Jacob Barley, a prominent Victorian businessman and partner of Ebenezer Stooge, has been murdered by an assailant unknown! Unable to go to either Heaven or Hell until his murder is solved, he is now stalking Limbo, where he meets a ghost policeman from the future, Detective Chief Inspector Striving Gorse, and tells him of his murder.

Between them, they work out a list of possible suspects and persuade the Powers That Be to allow Inspector Gorse to assume living form once more for the period of one night only so that he may try and solve the murder. Invitations are sent out to all the suspects asking them to attend the reading of Jacob’s will as it would be in their best interests to do so…

Essential Cast

• DCI Striving Gorse – The policeman who has to solve the crime
  Efficient in his own peculiar way, DCI Striving Gorse has an unusual method of solving crimes – he involves everyone!



• Ebenezer Stooge - Jacob Barley’s business partner A wealthy white haired miser, Ebenezer’s clothes are extremely worn and nearly as old as he is. Bella Deball - An eligible spinster
  A handsome woman, Bella still has the ability to turn heads in her not –so-little black numbers.



• Bob Scratchitt - Chief clerk to Jacob and Ebenezer.
  Struggling to make ends meet, Bob dresses as smartly as he can in regularly mended hand-me-downs of varying size.



• Clara Net - Ebenezer’s niece.
  Young, attractive and with a liking for the trappings of high society, Clara Net has exceptional taste in clothing and looks stunning.



• Fred Nephew- Jacob Barley’s godson
  A smart banker, Fred Nephew is always in a well cut suit.



• Wanda Scratchitt - Bob Scratchitt’s wife
  A comely but not unattractive woman, Wanda spends a lot of time engaged in domestic tasks and usually wears an apron.

Tiny Tom - Son of Bob and Wanda Scratchitt
Crippled since birth, Tiny Tom walks with crutches and wears his father’s clothes which have been patched and cut down to size.


• Christine Present - Jacob Barley’s housekeeper.
  With an apron and a work-worn dress, Christine Present is a cheery bustling individual.



• Mr. Fuzzywig - Business acquaintance of Mr. Barley. Smartly dressed and full of energy and plans, Mr. Fuzzywig enjoys company and a few too many tipples.



• Mrs. Dibley - Jacob Barley’s laundress
  In faded clothing which is always spotlessly clean, Mrs. Dibley is always ready for work.



• Nick Wilkins - Apprentice to Barley and Stooge.
  Lean, and paid even less than Bob Scratchitt, Nick only just manages to scratch together some suitable business clothing.



• Christmas Past - A merry widow
  Still relatively young and attractive, Christmas is on the look out for a new rich husband and dresses to attract the right man.

Never run a large group mystery before? Then don't panic!

Hosting a Large Group Murder Mystery is time consuming, but with ample preparation and a good cast it is really quite simple and great fun!

In large group games it is impossible to give everyone a part, instead the mystery involves “cast members” who are fully in the know and act out the mystery, and the guests act as detectives trying to solve the murder.

Large group games come in several different formats, clue based, cast based, multi-room, single room, or a mixture of them all.

This particular game requires 7-13 cast, and one large room. It also has an option of a series of paper clues. Guests will also need paper and pens. This game works best as a sit down event with 6-12 tables of guests who work as a team, but the game can be adapted to suit most formats of events.

The game contains two options. Option 1: All clues are provided by cast members. Option 2: Guests receive questions to ask the suspects (cast members) on paper, and have to find out the answers to these questions from the cast.

To find out more information about Character Based single room games click here Character based mystery games for large groups.

• How to use this game.
• Instructions for running this murder mystery.
• Making the most of your theme.
• Invitations in 6,8,10 and 12 player format.
• Character Booklets.
• Optional scripted dialogue in 6, 8, 10 and 12 player format.
• Option 1 clues
• Option 2 clues
• Guests Instructions for Option 1 and Option 2
• Answer sheet
• Scripted dialogue for DCI Striving Gorse.
• Money off voucher towards next purchase.

This game contains content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. This game contains:

• Sexual Themes - one lady is being paid by the deceased for "services rendered" (which are actually innocent in the plot, but could result in a lot of innuendo and suggestion)


• Drug Themes - Description of the use of opiates as well as several poisons.


• Mature Relationship Themes - One couple is dating, there are also references to being a "black widow".


• A murder - violence suggested.

This murder mystery game is available in two options:

• Downloadable
• Printed.

Please select which option you require below and then click “add to cart” to purchase this game.

All guest materials will be printed ONCE ONLY unless otherwise arranged.

Please get in touch if you require more guest materials. If large volumes are required we will discuss further costs with you.

Printed games will be shipped within 14 days of the order and a confirmation email will be sent at this time. All printed games will be sent by first class post and will arrive in line with postal service timescales.

If you would like personal details adding to your invitations please indicate this at check out and we will get in touch to confirm your requirements with you.

All downloadable games can be accessed immediately after purchase. Customers who purchase the printed materials will also be able to access the downloadable game on check out to enable advance planning.