Death at the Derby
Death at the Derby is an interactive murder mystery game set at a modern American racecourse (think Kentucky Derby or even Royal Ascot) for 30-32 guests (plus two hosts) published by Freeform Games.
(Note that if you click on the link below and then buy Backstage Business, I will earn a small commission.)
The story
Welcome to the Olaf Downs racecourse and the biggest of the famous Four Flower races: the annual “Trek for the Tulips” on our Manitou Mile track. Jockeys, celebrities, press, and starstruck fans rubbed elbows at a celebration banquet last night, catered by celebrity guest chef Ole Lutefisk.
Last year’s winner and favored jockey, Billy Cobbler, was alive and well at dinner last night but was found dead in his horse’s stall this morning. Police are treating Billy’s death as murder—was someone trying to rig the race?
But don’t let that worry you! Enjoy the fabulous Tulip Topper hat competition or our new signature drink, the Tulip Julep. And while you’re here, feel free to place a bet!
how Death at the Derby works
Death at the Derby is an interactive murder mystery game, which means all the players receive complete details of their character, including a detailed backstory, objectives that they must try to achieve, and information about other characters.
Characters also have item cards (that represent contracts, jewels, peanut desserts, racing saddles, and so on), and abilities (that let them detect secrets find out information about other people).
In my opinion, once you've played an interactive murder mystery game, you won't want to go back.
While Death at the Derby has a murder (although it doesn't start with one), the game is full of other plots - such as who will win the Trek for the Tulips, or finding the jewel thief!
the casT
The cast of Death at the Derby includes:
Track Staff
- Kennedy Campbell: Race announcer
- Oak Dickerson: Racetrack manager
- Sawyer Ellingson: Exercise rider (and Edi Ellingson’s child)
- Finley Gibbs: Exercise rider
- Ole Lutefisk: Celebrity guest chef and Gertrude Hilleboe’s husband
- Marley Mitchell: Assistant manager
- Quinn Monroe: Bookmaker
- Doc Rolvaag: Veterinarian
- Luke Sutton: Assistant security officer
- Peyton West: Security officer
Owners
- Don Buntrock: Wealthy horse owner and married to Judy
- Judy Buntrock: Wealthy horse owner and married to Don
- Charlie Channing: The Channings own two horses and the Olaf Downs racecourse
- Edi Ellingson: Horse owner and jeweler (and Sawyer’s parent)
- Bobbie Oldhut: Horse owner and Ms. Gibson’s agent
Trainers
- Pat Fitzsimmons: Horse trainer
- Hopper Rails: Horse trainer
- Sven Skoglund: Horse trainer
Jockeys
- Toni Knight: Jockey
- Frankie Ramm: Jockey who shared a house with Billy Cobbler
- Red Wright: Jockey
Milliners
- Dolly Crownfeathers: Assistant milliner
- Gertrude Hilleboe: Milliner and Ole Lutefisk’s wife
Race Attendees
- Madison Abbott: Race enthusiast enjoying their first real-life race
- Ariel Gibson: Famous singer
- Harper Flannery: Race enthusiast
- Drew Johnson: Race enthusiast
- Derek Lunesdale: Star from the hit TV show “Tribal”
- Lee Maddox: Police detective
- S.T. Madigan: Roving reporter
- Kelly Patterson: Star from the hit TV show “Tribal”
- Taylor Sullivan: Race enthusiast
Gender split: Five characters are male, six are female and the other 21 are ungendered.
the details
Instead of a formal dinner party, Death at the Derby is better suited to a buffet meal or finger food.
Everyone needs to be able to talk quietly with each other - to plot and scheme and achieve their goals.
Death at the Derby also needs two dedicated hosts to organise the game. (This game is more complex than others, which is why I recommend two hosts.)
They will read the entire game and will be available to answer questions.
I really enjoy being the host - you know what's going on and can watch your friends scheme and plot and be devious to one another.
how to get Death at the Derby
Click here to purchase Death at the Derby from Freeform Games.
You will be taken to the Freeform Games LLP website - follow the instructions to purchase Death at the Derby.
Just download the game, print it out and have a great murder mystery!
Disclosure: I am a partner at Freeform Games - feel free to ask me lots of questions! (I will also earn commission if you buy Death at theDerby.)
Does Death at the Derby come with a money-back guarantee?
Does Death at the Derby come with a money-back guarantee?
Yes!
Freeform Games offer a cast-iron guarantee on all their murder mystery games. If you're not completely satisfied with Death at the Derby then let them know within 30 days and they will refund you.
What age is Death at the Derby suitable for?
What age is Death at the Derby suitable for?
Freeform Games suggest Death at the Derby is suitable for those aged 18+, as it contains adult themes and references to adultery, drugs and drug taking.
How long does Death at the Derby take to play?
How long does Death at the Derby take to play?
I would allow 3-4 hours to play Death at the Derby. While the game itself takes 2.5-3 hours to play, I recommend allowing time to introduce the game and wind down after.
Where's my download?
Where's my download?
Shortly after buying Death at the Derby you should receive an email from Freeform Games explaining how to download the game files.
If you haven't received this, please first check your spam filter - sometimes the emails end up there.
If that fails, please get in touch directly with Freeform Games - with the details of which game you bought, when you bought it, and which email address you used. Or contact me (with that same information) and I'll get in touch for you.
How many guests will I need?
How many guests will I need?
You need at least 30 guests and no more than 32.
If you have fewer than 18 guests you will have to drop a character (which may affect the plot), or play a character yourself (not ideal, but I talk about it here), or even ask a guest to play two characters at once.
If you have more than 22 guests you will need to create your own, or use one of the free extra characters provided by Freeform Games when you download Death at the Derby.
Can I host Death at the Derby and also play a character?
Can I host Death at the Derby and also play a character?
The host has an important role in Death at the Derby. The organize and coordinate the party. They also act as an impartial "referee" - so it's important that they have read the game and understand what is going on.
So I recommend not playing a character and hosting the game.
New game
Death at the Derby - an American horse-racing themed murder mystery for 20-32 guests.
Don't know where to start?
Here's my suggested quick route through the site:
Step 1 - Go to Choosing a Game to choose the game that suits your party best.
Step 2 - Review the Tips for Hosts for helpful advice.
Step 3 - If you want to keep up to date with the latest murder mystery game news, click on my What's New page.
Step 4 - Once you've had your party - tell me how it went! Click here to tell me your murder mystery party story.
Got a question? Click here to go to the FAQ.
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