Whodunnit for Hire

Private Events  *  Corporate Parties

Whodunnit for Hire turns ordinary events into fun, engaging, and interactive murder mystery parties.

• Classic - "Whodunnit" (for holiday parties, birthday parties, and team building)

• Film Noir - "19 Crimes"

• Pirates - "Dead Men Tell No Tales"

• Wild West - "Wanted Dead or Alive"

• Hollywood - "Hollywood Homicide"

• Wizards - "Murder Among Magic"

• Rockstars (1980s) - "Gag Me With A Spoon. She's Dead."

• 1920s - "Sinister Speakeasy"

• 1940s - "CLUE"

• 1950s - "Malt Shoppe Murder"

Hi, I'm Wendy Olenik, the proud owner of Whodunnit for Hire, LLC, based in Baltimore, Maryland. For over 20 years, I've been transforming events into unforgettable murder mystery parties that have captivated and entertained guests. From writing the scripts to flawlessly executing the entire event, I take care of everything so you can enjoy the fun. If you’re looking for an engaging, interactive experience that will leave a lasting impression, I’d love to bring your next event to life! Call or text me at 410-549-2722, or email me to get started. And then get ready to have fun because this is going to be a blast!

murdermysterycompany@gmail.com

Search for clues, interrogate suspects, and solve whodunnit at a murder mystery party with Wendy Olenik of Whodunnit for Hire.

"This is so much fun you might die laughing!"

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question. What is a murder mystery party? Answer. Picture this: Someone at your party "dies" (oh my!), and your guests search for clues, interrogate suspects, and solve whodunnit. My murder mystery storylines are packed with humor, ensuring non-stop entertainment. My murder mystery parties are designed to foster teambuilding, enhance communication, boost morale, and strengthen collaboration skills—all while having an unforgettable time together.

Question. What kind of events can be turned into a murder mystery party? Answer. Almost any party can be turned into a murder mystery party. The most common are corporate events (i.e. teambuilding, fundraising, or holiday parties), birthday parties, and family reunions.

Question. Where should I have my Whodunnit for Hire murder mystery party?   Answer. You will choose a location (preferably with free parking) within 50 miles of Baltimore, Maryland, USA. I'll be traveling to you. Your favorite restaurant might be perfect. Golf clubs, country clubs, and fire halls are also lovely options. For company parties, I'm happy to come to your cafeteria, board room, or conference center. For birthday parties, if your living room is large enough, and you'd like to turn your home into the crime scene, let's go for it.

Question. What is the cost?   Answer. The price is $1250 (plus please include me in the parking and meal count).

Question. For $1250, how many guests can I have at my murder mystery party?   Answer. You should have 20+ people. There is no maximum guest count.

Question. What if I get 100 people? 200 people? What if I'm selling tickets? Will the price increase? Answer. The price will not increase.

Question. Is there a way to get a discounted price? Answer. Yes. Host a fundraiser. Raise money for your non-profit organization, research, human services, animal welfare, the environment, or another cause dear to your heart. If you are hosting a fundraiser, I will reduce the price by $250 bringing the fee to $1000.

Question. What if I am doing this for a Retirement Association, 55+ Community, or Senior Center? Will you discount the price? Answer. Yes. I will reduce the price for you depending on the location, date, and time.

Question. What if I have only ten people? Will you discount the price? Answer. No. And you need twenty+ people. My recommendation is to have every guest bring a friend.

Question. Why do you need twenty+ people? Is this number flexible? Answer. Once all of the suspect roles have been filled, you need plenty of guests remaining to be detectives solving the crime. It is slightly flexible but twenty+ should be your goal.

Question. What if I have a venue and I want to do this every month or every season? Will you discount the price? Answer. Yes! The first event per year is $1250. The second event in the same year is $1000. The third event in the same year is $750. The fourth event in the same year is $500. And each additional event after the fourth event in the same year is $250.

Question. Will the event be about my guests? Answer. Absolutely! Yes! The entire event will be about your guests. They will play the suspects accused of the crime, and the sleuths solving whodunnit. This is an interactive game. I coordinate everything to make it happen. But it is entirely about your guests.

Question. Who gets killed? Answer. My favorite person to "kill" is the boss. Please know, the boss only plays that role to start the mystery. They return after the "dead body scene," as themself, and attempt to solve whodunnit with their team. They don't miss anything, and they don't know any more than anyone else by playing that role. Killing the boss has the nice benefit of engaging the employees and having them laugh from the moment we start.

Question. Could I pay to have actors be the suspects rather than my staff? Answer. Yes. The additional fee is $375 per actor, plus a meal and a parking spot per actor. However, this will change the dynamic of your event. To keep the event all about you, do not hire additional actors.

Question. Is it scary? Answer. No. My murder mysteries are comedies. At no time will your guests be frightened or confused.

Question. Did you use AI to write your stories? Answers. No, I did not. I'm very proud to say that I wrote these storylines without AI.

Question. Is it solvable? Answer. Yes. Solving whodunnit comes down to understanding the clues and piecing together the information (not by popular vote). With each story, over time, I've taken guest suggestions into account to fine-tune the mystery's difficulty and storyline.

Question. Should I tell my guests this is a murder mystery party? Answer. If you are selling tickets, yes. If you are hosting a teambuilding event, company party, or family reunion, then no. Don't tell them. It is more fun, and funny, when a company gathering shockingly turns into a murder mystery party. I love the surprise of it. Your team will love it too.

Question. How long does it take? Answer. The game portion takes two hours, the full party will take two and a half hours. Guests are solving whodunnit as they enjoy a meal (provided by you).

Example timeline with a three-course dinner:

• 6:30 pm   Doors Open/Welcome Reception/30 minutes Mix and Mingle

• 7:00 pm   Salads Served, Murder Mystery Begins

• 7:30 pm   Entrees Served followed by Interrogations

• 8:30 pm   Desserts Served followed by Wrap-Up, Curtain Call, and Awards

• 9:00 pm   End (it will take me 20 minutes to break down, pack up, and vacate)

Example timeline with a buffet dinner:

• 6:30 pm   Doors Open/Welcome Reception/30 minutes Mix and Mingle

• 7:00 pm   Guests Seated, Murder Mystery Begins

• 7:30 pm   Buffet Opens (for salads and entrees), followed by Interrogations

• 8:30 pm   Desserts Available, followed by Wrap-Up, Curtain Call, and Awards

• 9:00 pm   End (it will take me 20 minutes to break down, pack up, and vacate)

• 9:30 pm Additional Entertainment (if you've hired a DJ or Band could start now)

Question. Should I provide a meal to my guests during the murder mystery? Answer. Yes. Serving a meal gives them a reason to be on time and to be seated. Everyone needs to be present and seated for the start of the murder mystery. They can't miss this. This is when the photos are taken. This is when the premise is set. This is when the suspects are identified. When sending out invitations, tell your guests when doors open and when dinner begins.

Question. Should I provide additional entertainment, such as a musician, a band, or DJ during the mystery dinner?   Answer. No. If you hire any additional entertainment, have them start when the mystery dinner is finished (in the above timeline, that is 9:30 pm).

Question. Could the guests be in more than one room?   Answer. No.

Question. Could the guests be standing throughout the space or at standing tables? Answer. No.

Question. Why can't I have my guests at standing tables? Answer. Because not everyone will be able to see. And not everyone will be able to hear. And it will be very difficult to get and maintain everyone's attention. Whodunnit is solved as guests are seated enjoying a meal.

Question. Are costumes required? Answer. They are not required for "Whodunnit," my classic murder mystery. However, if you are booking one of my other murder mysteries, please encourage your guests to come in costume. Some won't, that's okay, but the event will make more sense when people are dressed for the theme you've chosen.

• Classic - "Whodunnit" - no costumes, best for corporate team-building, birthday parties, holiday parties and family reunions

• Film Noir - "19 Crimes" - black cocktail attire

• Wizards - "Murder Among Magic" - cloaks and witches' hats (search DIY wizard costume)

• Wild West - "Wanted Dead or Alive" - cowboys, saloon gals, and prairie women

• Hollywood - "Hollywood Homicide" - glitz and glam- like they are walking the red carpet

• Pirates - "Dead Men Tell No Tales" - pirates and wenches

• 1920s - "Sinister Speakeasy" - flappers and gangsters of the prohibition era (think Great Gatsby or Downton Abbey)

• 1940s - "CLUE" based on the board game; ladies should come in red, black, or blue cocktail dresses for Ms. Scarlet, Ms. White, or Ms. Peacock; guys should wear a purple, a green, or a yellow shirt (or hat, or tie) for Professor Plum, Mr. Green, or Colonel Mustard

• 1950s - "Malt Shoppe Murder" - 1950s costumes

• 1980s - "Gag Me With A Spoon. She's Dead." - 1980s rockstars (Cindy Lauper, Run DMC, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and similar)

Question. How does it work? Answer. I arrive 30 minutes before your guests and set the space. Once your guests are seated, I will start with a comical "dead body scene". We continue the game after we break for food and instructions. Some guests will be suspects, others detectives. Everyone plays, and it is very interactive. The mystery is solved as guests are eating. I end with a curtain call and awards. From "dead body to awards", or "salads to desserts", it takes two hours. If you include thirty minutes for guest arrivals and time to mingle it takes two and a half hours.

Question. What do I need to supply? Answer. You supply the location, the food (please include me in the count), and a parking spot for my car.

Question. Why do I need to supply a parking spot? Answer. I have a backdrop, prop box, and speaker. I wheel my things into your event space with a dolly. The parking spot, therefore, needs to be provided for a 4-4.5 hour time-frame and reasonably close to the venue's entrance.

Question. What will you supply? Answer. I will bring everything needed for the mystery.

Question. Should I decorate? Answer. If you are hosting a themed event and want to decorate, go for it. However, special decorations are not necessary.

Question. Why should I choose Whodunnit for Hire for my murder mystery event? Answer: I have over two decades of experience. I bring a high level of expertise and passion to every event I host. I have written my murder mysteries to be both engaging and enjoyable, ensuring that your guests have an unforgettable experience. I have written these mysteries myself. Participants will have fun, strengthen their communication and collaboration skills, build stronger bonds, and create lasting memories. I’ve seen firsthand how these events build teamwork and leave a lasting impression on guests.

Question. Will you be the host? Answer. If I'm available, I will personally oversee the event. If I am not available, one of my trusted Whodunnit Mystery Managers will provide the same level of professionalism and attention to detail. Either way, your event is in excellent hands, and your guests are going to have a fantastic time.

Question. What information should I send you to book a murder mystery party?   Answer. Let's do this. Send the location, date, start time, and the purpose of the event to me via email murdermysterycompany@gmail.com or text 410-549-2722.

Question. How do I get in touch with you?   Answer. You may text, call, or email me. I am excited to turn your event into a murder mystery party. But watch out. This is so much fun you might die laughing. Bwhahahahaha.

Wendy Olenik

Owner, Whodunnit for Hire

410-549-2722

murdermysterycompany@gmail.com