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 POOLSIDE
- Age Range 14 to Adult
- Minimum # of players 8 Suspects
- Max Players (Main Game) 16 Suspects and 2 Optional Teams
- Max players available 88: 28 Suspects, Up to 60 Team Roles (2 Teams, Expansion Packs Sold Separately)
- Difficulty rating Moderate, 6/10
- Character roles Co-Ed (See Host Character List for Ratio)
- Game Duration 2 to 4 Hours Average (Flexible Timeline)
- Game format Murder | Guided Clue Mingling | 4 Rounds
- Vibe and Content Notes Clean Summer Fun * Lighthearted Drama *Pool Is Not Required
- Date of publication 2010. Last Revised: 2024
A fun poolside murder mystery party game for 8–16 players, ages 14 and up, with co-ed casting.
The main game includes 16 unique suspect roles and two optional expandable teams. Two expansion packs, sold separately, add 6 unique suspects each, expanding the complete game to 28 unique suspects. Each team may include up to 30 duplicate non-suspect roles, allowing the complete game to accommodate up to 88 players.
This sun-soaked summer mystery is packed with stylish partygoers, eccentric personalities, simmering rivalries, suspicious histories, carefully guarded secrets, poolside drama, interactive challenges, and murder during Sunny Shinewell’s legendary annual gathering.
A swimming pool is not required. The game may also be hosted in a backyard, at the beach, or with a tropical luau twist.
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 get started before the party with costume suggestions, character information, details about Sunny Shinewell’s annual celebration, and the poolside mystery premise.
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Expansion Pack #1: Adds 6 Unique Suspect Characters
Sold separately. Adds 6 optional suspect roles, including 4 male and 2 female characters, and expands the game from 16 to 22 unique suspects. -
Expansion Pack #2: Adds 6 Unique Suspect Characters
Sold separately. Designed to be added after Expansion Pack #1. Adds 6 optional flexible-gender suspect roles and expands the complete game to 28 unique suspects.
Poolside Murder Mystery Party Game Synopsis:
Sunny Shinewell's annual pool parties are the epitome of summertime splendor, known far and wide for their vibrant atmosphere, lavish settings, and the dazzling array of guests they attract. Year after year, these gatherings set the standard for high-spirited, luxurious fun under the sun. As expected, the who's who of the social scene, affectionately known as the usual suspects, will again make their way to Sunny's stylish abode, donned in their most spectacular poolside ensembles.
This year, like every year before, your much-anticipated invitation has arrived, promising another unforgettable day filled with sunshine, laughter, and the finest company. It's time to dive into your wardrobe and select the perfect outfit that speaks to comfort and class as you prepare to join the festivities. Whether you're lounging by the pool with a chilled drink in hand, mingling with the crowd, or making a splash, this day promises to be filled with delightful moments and memorable encounters.
Your story kicks off here, in the heart of summer bliss, at Sunny Shinewell's legendary pool party. Get ready for a day of sun-kissed fun and unparalleled enjoyment!
Host a Large-Group Poolside Murder Mystery Party:
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Main Game: 16 unique suspect characters
- Designed for 8–16 suspect players.
- Includes co-ed character roles.
- Recommended for players ages 14 and up.
- May be hosted beside a pool, in a backyard, at the beach, or in another summer-themed setting.
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Mooching Friends Team:
- Led by Makken Waves.
- Add up to 30 duplicate mooching-friend roles.
- The additional friends are duplicate, non-suspect team roles.
- This expandable team is included with the main game.
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Evitang Family Team:
- Led by Tele Evitang.
- Add up to 30 duplicate Evitang family-member roles.
- The additional relatives are duplicate, non-suspect team roles.
- This expandable team is included with the main game.
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Expansion Pack #1: 6 additional suspect characters
- Sold separately.
- Includes 4 male and 2 female optional roles.
- Expands the game to 22 unique suspects.
- The expansion pack is not a complete standalone mystery.
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Expansion Pack #2: 6 additional suspect characters
- Sold separately.
- Includes 6 optional flexible-gender roles.
- Expands the complete game to 28 unique suspects.
- Designed to be added after Expansion Pack #1.
- The expansion pack is not a complete standalone mystery.
Expansion Pack #2 is designed to follow Expansion Pack #1. Its invitation and pre-game website include the preceding characters, so hosts should assign only the roles included with the materials they have purchased.
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.
We hosted last night with 22 characters. This kit made it so easy to put this party together even last minute. The storyline naturally created and every character was engaged. Even though I had never participated in a Murder Mystery before, I felt like I had everything I needed in the kit and the party flowed naturally. The timeline given was great references to keep a good pace for the evening. The prop suggestions were simple and most families brought something or dressed in character. I even reached out to Customer Support to ask a question about character pairings, and they responded quickly even on a Saturday. We will definitely be doing more of these parties!
I have hosted a few of these parties, and this one did not disappoint. I chose this one because the college kids were all home at the same time, and they grew up swimming in my friend’s backyard pool. I like that this one had easy costumes do that college kids home with few clothes don’t have to worry about coming up with something. We also liked the pool theme, but it isn’t necessary to host this one at a pool; it is just an added bonus. It was hilarious watching everyone start to slowly figure out who was going to become the victim and then start accusing their childhood friends of the crime! This one was a bit easier to solve than some, so it was good for the first-timers attending. Now, of course, they are all asking when the next one will be. Thanks, MMP!
Hosted this at our local swimming pool. Kids aged 11-16 attended. They had a great time. Will definitely try another!
Overall, this was a fantastic party and so much fun to play! Setup was generally easy and simple to play. There was sufficient motive for each of the main characters that we had a good collection of guesses for whodunnit.
However, the premise of the murder weapon being based on a WWII neurotoxin and chemical warfare was not good for a diverse group with many ethnic and racial minorities present. We spent a lot of time changing round 2 and round 3 materials to a more innocuous sounding collection of medical curiosities, including old medicine jars containing poisonous substances, which was far more acceptable for our group.
I never received this product.