Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, you need to understand the fundamentals of event planning, storytelling, and customer experience. These books will give you the operational knowledge and creative framework you need to run a professional murder mystery business.
The Event Planning Guide by Robin Crerin
This practical manual covers budgeting, logistics, vendor management, and timeline creation—all essential skills for running murder mystery events. You’ll learn how to manage multiple moving parts simultaneously, which is critical when coordinating actors, props, timing, and guest flow. The book includes real templates and checklists you can adapt for your events.
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Murder on the Menu by Elaine Radley
Specifically designed for murder mystery dinner events, this book walks through scenario design, clue distribution, and how to keep guests engaged throughout the evening. It includes sample scripts and explains how to balance comedy, suspense, and participation. If you’re building your own scenarios rather than licensing existing ones, this is invaluable.
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The Small Event Planner’s Guide by Kate Zabriskie
Focused on launching and scaling event businesses with limited budgets, this book emphasizes marketing, client communication, and systems. You’ll learn how to manage pricing, contracts, and client expectations—three areas where many new event planners struggle. The book includes sample contracts and pricing models.
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Improv for Everyone by Kenn Adams
Even if you hire professional actors, understanding improvisation principles helps you guide guest participation and handle unexpected moments. This book teaches you how to encourage guests to stay in character, respond to surprises, and keep the energy moving—skills that make the difference between a good event and a memorable one.
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Equipment You Need
Your startup equipment list depends on your business model. If you’re hosting events at client venues, you need fewer props and less audio-visual equipment. If you’re hosting at your own space or renting venues, your list grows. Below is a comprehensive breakdown organized by category.
Audio and Microphone Equipment
- Wireless microphone system: Essential for announcing clues, introducing characters, and keeping large groups informed without shouting. A basic multi-channel system allows multiple actors to speak clearly.
- Portable Bluetooth speaker: For background music during the welcome and investigation phases. Atmospheric sound sets mood without requiring complex wiring.
- Lavalier microphones: Clip-on mics let actors move freely while staying audible to all guests.
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Lighting and Atmosphere
- LED uplighting: Colored lights that change the mood of your space. Red for dramatic reveals, amber for period authenticity, blue for mystery.
- String lights or Edison bulbs: Creates ambiance for dinner events without the need for complex setup.
- Spotlight or focused beam light: Highlights actors during key moments and draws attention during reveals.
- Candles or battery-operated tea lights: Inexpensive and effective for table centerpieces and creating intimate lighting.
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Props and Décor
- Character name placards: Cardboard or printed cards that identify each player at their seat.
- Evidence bags or folders: Physical clues guests collect during the investigation. These can be printed materials or small props.
- Period-appropriate tableware and centerpieces: Depends on your theme. Victorian murders need different décor than 1920s speakeasies.
- Costume pieces or accessories: Hats, scarves, fake jewelry, or masks that help actors stand out and guests get into character.
- Weapons props: Fake guns, daggers, or poison bottles. Ensure these are clearly marked as props to avoid confusion or safety issues.
Technology and Printing
- Printer (color laser or inkjet): For printing scripts, clue sheets, character descriptions, and ballots. A color printer lets you create professional-looking materials.
- Tablet or laptop: For tracking clues, managing the timeline, and checking character arcs during events.
- Timer or stopwatch app: Keeps the event moving on schedule.
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Storage and Transport
- Rolling storage bins or totes: Organize props, scripts, and equipment by event type so you can grab what you need quickly.
- Hanging garment rack: Stores costumes and keeps them wrinkle-free between events.
- Briefcase or document organizer: Keeps scripts, clue cards, and host notes protected and easy to access.
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Office and Administrative Supplies
- Business cards and letterhead: Professional materials for pitching to corporate clients and venues.
- Contract templates: Legally sound agreements that protect you and set clear expectations with clients.
- Booking calendar or scheduling software: Tracks dates, avoids double-bookings, and manages client communication.
Shop business card supplies on Amazon →
What to Buy First vs Later
You don’t need everything at launch. Your startup budget should be allocated strategically based on what directly impacts your first events.
- Buy first: Wireless microphone system, printer, rolling storage, costumes or costume pieces, and basic props (fake weapons, evidence folders). These directly affect the guest experience.
- Buy first: Professional business cards, contracts, and a booking calendar. These protect your business and build credibility.
- Buy second: LED lighting and uplighting equipment. Many venues have existing lighting, and you can start with candles and string lights.
- Buy second: High-end audio systems or projection equipment. These are nice-to-have, not essential for initial events.
- Buy second: Fancy custom props or premium decorations. Simple, well-executed events outperform over-decorated ones.
New vs Used Equipment
The murder mystery business allows you to save money on used equipment in some areas without sacrificing quality. Buy new microphones and audio equipment—sound quality directly impacts guest experience, and used mics often have connectivity or audio issues. Buy new printers for professional-looking materials. These are inexpensive relative to their importance.
You can safely buy used lighting equipment, storage bins, tables, chairs, and hanging racks. Check that used equipment works before purchasing, but there’s no downside to second-hand décor items or organizational tools. Estate sales, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist are good sources for used event equipment. Avoid buying used costumes unless you can have them professionally cleaned—hygiene matters when guests wear items between events.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Reliable for audio equipment, lighting, office supplies, and props with fast shipping.
- B&H Photo Video: Better selection of professional audio and lighting equipment with expert customer service.
- Home Depot or Lowe’s: Cheap LED lighting, storage solutions, and basic tools.
- Costco or Sam’s Club: Bulk supplies, candles, serving materials, and office items at competitive prices if you have a membership.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used storage, tables, chairs, and decorative items at a fraction of retail.
- Theater and costume supply shops: Specialty stores carry props, costumes, and theatrical lighting designed for performance spaces.
- Etsy: Custom props and period-specific décor items from artisans.
- Party supply stores: Balloons, table décor, and themed centerpieces for specific murder mystery settings.