The karma club

The Karma Club is a 1960s hippy-themed murder mystery party for 10 to 14 guests (plus one host) published by Freeform Games.

(I will also earn commission if you buy The Karma Club.)

the story

Cover for The Karma Club murder mystery party game.

The Karma Club is set in the lodge of the Karma Club commune in Wells River, New Hampshire.

The commune has been hosting a sending-off party for their guests, rock band Marmalade Skies.

However, the evening has taken a turn for the worse and Marvin Stank, the band's manager, has been murdered...

how the karma club works

The Karma Club 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.

Characters also have item cards (that represent contracts, a diary, a record collection and so on), and abilities (that let them detect secrets find out information about other people).

The Karma Club has a number of different plots to keep everyone busy such as:

  • The future of the commune.
  • The mysterious Bonnie & Clyde bankrobbers.
  • Marmalade Skies' missing master tapes.
  • Plus, of course, there's a murder to solve...

In my opinion, once you've played an interactive murder mystery game, you won't want to go back.

the cast

The cast of The Karma Club includes:

Marmalade Skies

  • Suzy Dickerson: Lead vocals and Marmalade Skies’ songwriter.
  • Lee Melvick: Lead guitar, the party-boy of the band.
  • Judy Stank: Bass, and Marvin Stank’s widow.
  • Axel Maddox: Drummer, and prankster of the band.
  • Bobby Stank: Head roadie, Marvin Stank’s brother.

The Karma Club commune

  • Abbot “Abbie” Rosen: Founder and leader of the commune.
  • Pony Noonan: Long-time member of the commune and something of a rebel.
  • Guinevere Stone: Commune member and mother of 18-month-old Sunshine.
  • Flower Mason: Commune member.
  • Snow Diamond: Commune member.
  • Moonbeam Baxter: Recent commune member.

Visitors and Townspeople

  • Sam Spears: Executive with Groovytunes Records.
  • Jackie Nichols: Local folk singer, opening act for Marmalade Skies.
  • Sandy McVee: Wells River citizen, avid Marmalade Skies fan, owner and sole employee of “Sandy’s Memorabilia & Collectibles”.

the details

Instead of a formal dinner party, The Karma Club 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.

The Karma Club 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 get the karma club

Cover for The Karma Club murder mystery party game.

Click here to purchase The Karma Club from Freeform Games.

You will be taken to the Freeform Games LLP website - follow the instructions to purchase The Karma Club.

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 The Karma Club.)

The Karma Club stories

The Karma Club online: In the middle of the 2020 coronavirus lockdown I ran The Karma Club using online video chat.

Does The Karma Club 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 The Karma Club then let them know within 30 days and they will refund you.

What age is The Karma Club suitable for?

Freeform Games recommends The Karma Club is suitable for those aged 15+ as it contains references to rock-and-roll lifestyle, infidelity and a child born out of wedlock

How long does The Karma Club take to play?

I would allow 3-4 hours to play The Karma Club. 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?

Shortly after buying The Karma Club 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?

You need at least 10 guests and no more than 14.

If you have fewer than 10 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 17 guests you will need to create your own, or use one of the free extra characters provided by Freeform Games when you download The Karma Club.

Can I host The Karma Club and also play a character?

The host has an important role in The Karma Club. 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.

Click here to purchase The Karma Club from Freeform Games.

New game

Cover for The Show Must Go On

The Show Must Go On! - an English amateur dramatics themed themed murder mystery for 9-13 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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