Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people read and research and enjoy the peace the library offers. This particular library is known for its community involvement, unique activities and programs and welcoming atmosphere. While visiting, some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe. But when an ancient manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library, disappears, the patrons are alarmed. In place of the book sits a small origami fox. The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered, and it’s quickly realized that the library is full of people with various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book? Why? Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the genealogy section as though it had no importance? Question the suspects and test your deductive reasoning to find the person who had the motive, means and opportunity to steal the Sardonic Manuscript!

This mystery is a 5 out of 5 on the Angel Rating Scale There is nothing in the content to offend, and the mystery to be solved is a theft. It is appropriate for all audiences, but is aimed at teens and very clever pre-teens.

Features Include:

  • Our “Mingle Mystery” format gets your guests sleuthing and interacting to solve the mystery
  • Our trademark, un-boring mystery package materials (no cutting required!)
  • Individual email-able suspect guides to cut down on printing and save the host from “spoilers”
  • Host guide with full instructions and tips to help you prepare for your party
  • Character Complexity Rating (to help hosts better assign characters to their guests)
  • Optional MP3 Announcement of Mystery and final “Big Reveal” mystery solution

  • Accusation Forms
  • Invitations
  • Name tags
  • Floor plans – (if applicable)
  • Access to the PLAY! site to send your guests to view the trailer, suspects and more!
  • *NEW* Digital Invitations

Angel Rating

Angel Rating

First, choose your number of suspects from the list below!

Co Ed Selection

Attn Phone & Tablet Users! You can purchase the mystery on your phone or tablet however you will be unable to download and extract the zip files without a PC or Mac.

All Female Selection

Please Note: Kids and teens mysteries are capped at 12 suspects to ensure quality of your party and to not overwhelm younger suspects and sleuths. If you need a larger mystery or are catering to an older group and would like a larger number of suspects, please consider our clean adult murder mystery parties

If we don’t have your gender mix, click the button below to request a customisation

Send out digital invites to get your party numbers sorted before you order!

Great time! This was our second murder mystery party and it generates huge fanfare each time. The mysteries are set up to be challenging but not overly challenging and its great that everyone can participate without knowing who the killer is beforehand! This company is great to work with and is always accommodating to questions.
Jose C
The best party – EVER! Shot in the Dark Mysteries made the planning so easy that we could focus on making our basement look like an 80s prom. Our theme was “Chiller Thriller” and we had a blast decorating. Every person that came said they had so much fun and wanted to host their own parties. The idea that no knows who the killer is works so well. Thanks Shot in the Dark Mysteries for providing an easy, fabulous way to have fun with friends!
Edie J
I love Shot in the Dark mysteries! They made so many of our parties (birthdays, new years, just because!) extra special by getting our friends engaged in solving the crimes! They’re such a great value, and even our friends that aren’t extroverts can get into being a character and sleuthing. I also love that I am able to host and participate in the murder mystery! So much fun!!
Ashley I

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