How to Host a Murder: The Watersdown Affair

by Decipher

Product Features

• CD with period music and details of the murder, a host guide with instructions, optional menu and costume suggestions
• Eight guest invitations and envelopes, layer name tags, individual player manuals
• Sheet of secret clues with summary of findings, diagram of the crime scene

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.5 x 3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000IVSV
• Item model number: 106514
• Manufacturer recommended age: 17 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,521 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)

Product Description

Editorial Review

Those who just can't put down a good murder mystery novel are perfect candidates for this game. Eight people live out the best crime novel, and each better hope that their spouse or colleague isn't the killer. This episode, from the very popular game series that's been around for almost 15 years, is played out in an English country manor. All that's required is a host and a group of guests with imagination and a sense of ghastly fun. The game is very thoroughly planned out--from the cassette tape describing the details of the murder to the guest invitations and player manuals. For first-time players, the rules are quite specific, which will be helpful. Break one and the suspense is over! (Not recommended for children under 16) --Lynne Sampson

Product Description

The Watersdown Affair, How to Host a Murder for 8 people

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Choose the Right Guests, April 15, 2003

By 

Lawyerly "lawyerly" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:2.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:1.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: How to Host a Murder: The Watersdown Affair (Toy)

This was the first murder mystery game in which my 30-something friends and I had ever participated. Overall, the night was a hit. But much preparation is required on the part of the host for it to be a success. We actually did a few things which I believe made the evening a success: 1) I invited friends that were more extraverted and would "ham" up getting in costume and acting out their parts; 2) I talked to others who had played the game before and got a sense of how the rounds were to be played. I then gave a "role play" to my guests of how the "rounds" were to be acted out; 3) We had a gift certificate as a prize for the winner whose accusation best matched the solution; 4)I changed the schedule from the instructions and started the party earlier in order to serve dinner earlier and not have hungry guests; and finally 5) we did not play a "round" at dinner, but instead took a break and just had regular conversation to break up the evening. I do agree that it's not as clear as one would expect as to "who done it." However, this was because much of the facts which the game instructs each character to try to conceal will remain concealed unless those characters are pressed for information by the others. The game instructs you not to lie, just to try to conceal certain facts. I recommend telling your guests to phrase questions requiring only "yes" or "no" answers (a "cross-examination" method) in order to get those facts out. For example, rather than saying, "Why were you meeting with the gardener at 4pm?" instead you could make an inference and ask, "Isn't it true that you met with the gardener in order to conspire to murder the decedent?". I hope this review is helpful.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great time was had by all!, November 1, 1999

By A Customer

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: How to Host a Murder: The Watersdown Affair (Toy)

This was the first How To Host a Murder my husband and I had ever been to or hosted. Every thing you need comes in the box if you have a few willing friends. As hosts, we acted as the maid and butler, just in case at the last minute some one could not come. Our friends came in and stayed in charater through out the evening. Every one did a great job with costumes and attitude. I feel that hosting the dinner and being part of the game would have been difficult. While preparing and serving the dinner, my husband and I missed alot of the conversation and clues. I think that next time, and there will be other murders at this house, as host we will take a role but, make the dinner much simpler or possibly even have carry out or heavy hor d'eours. No one knew until the end of the game and the solution read who had actually "done it". Every one made an accusation, but no one chose the murderer. What a great way to spend and evening! My daughter is already getting excited about doing a teen mystery for her birthday party. My only problem is now that we know who the murderer is it will be hard to use the game again.

37 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for newcomer to the series., December 8, 1999

By A Customer

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:3.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: How to Host a Murder: The Watersdown Affair (Toy)

Please read my review for Last Train from Paris to get an idea to this game. Anyways, this episode is relatively simple actually (probably because I tackled the later episodes first,) there are less clues for each character to reveal, and not very complicated. So my recommendation is for those that have been introduced to this game, or are just starting to grasp the mechanics of this game. It is still fun to play with your friends, but relatively short compared to the other episodes.

My advice is that host(s) would plan a part for yourself, and serve dinner during break between round 2 and 3. It helps people to absorb the clues they've been given, and its a lot of fun to see the guests still discussing the game while they are eating. This way hosts won't have to miss any important information. Enjoy!