Instead of the usual "Trick or Treat" mantra, how about doing something unique this spooky season? Ever felt like killing somebody?

O.K., so committing the real act is an extremely bad idea with a laundry list of consequences, but faking a murder - now, there's a great thought!

Murder mystery nights, plays, cruises and weekends have become a popular entertainment choice for people looking to put themselves in the middle of the action. Indeed, one simple search of "murder mystery games" on Google turns up hundreds of thousands of possibilities. It is possible to stage your own murder mystery event (or a full-fledged weekend, if you have willing and able participants) without breaking the bank. All you need is an eager crew of friends and family and a little creativity.

Murder mystery events start with guests arriving at the designated location "in character." Prior to the evening's activities, you should send each guest a detailed character description, along with background information on the party itself. This can enable guests to "become" their character more completely.
The night of the show, the host reads an introduction to the party, explaining the rest of the night and giving guests a list of objectives to complete as the night proceeds. Fun additions to the night are a name tag for each person and money that can be used for bribery or others objectives. Guests mingle, chat and nibble on finger foods. Shortly thereafter, murder!

Just as in real life, the investigator shows up and reads a short synopsis of how to proceed, and continues sleuthing as the party continues. Each person will receive another envelope, with a list of secrets to keep and another set of objectives to achieve. Guests get the opportunity to review all the evidence before making final accusations. Finally, the murderer is revealed.

The guest who did the best job mingling and sleuthing will probably be able to determine the murderer by putting all their collected clues together.

Prizes can be awarded to the winning "detective," as well as possible awards for best dressed (this encourages your guests to dress in character) or wealthiest (proving who is the best at being bribed!).

Your game is limited only by your own creativity, staging parties with themes surrounding millionaires, historical settings, westerns, high school days and weddings.

Of course, for the time- or creativity-challenged, pre-designed "Murder Mystery" kits can be purchased from a variety of stores and online vendors to satisfy any taste, including more tame versions for church groups and young adults.

If you want your party to be an even bigger success, offer themed finger foods or a dinner and decorations.