Midnight on the Orient Express - An Agatha Christie themed murder mystery

An Orient Express–themed murder mystery game delivers vintage luxury, high-stakes drama, and classic intrigue all aboard a glamorous European train. Set during an elegant cross-continental journey, the mystery unfolds when a passenger is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Trapped together in the opulent carriages, everyone becomes a suspect—each hiding secrets, motives, and lies. With refined tension, dramatic pacing, and that signature sense of golden age mystery, this game is ideal for fans of classic detective stories, old-world elegance, and slow-burning suspense.

Yes, 10 is an excellent number of players for this game. The standard version supports between 4 and 14 guests, and a 10-person cast allows for rich storytelling and balanced interaction. Each player receives a unique role with a backstory tied to the train, the journey, or the victim. The format also allows for last-minute adjustments if your guest count shifts.

Yes, the game can be played in-person or virtually. In-person gatherings are ideal for setting the scene with travel-themed décor, vintage attire, and table service. For online events, character sheets and clues can be shared digitally, and the format works well over video call. Whether your guests are gathered in a drawing room or logging in from different cities, the mystery remains compelling and atmospheric.

Most games take between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on group size and event style. A 10-player party typically completes the game in around two hours. The host can adjust the pacing to fit a dinner party, afternoon tea, or themed game night, with breaks for refreshments or dramatic reveals between rounds.

The kit includes everything you need to stage your own luxury train mystery. It comes with a host guide for setup and game flow, individual character profiles filled with motives and secrets, printable or digital clues revealed throughout the journey, optional narration scripts or round introductions, themed invitations, and final voting cards. The kit also includes suggestions for costumes, music, décor, and even food ideas inspired by first-class train travel.

Yes, the game is designed for repeat play. The murderer can be randomly assigned each time, and players can switch roles or settings to experience different sides of the story. It’s great for mystery lovers who want to revisit the game with a new group or turn it into an annual event with a different ending every time.

This mystery is perfect for formal dinner parties, themed birthdays, book club evenings, Valentine’s events, vintage-themed nights, or sophisticated game gatherings. It’s also a popular choice for fans of historical fiction, period dramas, or classic whodunit stories who want an immersive, story-driven experience.

The game is recommended for ages 15 and up. It includes mature themes like betrayal, hidden identities, and classic murder mystery suspense, though the content is handled with subtlety and style. It’s best enjoyed by teens and adults who appreciate immersive storytelling and character interaction.

Costumes aren’t required, but they’re strongly encouraged to elevate the experience. Guests can wear vintage travel attire, 1930s- or 1940s-inspired outfits, or anything that evokes a classic European train journey. Think silk scarves, waistcoats, fedoras, gloves, or elegant accessories. Each character sheet includes costume suggestions, but even minimal effort enhances the immersive feel of the event.

Yes, the game can be expanded to include up to 20 players using optional character packs. Each new role comes with its own backstory, connections to the mystery, and secrets to share. Whether you’re running a small dining car or a full train of suspects, the game scales smoothly and ensures everyone has a meaningful role in solving the case.

Yes, the host can absolutely participate. The solution is hidden unless the host chooses to view it beforehand, so you can assign roles and still be surprised by the outcome. If you prefer, you can act as a conductor, station manager, or travel guide in-character to help move the game along while remaining neutral. No outside game master is required.