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 Boxed Kit
- SKU ONCEPRP-12
- Age Range 14 to Adult
- Minimum # of players 7 Suspects
- Max Players (Main Game) 12 Suspects (Kit A)
- Max # of players available 40 Suspects (Various Kit Sizes)
- Difficulty Level Moderate, 5/10
- Roles Co-Ed (See Host Character List for Ratio)
- Game duration 2 to 4 Hours Average (Flexible Timeline)
- Setting At the ominous Dark Castle in the heart of the Silver Tree Forest, where Queen Black summons the territories of the Enchanted Realm to sign a peace treaty.
- Interactive extras Printed Murder Weapon
- Vibe & Content Notes Storybook Scandal Vibes * Tiaras & Entitlement * Clean Mystery Fun
Straight out of a storybook, Once Upon a Murder is an exciting fairytale murder mystery party game.
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: 7–12 Players (12 Suspect Roles)
Kit B: 7–19 Players (19 Suspect Roles)
Kit C: 7–26 Players (26 Suspect Roles)
Kit D: 7–33 Players (33 Suspect Roles)
Kit E: 7–40 Players (40 Suspect Roles)
How the Kit Sizes Relate to the Downloadable Version:
- 12 players: Main game only
- 19 players: Main game plus Expansion Pack #1
- 26 players: Main game plus Expansion Packs #1–2
- 33 players: Main game plus Expansion Packs #1–3
- 40 players: Main game plus Expansion Packs #1–4
Fairytale Murder Mystery Game Synopsis:
Once upon a time, there was a faraway land known as the Enchanted Realm. The people of the land lived harmoniously for many centuries, until Queen Black gained control of the Silver Tree Forest.
It was not long before happy endings turned into nightmares. The ruling Kingdom of Gullyshire suffered repeated attacks, villains began to seize control, nefarious monsters filled the mystic mountains, and wicked witches took over the charmed forest.
Now, Queen Black has shocked the realm by inviting representatives from every territory to the Dark Castle in the Silver Tree Forest to sign a peace treaty. She may have evil intentions, but nevertheless, you have received an invitation.
This is where your story begins.
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.
We appreciate your business and are committed to providing you with exceptional service and timely delivery. Please review the shipping information below for your order.
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)
Express Shipping (1-2 business days)
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.
Shipping Rates:
Shipping rates vary based on the size, weight, and destination of the package. You can view the estimated shipping costs for your order during the checkout process before placing your order.
Order Tracking:
Once your order has been shipped, you will receive an email with the tracking number and carrier information. You can also track your order status by logging into your account.
International Shipping:
We ship worldwide! Please note that international shipping rates and delivery times may vary based on destination. Customers are responsible for any customs fees, import taxes, or additional charges that may apply.
I ordered the Once Upon a Murder Boxed Kit for my daughter's 18th birthday. They loved it! This was the first mystery I have ever hosted or been a part of. The instructions were wonderful. I never felt vague about what to do as a hostess. The FAQ were helpful, especially when one "required" could not show up. Per FAQ I put that person's card in a bunny rabbit container for people to go to when they were ready. They had a blast dressing up for each of their parts, enjoying a meal together and figuring out who done it. I chose the box instead of the download. It came wonderfully organized and wrapped like a prized piece of chocolate. The gold envelopes for mailing were an especially nice touch!
I ordered this game for my 11-year-old's birthday dinner party. Everyone had a blast dressing up and playing their roles. Our party consisted of adults and children and it was a lot of fun. I would recommend giving your first round cards out to your guests before they arrive so they can study their characters. The recipes in the book were great and I found some fun cocktail drinks for both adults and kids online that spiced things up. If I had one criticism, I would say that the note cards for the characters had very small writing and some of our older players, Grandpas and Grandmas, had a hard time reading the print. Overall, everyone had a blast and this family recommends the "Once Upon a Murder Mystery Game."
Fabulous. I. Love. It. Well written, thought out. Instructions were simple. Mystery was challenging enough but not too challenging to where we lost interests. My guests totally got into character and I admit, I didn't think they would!
Would host another...soon... becuase my friends are demanding it.