This game is licensed for personal, private use only. If you plan to use it for any commercial purpose, public event, business, organization, school, fundraiser, church, promotional activity, paid event, or any use that generates revenue or provides a commercial benefit, you must purchase a Commercial License.
- Type Download
- SKU SUNNYLAN
- Age Range 14 to Adult
- Minimum # of players 8 Suspects
- Max Players (Main Game) 14 Suspects
- Max players available 86: 26 Suspects, Up to 60 Team Roles (2 Teams, Expansion Packs Sold Separately)
- Difficulty rating Moderate, 5/10
- Character roles Flex-Gender
- Interactive Extras Blackmail Note * Cash Receipt Evidence
- Game Duration 2 to 4 Hours Average (Flexible Timeline)
- Game format Murder | Guided Clue Mingling | 4 Rounds
- Vibe and Content Notes Clean Suburban Fun * Backyard Neighbor Drama
- Date of publication 2010. Last Revised: 2024
A sizzling backyard barbecue and neighborhood block-party murder mystery game. This lively summer mystery is packed with eccentric neighbors, bitter rivalries, dog-show drama, questionable careers, bruised egos, blackmail, hidden motives, suspicious evidence, grilled food, backyard games, and murder at Sunny Lane’s annual neighborhood block party.
This is the instant download version, so there is nothing to ship and no shipping fee. Simply download, print, prepare, and play!
Prefer a professionally prepared game? Choose the Boxed Kit version, and our staff will professionally print and prepare the game materials for you.
Helpful Links:
Main-game players can prepare for the party with costume suggestions, character information, details about the residents of Sunny Lane, and the neighborhood block-party mystery premise.
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Expansion Pack #1: Adds 6 Characters and an Expandable News Crew
Sold separately. -
Expansion Pack #2: Adds 6 Characters and an Expandable ER Team
Sold separately.
Backyard Barbecue Murder Mystery Party Game Synopsis:
The residents of Sunny Lane are an eclectic collection of personalities. Most of the neighbors get along fabulously, but others have created a tangled web of grudges, misunderstandings, and ongoing feuds. Hoping to restore peace to the community, the neighborhood Homeowners’ Association has decided to continue its tradition of hosting an annual summer block party.
This year’s celebration will be held at the home of Kris Angels, a hardworking professional magician known for strictly following the Magician’s Oath and Code of Ethics. Kris rarely invites guests into the home for fear of exposing valuable trade secrets and has reportedly rented a storage facility to hide certain gadgets, props, and magical contraptions before the neighbors arrive.
Your invitation promises an afternoon of sunshine, grilled food, outdoor games, neighborhood gossip, and plenty of time to reconnect with the residents of Sunny Lane. Unfortunately, several guests are carrying old resentments, suspicious secrets, and motives that could turn this friendly barbecue into a crime scene. This is where your story begins.
Host a Large-Group Murder Mystery Party:
- Main Game: 14 unique suspect characters
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Expansion Pack #1: 6 additional suspect characters
- Sold separately.
- The characters may be added in any number and combination with optional roles from the main game and Expansion Pack #2.
- Includes an optional expandable RBC News Crew team.
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RBC News Crew Team:
- Tele N. Ewe may lead a team of duplicate RBC News Crew members. The additional news crew members are non-suspect roles.
- Add up to 30 or more duplicate team players.
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Expansion Pack #2: 6 additional suspect characters
- Sold separately.
- Purchase Expansion Pack #1 before purchasing or using this pack.
- The characters may be added in any number and combination with optional roles from the main game and Expansion Pack #1.
- Includes an optional expandable ER nurses team.
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ER Nurses Team:
- Frankie Harrison may lead a team of duplicate ER nurses.
- The additional nurses are non-suspect roles.
- Add up to 25 or more duplicate team players.
With both expansion packs and the two expandable teams, the downloadable game can accommodate more than 80 players.
This is the instant download version of the game. Simply download, print, and prepare everything you need to play, with no shipping fees or delivery wait.
PDF files included:
- Host Instructions
- Printable Game Materials
- Solution
- Optional Extras, such as the free invitation
For the boxed kit, also called the Party Pack, use the link provided on the product page.
Printing Tips
For the best results, open and print the files using Adobe Acrobat Reader, available free from Adobe.com. Other PDF viewers may alter fonts, spacing, colors, page sizing, or interactive features.
- Download the PDF files to your computer and note where you save them before opening or printing.
- Select Actual Size or 100% Scale unless the instructions specify otherwise.
- Do not select Fit to Page, as this may resize cards, labels, or other game materials.
- Confirm that the paper size is set to US Letter, 8.5 × 11 inches.
- Print one test page before printing the complete game.
- Use standard printer paper for any worksheets or investigation sheets.
- Use heavier paper for invitations, clue cards, and other materials that will be handled during the game.
- Print in color when possible for the intended appearance.
- Do not select double-sided printing.
- Allow ink to dry completely before cutting, folding, or assembling the materials.
Printer settings and results may vary by printer.
I decided the game into 3 days.
Day 1 we did the pregame and part 1
Day 2 was part 2
Day 3 part 3
Make sure everyone keeps their notes for reference.
I needed one more character so I made a TWIN neighbors to stalk characters.
Everyone loved being in character.
Compared to the other games I have purchased, the set up was a bit different.
Their other games seem to give players more direct prompts as well as character development.
It seems that this game is more character development, so some of my younger players weren't sure of what to do and needed a bit of extra assist.
Overall, great game, good times.
The mysteries are great. I have ordered and downloaded several from your site. The contents are easy to follow and I love the expansion option.
Overall, the content/party was pretty good! I do wish I had a little more information to start with so I could banter a little better beforehand. Some of the info didn't come out to everyone during the party, either, despite talking to each other.
We did this game with a 50/50 mix of experienced and new players. It worked wonderfully and everyone had a great time!
I love all the murder mysteries I have purchased. I use them at work as a group activity and everyone loves them They dress up according to their character and get right into it. I purchased both of the expansion packs to have enough characters. Each time I have had one more and more people sign up! We are going to be grilling out and making a full afternoon of it.