Shot In The Dark Mysteries

Why I love September 1st

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:24:55 +0000

It’s September first! Woohoo! Every year on September 1st, I feel as excited as if it were my birthday (if not more, the older I get). This has nothing to do with the fact that’s it’s actually my favourite cousin/sister/godmother to my son/best friend’s birthday, but we’ll pause for a second to say FELIZ CUMPLEANOS to her on her special day.

The day she DIDN'T crash the plane and she and I both lived to tell the tale. Then again, there wasn't a time she DID crash the plane. I guess that gives her a 100% non-crash ratio, so that's good.

So, aside from it being Prima Ballerina’s birthday, there are many other reasons I love September 1st. For one, it marks the beginning of the fall season. I was born and raised in the place summer forgot, where we get 6 weeks of nice weather each summer before overnight the leaves fall off the trees and it drops to -30 celsius. A place where cars have to be plugged in to ensure they start, and warmed up for 45 minutes before they’re driven again. I love my home town of Calgary, but the weather is utterly painful.

Then I moved to a place where it’s beautiful 9 months of the year, and my favourite time of the year is fall. I especially love taking my family out geocaching in cottage country to enjoy a full day of the breathtaking beauty of autumn, the likes of which most probably take for granted, but I had never seen before last year. I’m looking forward to another stunning fall this year, even more so because this year I live right in the heart of cottage country.

There’s a business reason why I love September 1st as well. It’s officially the start of murder mystery games season! (Officially? Says who, you may wonder… says me, and I’m declaring it official!) Every year on September 1st it’s like someone has turned on a light switch and suddenly everyone starts planning their fall – Halloween party mysteries, murder mystery Christmas parties – you name it! I get some of the most interesting requests, meet some fascinating people doing incredible things and, by the time the new year rolls around, I’ve had the chance to lend my support to some amazing causes.

Why knows what this fall holds in store for me and for Shot In The Dark Mysteries as a whole, but I can’t wait to find out!

CHECK OUT OUR MYSTERY PARTY GAMES!

Vampires vs. Werewolves

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:14:14 +0000

THE PERFECT MYSTERY GAME FOR YOUR VAMPIRE AND WEREWOLF-THEMED PARTY ON HALLOWEEN, OR ANY OTHER TIME OF YEAR!

And you thought YOUR neighbours were bad…

In the county of Lichenshire there are two evil forces at work. For centuries the area has been home to a pack of werewolves, who consider the area sacred and never hunt within its borders. Lichenshire is also home to a large coven of Vampires, who have lived in the area for decades. After years of vicious warring over the territory, the two factions have managed to coexist under a truce. The truce is sacred – neither Vampire nor werewolf dare endanger the pact, and the boundary line between their lands acts as a no man’s land.

While the two factions hate one another, they manage to live in peace. That is, until the word arrives that a dangerous monstrosity is arriving – a vampire-werewolf hybrid! Such a creature would only be created for one reason: to be used as a weapon! Who is behind the evil plot? Vampires will once again be pitted against werewolves to determine the truth – before it’s too late for them all!

YOUR MYSTERY INCLUDES:

-14 Suspects (7 Vampires, 7 Werewolves) plus one Truce Master

- OUR BRAND NEW, VISUALLY STUNNING GAME MATERIALS!

- mp3 introductions and final “confession”

- Accusation Forms

- In-depth instructions for pulling off a night your guests will never forget!

TAKE ME BACK TO THE MURDER MYSTERY GAMES LIST!

Vampires and Werewolves Badges and Buttons

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:08:50 +0000

For those who have been keeping up with the Shot In The Dark Mysteries blog for a while, you might remember last year when a tragic techno-accident caused me to lose all of my files dating back to 2006. That was EVERY game and design file in the history of my company.

It was very difficult, because I had a number of games in the works, and I’ve had to start all over again on a few of them. One of those was Vampires vs. Werewolves. The game was finished and I was waiting for the audio files to come back from the studio when the techno-tragedy occured.

Between Blastdoor Productions’ studio (the ones who do the mp3 mystery files for Shot In The Dark Mysteries’ instant-download party games), the emails I sent other developers and the work I had done on my portable devices I was able to recover most of the files from the games I was developing.

All, that is, except Vampires vs. Werewolves. I do a lot of pen-to-paper work when I’m writing though, and I tore apart the house to finding bits and scraps here and there. And with those bits and scraps and my memories of one of the largest games in our catalogue (not to mention one of my new faves), I was able to recreate Vampires vs. Werewolves.

WOOT!

It’s launching this week and I’m SOOOOO excited, not just because I’m launching another fantastic mystery party game, but also because I’ll be finished with it. I’ve written this massive game from scratch TWICE. But this version is even bigger and better than the one I lost, and I know you vampire, werewolf and Halloween enthusiasts willl love playing it and solving the mystery at your party this year.

In my post-game-production glee, I created some buttons. Take them, post them to your Facebook profile or whatever you like – my treat, just give a shout out to Shot In The Dark Mysteries wherever you use them for decoration.

Stay tuned later this week for the launch of Vampires and Werewolves – FINALLY!

A secret deal on Murder On The Mound!

admin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:11:08 +0000

Hey guys,

Just a heads up on a special deal exclusively for subscribers to our ezine and those who “like” our Facebook page (if you don’t yet, it’s facebook.com/shotinthedarkmysteries). On Monday, Murder On The Mound (the full version) relaunches with a new look, visually stunning print materials and audio files. This game is PERFECT for any kind of party, especially a World Series party at the end of October!

The new game is ready to go and I was just upping the price when I thought – why not offer it to our uber-supportive fans at the old price? Sooooooooooo….

Get it today for just $32.99 before the price goes up on Monday! It’s an instant download, and you can play it right away or hang onto it until your next baseball-inspired gathering!

Enjoy, and I hope everyone has a FANTASTIC weekend!

Note: This sale is now over, but you can still buy Murder On The Mound for your party here:

Murder On The Mound Baseball Murder Mystery Party!

Halloween mystery games are getting revamped – which one should be first?

admin — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:10:16 +0000

Questions View Results

To view these games visit us at www.shotinthedarkmysteries.com

Red Hot Riding Hood (or "Grandma, Control Yourself!")

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:39:41 +0000

I’m in the early days of a new project, and was doing a bit of research today when I stumbled across this video. I’m a huge fan of twisted fairy tales, and aside from being a die-hard fan of Jasper Fforde, I have also dabbled in my own, writing The Wizard of Oz Murder Mystery Game as one of the very first games I ever independently launched.

I LOVE this video! It’s from 1943, and was originally taken off the air because of the beastiality connection (I’ll be honest, my curiosity around THAT statement is what made me check out the video in the first place!)

There is a lot of pure gold in here, but some of my favourite parts were, “Hey, follow that cab!” (CLASSIC!!) and “Grandma, control yourself!”

I also believe Jim Carey’s reaction to Cameron Diaz as she takes the stage for “Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You” in The Mask could be a reference to this cartoon.

There is also the totally awesome wolf suicide ending. There’s no way in our politically-correct day in age this could air, but apparently it was even too hot for TV back then.

Enjoy!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Christmas In July Is OVER! Woot!

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:52:29 +0000

Okay, I’ll admit that Christmas in July isn’t such a good idea. I only just moved to this neighbourhood and already my neighbours think I’m a wack-job! In fact, I received nothing but strange looks as I balanced Rudolph and Santa’s Sleigh on my roof, and the lighted candy canes on my lawn only received attention from the neighbourhood dogs, who each took turns claiming them as their “territory”. But it’s all coming to an end, and that means Halloween in August! Hurrah!

Christmas in July is going out with a bang – literally. The Christmas Party Prankster hits the virtual shelves today. Set at a kids’ Christmas party, the game contains a series of pranks, and everyone must work together to determine who has the motive, means and opportunity to pull these pranks and sabotage the party. The final prank involves an exploding can of faux-snow and a Christmas tree. We thought we’d end things off with a bang!

Here’s a peak at The Christmas Party Prankster! Have a great weekend everyone – we’ll be spending ours taking down our Christmas lights.

Too tame for you? Want some blood in your mystery? The Santa Strangling was re-released a few weeks ago, so if you haven’t seen the new look, check it out!

Sanity Saving Ice Cream!

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:56:06 +0000

What’s a great activity to share with the kids this summer that is exciting, fun, delicious and easy all at the same time? Make your own ice cream! It’s easier than you think, and the anticipation of the event is an activity in itself, not to mention getting the ingredients, making it, shaking it and eating it!

Here’s how to make your own ice cream:

1. Collect your ingredients

Ice Cubes
1 tbsp regular sugar
1/2 cup of half and half milk
6 tbsp rock salt
1/4-1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp other flavoured ice cream syrup if desired (ie chocolate, raspberry, strawberry etc, depending on what kind of ice cream each child would like )
Cones (optional)

2. Get your gear

Large Ziploc bag
one food storage bag large enough to hold approx. 1 gallon

3. Put it all together

Take the big bag and fill it with ice and rock salt. Make sure it’s sealed!
In the small bag, put sugar, vanilla, milk and syrup (if applicable)
Make sure the small bag is sealed and then drop it into the large bag with the ice and rock salt

4. Shake Shake Shake, Shake Shake Shake, Shake Your Ice Cream

Shake for approximately 5 minutes

5. EAT!

Mmmmmmmm! Yum! This recipe will make 1 portion, so each child can create their own ice cream, and can share with the others.

Want to turn this activity into a full-day event? Make it ICE CREAM DAY!

Begin by creating ice cream bowls as a morning craft activity. Then, take a walk to the grocery store. On the way there, stop at a park and let them get their sillies out before the ice cream high! After the ice cream, have each child write a story about making ice cream, or draw a picture of the activity to live on in eternity. Make it a monthly event and take pictures for their scrapbook!

The Santa Strangling re-launches with a New Look and Attitude!

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:08:46 +0000

As part of our Christmas in July theme, we have been focusing on revamping our old Christmas games and re-launching them to be in line with our new, visually stunning game materials format. The Santa Strangling was the first game to re-launch during Christmas in July, and it made its grand re-appearnce yesterday!

So, what’s so different about the new Santa Strangling murder mystery game? Many things, actually.

First, it comes fully designed with stunning theme pictures. The clues are fun and decorative!

Next comes the audio files. All of our regular, full-sized mysteries now come with optional, professionally produced mp3 audio files to start of each “Chapter”, the game and deliver the solution “Confession” at the end of the mystery.

The Santa Strangling, as with all of our new games, also now contains Accusation Forms. Have your guests fill them out and cast their accusation against the killer!

The Santa Strangling used to be a turn-based murder mystery game, but we have “tweaked” it so it is now an interactive game. What does that mean? It means that you can have a minimum of 9 people playing, but there is no maximum, as each “suspect” can now be interrogated by anyone, even those who aren’t playing a character.

Lastly, The Santa Strangling contains Super Secrets, which are guaranteed to get your guests mixing and mingling, sharing secrets and dishing gossip about the other characters to further the mystery.

Come help us celebrate Christmas in July and pick yourself up a copy of the brand-spanking newly re-designed murder mystery game, The Santa Strangling, for your Christmas in July party, or if you’re already thinking ahead to a Christmas night of mystery!

Next to feature for Christmas in July: The Christmas Party Prankster kid’s mystery party game, formerly The Christmas Crankster!

Backyard Sleuths

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:00:52 +0000

Backyard Sleuths is a fun, free children’s activity game designed to give kids a fun activity to do during the summer that focuses on shapes, colours, textures and more! Challenge your child or children to become a Backyard “Sleuth” and find the 10 items on their list. Have them work together to find all ten items and then reward them with a fun activity, prize or treat to encourage positive feelings and teamwork.

DOWNLOAD BACKYARD SLEUTHS IN .PDF FOR FREE HERE!