Best example of 'whodunnit' genre for 12?

I'm beginning teaching an English course which is a genre study of crime writing (focusing on the manipulation of the conventions the murder mystery in novels and films), and I can't think of a better exercise to motivate and bond the group than a murder dinner party.

We have 12 to cater for, including myself, and in that group there are 3 boys/9 girls (not that that matters in the end). I'm not particularly concerned about shady characters or content - it's part of the genre we need to investigate.

I am interested in a 'trapped at the mansion' style of story particularly as it is such a classic. The game titled Snow Business has grabbed my attention, and The Auction also looks good, though it is for more people. Which game would you recommend?

My response:

Actually, I think I'd recommend a different game completely - Dazzled to Death. In that game the characters are trapped in a mansion...

(I wouldn't recommend The Auction as it really works best with more players - and it isn't set in an isolated mansion.)

Click here to learn more about Dazzled to Death.