Murder on the Istanbul Express
Murder on the Istanbul Express is an interactive murder mystery party for 7-11 guests (plus one host) published by Freeform Games.
Note that if you click on the link below and then buy Murder on the Istanbul Express I will earn a small amount of commission
the story
It is 1914, and on the luxurious Istanbul Express, Selda Zaim's dead body has been found. She appears to have been bludgeoned over the head with a cooking pot.
It is now midnight and only a few hours until the Istanbul Express arrives in Paris and the proper authorities can investigate the crime.
But until then, there are many mysteries to unfold…
how murder on the istanbul express works
Murder on the Istanbul Express is an interactive murder mystery game, so 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.
They also have item cards (that represent things like the cooking pot, letters, and money), 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 to any other style.
the plot
Murder on the Istanbul Express has a number of different plots to keep everyone busy. For example, there is an antiquities burglar, the destruction of some sweaters, a thief on the train, espionage - and of course the murder to solve.
The cast includes:
Marin Aromblast – Bulgarian waiter
Pat Dijon – Police inspector from Paris
Max Fairsonne – Turkish sculptor
Lou Gardet – French conductor
Battista Giovanni – Italian cook
Esra Hoca – Turkish merchant who sells luxurious cashmere
Sava Hatmanu – Famous chemist from Romania
Sam Lively – American inventor
Hersch Muller – German attorney
Jay Middleton – British professor of archaeology, based in Budapest
Alexe Petrescu – Romanian tourist and museum fanatic
All the characters are of neutral gender
the details
Instead of a formal dinner party, Murder on the Istanbul Express 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.
Murder on the Istanbul Express needs a dedicated host, someone to organise the game.
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 purchase Murder on the istanbul express
Murder on the Istanbul Express is available from Freeform Games.
You will be taken to the Freeform Games LLP website - just follow the instructions to purchase Murder on the Istanbul Express.
You will then be emailed the location of the main Murder on the Istanbul Express pdf files and password (to unlock it) almost immediately.
Just download the game, print it out and have a great murder mystery!
or download the free Murder on the Istanbul Express intro file
For more information about Murder on the Istanbul Express, click here to download the free introductory pdf file which includes more details - including background, a full cast list, costume guide and invitations.
Disclosure: I am a partner at Freeform Games - feel free to ask me lots of questions! (I will also earn commission if you buy Murder on the Istanbul Express.)
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Is there 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 Murder on the Istanbul Express then let them know within 30 days and they will refund you.
What age is Murder on the Istanbul Express suitable for?
What age is Murder on the Istanbul Express suitable for?
As Murder on the Istanbul Express contains a fair bit to read, I suggest it is suitable for those aged 12+.
How long does Murder on the Istanbul Express take to play?
How long does Murder on the Istanbul Express take to play?
I would allow 3-4 hours to play Murder on the Istanbul Express. 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 Murder on the Istanbul Express 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 7 guests and no more than 11.
If you have fewer than 7 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 11 guests you will need to create your own, or use one of the free extra characters provided by Freeform Games when you download Murder on the Istanbul Express.
Can I be the host and also play a character?
Can I be the host and also play a character?
The host has an important role in Murder on the Istanbul Express. 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.
But if you still want to host a game and play a character (or you have to because a player cannot attend), I have advice on doing that here.
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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.
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