the Kiss of Death
The Kiss of Death is a vampiric Gothic Victorian interactive murder mystery game set at Bat Hall, a mansion in 1889 London for 6-8 guests (plus one host) published by Freeform Games.
(Note that if you click on the link below and then buy The Kiss of Death, I will earn a small commission.)
The story
In 1889 London, fears of vampires grow as young men are found dead, drained of blood. At Bat Hall, a Gothic mansion hosting the engagement party of Lord Quintus Mistmere (self-proclaimed vampire hunter) to Bianca Wildflower, festivities turn grim when Quintus is found murdered, his body bearing the same eerie marks.
Guests are plunged into a world of mystery and suspicion, navigating dangerous settings like the conservatory of deadly plants and the ominous Greystones Asylum, where sinister secrets lurk. The story unfolds as a Gothic murder mystery, blending intrigue, betrayal, and the possibility of the supernatural.
how The Kiss of Death works
The Kiss of Death 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.
the casT
The cast of The Kiss of Death includes:
- Albert Mistmere: Quintus’s younger brother, and a financial advisor in the City
- Viola Mistmere: Albert’s wife is a glamorous American socialite currently
- Count Constantinesco: Bianca’s legal guardian and a distinguished scholar specializing in Romanian folklore
- Bianca Wildflower: Bianca, the Count’s ward, is affianced to Quintus Mistmere
- Dr. Sacha Adler: A German national and the head of Greystones Asylum
- Seraphine Deveraux: With a haunting singing voice and mesmerizing eyes, Seraphine is one of the Count's oldest friends
- Laurie Laurimar: Elderly, opinionated, and stubborn, Laurie is a distant relative of the Mistmere brothers
- Francis “Frankie” Tyne: A young pharmacist and Dr. Sacha’s assistant
Gender split: Three characters are male, three are female and the other two are ungendered.
the details
Instead of a formal dinner party, The Kiss of Death 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 Kiss of Death also needs a dedicated host to organise the game. 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 The Kiss of Death
Click here to purchase The Kiss of Death from Freeform Games.
You will be taken to the Freeform Games LLP website - follow the instructions to purchase The Kiss of Death.
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 Kiss of Death.)
Does The Kiss of Death come with a money-back guarantee?
Does The Kiss of Death 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 Kiss of Death then let them know within 30 days and they will refund you.
What age is The Kiss of Death suitable for?
What age is The Kiss of Death suitable for?
Freeform Games suggest The Kiss of Death is suitable for those aged 15+, as it contains adult themes and references to adultery, drugs and drug taking.
How long does The Kiss of Death take to play?
How long does The Kiss of Death take to play?
I would allow 3-4 hours to play The Kiss of Death. While the game itself takes 2-2.5 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 The Kiss of Death 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 6 guests and no more than 8.
If you have more than 8 guests you will need to create your own, or use one of the free extra characters provided by Freeform Games when you download The Kiss of Death.
Can I host The Kiss of Death and also play a character?
Can I host The Kiss of Death and also play a character?
The host has an important role in The Kiss of Death. 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 games
The Kiss of Death - a vampiric Gothic Victorian murder mystery game for 9-8 guests
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, subscribe to my newsletter.
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.