who shot the sheriff
Who Shot the Sheriff is an interactive murder mystery party for 12-15 guests (plus one host) published by Freeform Games.
(Note that if you click on the link below and then buy Who Shot the Sheriff I will earn a small amount of commission.)
the story
In 1869, two stagecoaches set out from the small town of Dustville on a three-day trip across the American West to San Francisco, following the gold rush.
After two days, the stagecoaches stop for a break at a ghost town called Buzzard Creek. Buzzard Creek is deserted save for a few old-timers and the employees of the Gold Nugget Saloon. Unfortunately, before the horses are ready, a dust storm approaches.
Everyone is stranded.
Then, gunshots ring out. In the stables, Sheriff Cassidy is found sprawled face-down with gunshot wounds in his back, his gun lying beside him.
With the passengers and townsfolk gathered in the Gold Nugget Saloon, the full force of the ferocious dust storm arrives, confining everyone inside.
Everyone, including Sheriff Cassidy's killer…
how who shot the sheriff works
Who Shot the Sheriff 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.
Charactes also have item cards (that represent guns, knives, wanted posters 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 Who Shot the Sheriff includes:
- Blaise Sadler – the Gold Nugget Saloon's waitress
- Christy Martin – an enterprising business owner
- Deputy Beau Baxter – the new Sheriff Deputy
- Doctor Riley Bones – a traveling doctor
- Doctor Shiloh Merriwhether – doctor and friend of the Indians
- Elijah Entwhistle – a fiery traveling preacher
- Fitzhugh Smith – a city slicker
- Good-for-Nothin' Ned – a scruffy ne'er-do-well
- Jessie Calhoun – a traveler
- Laughing Owl – an Indian
- Piper Lee – a prospector
- Ruby-Mae Marshall – a traveler
- Runs Like a Deer – an Indian
- Sam Banks – owner of the Gold Nugget Saloon
- Willard Preston – a traveler
the details
Instead of a formal dinner party, Who Shot the Sheriff 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.
Who Shot the Sheriff also needs a dedicated host, someone 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 who shot the sheriff
Click here to purchase Who Shot the Sheriff from Freeform Games.
You will be taken to the Freeform Games LLP website - follow the instructions to purchase Who Shot the Sheriff.
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 Who Shot the Sheriff.)
Does Who Shot the Sheriff have a money-back guarantee?
Does Who Shot the Sheriff have 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 Who Shot the Sheriff then let them know within 30 days and they will refund you.
What age is Who Shot the Sheriff suitable for?
What age is Who Shot the Sheriff suitable for?
reeform Games suggest Who Shot the Sheriff is suitable for anyone aged 12+. You can play it with kids or adults - or a mixture of both!
How long does Who Shot the Sheriff take to play?
How long does Who Shot the Sheriff take to play?
I would allow 3-4 hours to play Who Shot the Sheriff. 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 Who Shot the Sheriff 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 12 guests and no more than 15.
If you have fewer than 12 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 15 guests you will need to create your own, or use one of the free extra characters provided by Freeform Games when you download Who Shot the Sheriff.
Can I host Who Shot the Sheriff and also play a character?
Can I host Who Shot the Sheriff and also play a character?
The host has an important role in Who Shot the Sheriff. 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 Who Shot the Sheriff from Freeform Games.
New game
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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