one final countdown
Tap-to-examine evidence lands each round, the Detective's recordings set the scene, and when it's time, a synchronized countdown unmasks the killer on every phone at once.
More ways to play
Dress the part
Snap a photo in costume and it becomes your character's face — on the ballots and at the reveal.
Capture the night
Every guest's photos and videos collect in one shared party album — to relive the morning after.
Detective or suspect
Run the night as the Detective, or play a character yourself and let the app's recordings narrate.
Crown the winners
Vote on the honours — Best Detective, Best Costume, Best Liar — and crown them together at the end.
Free with every gameNo app store — plays in any browserNo accounts or sign-upsHost in person or over video call
Need help?
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
Delivery & Downloads
Your digital game is delivered instantly — the moment your order is confirmed, your full kit is ready to download. There's nothing to wait for and nothing posted. Physical boxed kits are dispatched within 1–2 working days.
Hosting Support
Every game comes with a step-by-step Host Guide, so you're never on your own. Still stuck? Our team are real mystery enthusiasts and reply within 24 hours on weekdays.
FAQs
Player numbers, timings, how to host virtually — most questions are answered on our Help & FAQs page. Take a look before your big night.
Contact Us
Prefer to talk it through? Send us a message any time and we'll help you choose the perfect mystery for your group.
Host A Murder Mystery Dinner Party
How It Works
Suspects
Choose Your Suspects
Pick the game version that suits your guest list, whether you’re planning a small murder mystery dinner party or a larger Circus -themed gathering.
Invitations
Send Invitations & Character Roles
Invite your guests and send each person their character details and costume ideas before the party begins.
The Scene
Set the Circus Scene
Add dinner, drinks, costumes or decorations to create the perfect Circus atmosphere. Keep it simple or go all out.
The Case
Start The Case
Start with the Detective’s opening statement, then let guests introduce their characters, mingle, gossip and begin uncovering secrets.
The Murderer
Secretly Choose the Murderer
After the first round, the murderer is secretly selected, meaning the mystery can unfold differently each time you play.
Investigate
Investigate the Evidence
Follow the host guide through rounds of motive, opportunity and method as guests question each other, reveal clues and try to catch the killer.
Accuse
Accuse, Reveal & Award Prizes
Everyone makes their final accusation before the murderer confesses. End the night with awards for best detective, best costume, best performer or most suspicious guest.
up to−15%
Plan a night to remember
Build your Dinner Party collection
Match the mystery to the guest list. Compare themes, player counts and languages, then choose the games for your next occasions.
Buying it for someone else? After checkout, send it straight to their inbox as a gift — with a personal message, scheduled to land on the big day. They open a cinematic reveal, unlock the game, and the night is theirs to host.
Birthdays, Christmas or a date night in — it arrives ready to play, with.
Enhance Your Circus Murder Mystery Dinner Party
Welcome to our dedicated section for all things murder mystery! Here, you'll find everything you need to create an unforgettable and immersive experience for your guests. Whether you're looking for menu ideas to tantalize taste buds, curated playlists to set the perfect mood, costume ideas to bring characters to life, or decoration tips to transform your space, we've got you covered.
Circus Party Music Ideas
Set the Scene with a Circus Dinner Party Playlist
Enhance your circus murder mystery with our curated playlist featuring lively tunes and circus music. Perfect for setting the stage and getting everyone in the circus spirit.
Create a Spectacular Atmosphere with Circus Decorations
Create a dazzling circus atmosphere with our Greatest Showman-themed decoration ideas. From colorful tents to circus posters, our Pinterest board offers inspiration to set the stage for an extraordinary murder mystery party.
Delight your guests with a menu inspired by the circus. Our blog offers a variety of recipes for fun and festive dishes, from popcorn and candy apples to gourmet circus fare.
Planning to host this game at a paid or ticketed event, a corporate away-day, a pub or restaurant night, a team-building session — or anywhere it forms part of a business? You'll need a Commercial License.
It gives you the rights to run our mysteries for profit — at your venue, for your clients, or streamed publicly — professionally and fully covered. Add it to any game from £165. Already bought the game on its own? Purchase it again with the license and we'll refund your original order.
No — every kit is complete on its own, and you can run the whole night from the booklets alone. The free app is a bonus that adds cinematic invitations and a spoiler-proof secret killer draw if you'd like it. Use it for every guest, just a few, or nobody at all.
What is the best Circus murder mystery game?
A circus-themed murder mystery game blends spectacle, suspense, and scandal into one unforgettable experience. Set beneath the big top or deep behind the curtain, this game invites players into a world of performers, promoters, and secrets waiting to be uncovered. When a shocking death interrupts the show, everyone becomes a suspect—from those in the spotlight to those pulling strings in the shadows. With its dramatic setting, colorful personalities, and mysterious twists, this game is ideal for anyone looking to add a theatrical edge to their next event.
Can I play this Circus murder mystery game with 10 people?
Yes, the game is a great fit for a 10-player group. The standard version supports between 4 and 14 participants, and 10 is a balanced number that offers plenty of interaction and manageable pacing. Each player gets a unique role tied to the circus world, with secret objectives and possible motives. If your group size changes before the event, the flexible format allows for easy adjustments.
Is this Circus murder mystery game available for virtual play or in-person events?
Yes, the game can be played in-person or virtually. For in-person events, it pairs perfectly with themed decorations, costumes, and carnival-style snacks. If you’re hosting remotely, all materials can be shared digitally, and the story-driven structure works well over video calls. Whether you’re gathered under real lights or connecting across screens, the drama of the circus still takes center stage.
How long does it take to play this Circus murder mystery game?
The game typically lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours. A 10-person game generally runs for about two hours, though timing can vary based on how immersive and interactive your group is. Some hosts choose to incorporate breaks for snacks or performances to stretch the experience, while others keep things snappy and clue-focused. The format adapts easily to different pacing needs.
What is included in the Circus murder mystery game kit?
The game kit includes everything you need to run a complete and immersive mystery. It comes with a host guide that outlines setup and gameplay, individual character profiles with unique backstories and clues, sets of themed evidence and items to reveal during the game, optional narration or script prompts, themed digital invitations, and final voting cards. You’ll also receive suggestions for circus-style décor, music, and costume ideas to help bring the setting to life.
Can I play this Circus murder mystery game more than once?
Yes, the game is fully replayable. The culprit can change with each session, and switching character roles offers new dynamics and revelations. Whether you play with a fresh group or bring it back as a recurring event, the game remains fun, suspenseful, and full of surprises. It’s a great option for annual parties, creative retreats, or themed celebrations.
What events or occasions is this Circus murder mystery game suitable for?
This game works well for a wide variety of events. It’s perfect for birthday parties, team-building events, theatrical nights, Halloween parties, or any gathering that welcomes costumes and character play. It’s also great for family-friendly events or adult-only evenings, depending on how you choose to host it. The circus theme adds flair and excitement to any occasion.
What is the recommended age group for this Circus murder mystery game?
The game is recommended for ages 13 and up. It’s light-hearted in tone with a focus on suspense, secrecy, and fun over fear. There’s no graphic content, making it suitable for teens and adults alike. Players who enjoy performing, problem-solving, or roleplaying will especially enjoy the experience.
Do players need to dress up in costumes for this Circus murder mystery?
Costumes aren’t required, but they make the experience far more fun. Guests are encouraged to wear outfits inspired by the circus—colorful, theatrical, vintage, or mysterious. Even small touches like bowties, face paint, striped shirts, or suspenders can help bring each role to life. The game includes simple costume suggestions for all characters so guests can get creative at any level.
Can I add more players or characters to this Circus murder mystery game?
Yes, the game can be expanded to include up to 20 participants using additional character packs. Each added role is fully integrated into the storyline with its own clues, objectives, and potential connections to the crime. Whether you’re hosting an intimate troupe or a full big top ensemble, the game scales easily and keeps every guest involved.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 78 reviews.
We had a blast! We went strictly off the script, didn’t use the audio/video stuff. It’s definitely a lot of work for the host (if they play) because they have to be the host, the detective, and their character. We used the circus food and music suggestions that were included with the game. I got very creative with my decorations and I also made the victim and extra evidence that wasn’t included. My friends had never done a murder mystery before and are begging me to do more!
So much fun! This was our 2nd annual murder mystery. What a fun way to spend a winter afternoon. Loved the costume ideas, fun characters and easy to follow script.
Once again a fantastic and memorable celebration for my daughter’s birthday all thanks to the murder mystery game 😄🎪🤡 never fails to amaze us! 5 star +
We had an absolutely fantastic murder mystery night at the circus. 🎪 Everyone got into character which made the evening so successful! I love being creative so I made a few extra resources such as table names, photo props etc which really helped set the scene. We had so much fun and will definitely be hosting another. Also, thanks to John who was very efficient via email to help me access the downloads.
It was the perfect theme for a Sweet 16 party! The bunch of teenagers' thoroughly enjoyed it and really surprised me throughout the whole game. It was fun and definitely would do another one.
We had a brilliant time playing this game on New Years Eve with our fabulous friends. The game was so much fun and straight forward to follow and brought us many giggles. We failed on getting the murderer right but had the best time acting it all out!
The Murder at the Circus was the best. The script was easy to follow and the characters were fun and easy to find costumes. What a great way to celebrate a 60th birthday. I would highly recommend Mystery Masters for those looking for something different to entertain with.
We recently hosted a murder mystery party, and it was an absolute hit! Everyone fully embraced their roles, dressing up in character and really getting into the spirit of the game, which made the atmosphere so much fun and immersive. The game itself had a smooth flow, keeping everyone engaged from start to finish. The instructions were mostly clear and easy to follow, which made it simple to keep the evening moving without any confusion. It was such a fantastic experience that brought everyone together for a night full of laughter, intrigue, and great memories. Highly recommend hosting one if you're looking for a unique and entertaining gathering!
What a fantastic time! Everyone got into their roles - dressed the part and played the characters. Add a few concession- type foods and some decorations and a good time was had by all! Bea Endy did it! LOL
Loved this game! This is the third murder mystery I have hosted using Masters of Mystery games and they always go down so well. This was our favourite! Everyone really enjoyed creating fun outfits and really got into their characters on the night. There is some adult content at times (reference to drinking and affairs) so perhaps not suitable for young children but highly recommend for an adult party!
Was such a great theme, we did a horror circus for Halloween went really well there was 16 players and we did it in around 3 hours including a 3 course meal. The only negative is that is only a download pack so there is a lot printing involved.
We hosted our murder mystery party at our house - the circus theme was great for people to be creative with their outfits!
I would say it was pretty easy to host - the instructions were clear and even tho all our guests were young teens, they seemed to understand the majority of it!
I do wish there had been a few more scripted dialogues rather than just question and answers as it felt a bit jolty at times. The evidence felt a little ‘add-on’ish too but it was great having it on my laptop with the option to print off if wanted.
Overall a 4/5 because it was great but definitely could’ve used more ‘oomph’… if you have good improvisation actors in your group I bet it could be really great.
We did this for my daughter’s 14th birthday party. A little scandalous with all the affairs, but nothing explicit. The girls laughed a lot, and it turned out to be a great night! The kids loved dressing up, and everyone had great accusations at the end. We adapted for the younger crowd by highlighting which questions each character should ask in their booklets.
The Circus Murder Mystery was an amazing adventure. The game makers have every detail thought out and it made it a fun and interactive evening for my daughter's 18th birthday!
Really great evening, we all took part so amended the arrival by putting numbers in a hat and each drew a number rather than being allocated one to keep the murderer a secret to all. Easily themed with as much or as little effort that you wish to give it, our guests were enthusiastic with their characters which made it very entertaining. Played with 7 guests with no problems at all.
We loved it! It was so much fun. However there were flaws. We certainly suggest using a deck of cards next time Instead of the letters as the game suggests. Letters can be confused which is what happened to us. So needless to say we ended up with no murderer 🤷♀️🤷♀️. Still a ton of fun!!
We had fun with the circus theme. Made food and everyone dressed their part. We were only sad we didn't have more players to have other roles that might have been more dynamic. It is a lot of printing and less formal than other packs we have bought at the store that had name cards and invitations, but we had a good time.
An awesome experience for my 25th birthday! I asked my brother to host the night instead of using the audio files, but either way would work wonderfully. It was great that everyone got into character, and adopted accents and funny phrases. In the end, only one person guessed the murderer!
We all had a blast. Very well put together. We enjoy the games with a narrative that can be played on the speaker and this one has that. Definitely recommend!! Circus theme was different, but so much fun!!!’
Was a great evening! My friends loved it and really got into character! It was easily to play out.
The only thing is the detective voice clip is boring and mono tone. It needs more fun and umph adding to it. Like some sound effects, and more emotion into it.
But apart from that it was fun.
This was a last minute activity when our theatre plans got cancelled. We had so much fun my son did it with his friends and we are looking at buying another for a girls zoom night!
It was really fun! It was our 1st time hosting a murder mystery, it was my son's idea and we decided to do a double birthday! We planned a circus themed menu and even caramel popcorn cupcakes! Our friends and family really enjoyed and it was nice to have a get together!
It was a blast. Everyone had lots of fun and really invested in participating. The characters are well thought out and fun. One thing that might help improve is having a recognizable MMO. While most figured it out based on context clues, a more specific lie or inconsistency in the suspect story would reward those paying attention.
We got the digital version of the circus murder mystery! I 10/10 recommend! We played this for our New Year’s party. Everyone had a great time acting out the characters. The group wanted to play again right away.
We used the circus murder mystery for a small gathering and it gave the evening a proper focus. It worked well even with a mix of confident and quieter players. It was a memorable way to bring everyone together. We found it easier after reading through the host notes first.
