Timeline
EXAMPLE TIMELINE FOR A TRADITIONAL, IN-PERSON MYSTERY PARTY
7:00 PM: Guests arrive. Take guest photos and serve refreshments. Have the guest list available for the players to view as they trickle into the party. Once everybody has arrived, snap a group photo!
7:10 PM: The host reviews the player's instructions for the mystery game or plays the instruction video (host's choice). Having each character stand up and introduce themselves to the group is optional. Instead, you can play the game trailer video for an introduction.
7:20 PM: Some games might have a video to play to kick off the game. The host passes out the round one clue cards, and the fun begins. The players mingle and discuss the clues on their cards. Motives and backstories will start to unfold during this round.
7:50 PM: An optional bonus game is played, or some games have an integrated group challenge for round one.
8:05 PM: An optional dinner is served. Snacks can be served throughout the party instead.
8:35 PM: Some games have a round two video to play. Then, the host passes out the round two envelopes, and players mingle again with their pre-murder clues. In addition, some games might have a case file or dossier(s) to review.
9:00 PM: In murder games, the victim is revealed, and in non-murder, the crime is revealed. The criminal investigation begins. The host passes out mystery investigation sheets, and the players interrogate each other using the post-murder clues, speaking to every other player at least once.
9:15 PM: Some games have a forensic report to reveal or another group challenge to conquer.
9:30 PM: The host collects the investigation sheets with guesses of whodunit from each player, and players take turns accusing who they believe is the murderer (or thief, in non-murder games).
9:45 PM: Dessert and coffee may be served at this time. Players each receive a round three card, and they take turns presenting solutions, with the murderer (or thief) confessing to conclude the game. Allow a few minutes for the guests to mingle at the end to discuss the mystery.
10:00 PM: Another optional bonus game may be played &/or host an optional awards ceremony! Some games might have an alternate ending activity to end the stories.
To shorten the mystery party, omit the bonus games, don't stop for dinner, omit the accusation round, and don't host an awards ceremony. Also, you can shorten the game even further by only having the required players read their solutions (or only the murderer). Finally, if you wish to extend the length of the party, add more bonus games!