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Murder of Archibald Grim: Murder Mystery Party Game | Boxed Kit
- Type Boxed Kit
- SKU ARCHGRIMPRP-16
- Age Range 12 to Adult
- Minimum # of players 8 Suspects
- Max Players (Main Game) 16 Suspects (Kit A)
- Max # of players available 24 Suspects (Kit B)
- Difficulty Level Moderate, 4/10
- Roles Flex-Gender with 1 required female (See Host Character List)
- Game duration 2 to 4 Hours Average (Flexible Timeline)
- Setting At Grim Castle, Graymire’s murder suspects gather after miserly banker Archibald Grim is found poisoned.
- Interactive extras Group Challenge
- Vibe & Content Notes Clean Family-Friendly * Murder with Manners * Suspicious Energy
A clean and entertaining castle murder mystery party game for at least 8 players, ages 12 and up. Summon your guests to the gloomy Grim Castle for an evening filled with eccentric townspeople, suspicious relatives, greedy colleagues, hidden motives, family secrets, and the poisoning of a wealthy miser!
Kit Sizes & Pre-Game Resources:
Scroll below this section to preview or download the Sample Game, Host Character Lists, and free invitations for each kit size.
The Sample Game contains carefully selected excerpts from the game, including plotlines, clue card formatting, the event timeline, and other materials. It allows you to evaluate the game’s format and quality before purchasing without revealing the solution.
Kit A: 8–16 Players (16 Suspect Roles)
Kit B: 8–24 Players (24 Suspect Roles)
How the Kit Sizes Relate to the Downloadable Version:
- 16 players: Main game only
- 24 players: Main game plus the 8-character Expansion Pack
The Murder of Archibald Grim Mystery Game Synopsis:
Archibald Grim was a coldhearted miser who despised everyone in the town of Graymire. A greedy recluse, Mr. Grim only left his castle for his lucrative job as the president of First National Bank. Archibald spent his life hoarding his wealth and spreading hatred, sorrow, and despair throughout the city.
It was no surprise when Archibald Grim’s body was discovered by his housekeeper this morning. It appears that someone slipped the chap a bit of poison.
The burning question is: who is guilty? Is the killer an employee of the bank? A former colleague? His butler? Or could it be a family member eager to claim an inheritance?
The Graymire police have listed you as a suspect in the murder of Archibald Grim. You must journey to Grim Castle at the exact time stated on the notice delivered to your home. It would be dangerous not to attend, as the police might consider your absence a confession. This is where your story begins.
This is a clean, family-friendly murder mystery. This theme is an excellent starter mystery for teens, families, or adult groups seeking a lighter challenge. Archibald Grim is not portrayed by a player, and the game includes one interactive group challenge.
Need It Today?
Purchase the instant download edition for immediate access instead of the boxed kit.
Your boxed kit arrives professionally printed and prepared for easy hosting. The exact quantity of materials varies depending on the selected kit size.
Included in the Boxed Kit:
- Host Instructions, including the standard host booklet and a game-specific information sheet
- Professionally Printed Game Materials
- Character Materials, including the Host Character List, Guest List, and Clue Cards
- Solution Materials
- Envelopes and Other Required Game Components
- Optional Extras, such as the free invitation
- Envelopes are not sealed, even in the spoiler-free kits, in case the host needs to view the cards. Sealing envelopes before gameplay is optional.
- Select games may also include video content, bonus clues, or other interactive extras. Any game-specific extras will be listed above under Interactive Extras.
Some light assembly may be required with the standard version. For a spoiler-free, party-ready game, select the appropriate kit option above.
For immediate access to a print-at-home version, use the instant download link on the product page instead of purchasing the boxed kit.
Standard vs. Spoiler-Free Assembly
Standard Version
The standard version requires light assembly before the party. The host must fold and insert the cards for Rounds 1, 2, and 3 into the corresponding labeled envelopes.
Spoilers are limited to the Round 2 and Round 3 card bundles. If the host wishes to avoid seeing them, a trusted person who is not playing may fold and insert those cards. The remaining kit will still arrive prepared without exposing the host to spoilers.
Spoiler-Free Version
With the Spoiler-Free (Party-Ready) Preparation Option, the Round 1, 2, and 3 clue & solution cards are professionally folded and inserted into their designated envelopes, allowing the host to prepare for and host the party without any fear of viewing the spoiler content.
Pre-game character materials are not inserted into envelopes. This allows the host to add the players' contact information on the task cards while they are still arranged in a convenient stack, rather than removing them from envelopes and reinserting them afterward.
Included Assembly in Both Versions
Certain materials are inserted into their designated envelopes in every boxed kit, when applicable. These may include:
- Blackmail notes and other special messages
- Victim signs
- Forensic reports
- Scavenger hunt materials
- Other game-specific surprise items
Keep each bundle of envelopes together according to its label, such as Round 1, Round 2, or Round 3. Some envelopes may already contain game-specific materials, even when the remaining cards still require insertion.
With the standard kit, if an item has already been placed inside a designated character’s envelope, tuck it inside that character’s folded clue card before returning the card to the envelope. This helps ensure the player sees the additional item when the round begins.
Envelopes Are Not Sealed
Envelopes are left unsealed in both versions. This allows the host to review or adjust the materials if necessary, such as when a guest cancels at the last minute, and the host needs to confirm that all vital characters remain assigned.
The host may seal the envelopes before gameplay, but sealing is optional.
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Order Processing Time:
Orders are usually processed within 24-48 hours after the order has been placed.
Custom or special order items may take longer to process, typically 3-5 business days.
Shipping Methods:
Standard Shipping (3-7 business days)
Expedited Shipping (2-3 business days)
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Packaging:
Rest assured that all items will be securely and safely packaged to prevent any damage during transit. Fragile or high-value parts will be packaged with additional protective materials, such as bubble wrap or foam padding.
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International Shipping:
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We used this boxed set for a school family engagement activity. Everyone had a great time and stayed in character. The mystery was challenging enough to keep people guessing and excited for the next rounds. I would recommend reading through everything thoroughly before starting and set aside at least 2 hours to complete the activity. Also, choose a setting where you could easily hide clues (our cafeteria was not ideal).
Purchased for youth party. It says 12+, but I think savvy 10 or 11 year olds who love mysteries could rock this. I just made sure when inviting that we let them know it runs about an hour and a half, so if they don't like mysteries this party may not be for them. But, everyone had a great time. Even two parents played roles and were challenged by the clues!
The characters are over-the-top, but that actually makes them super memorable, which helps with deduction process. Plus, the guests had a blast bringing their quirks and eccentricities to life.
I purchased the physical package, which was really well put together. The only thing that would have made it easier would have been if I had access to the digital items as well (since the box is a much higher pricetag), so that I could have emailed the Pre-Game Round clues.
The scavenger hunt was a big hit, as well.
Overall, I recommend!