Murder mystery party costume ideas

The one-item rule

Tell your guests that one strong item is a full costume. A mask, a hat, a prop or a string of pearls is enough to get into character. Guests who want to go all out will, and nobody else feels pressured to spend money.

Costume ideas under $10

• A masquerade mask: fits any gothic or Halloween character.
• A hat: fedora, flat cap, top hat, cloche or chef's cap instantly signals a role.
• A prop: a doctor's bag, a notebook, a deck of cards, a bar towel or a toy microphone.
• An accessory: pearls, suspenders, a bow tie, gloves or a feather boa.

Death at the Hollowmoor Masquerade (Halloween)

• Sloane Hollowmoor, The Heir: A midnight-blue domino mask and a cape embroidered with moths.
• Dr. Ellis Marrow, The Physician: A plague doctor: a long beaked mask, a wide-brimmed black hat and a long dark cloak. Carry a black bag if you have one.
• Marlowe Quill, The Medium: Layers of black lace and velvet, a veil, silver rings and a crystal pendant.
• Remy Graves, The Steward: A black tailcoat or waistcoat, white gloves and a simple silver half-mask.
• Rowan Ashby, The Rival Perfumer: A gold Venetian mask, something dramatic in deep green, and a sprig of rosemary on your chest.
• Jules Vance, The Business Partner: A raven: a black feathered half-mask with a SHORT beak, and a collar of black feathers. No hat.
• Frankie Delacroix, The Gossip Columnist: Sequins, feathers, a jeweled cat-eye mask, and a notebook you are always scribbling in.
• Avery Crane, The Horror Novelist: Tattered black evening wear, pale makeup, dark lipstick and a quill pen.
• Harper Vale, The Apprentice: A white porcelain mask, an apron stained with "perfume", and dried flowers in your hair.
• Sage Whitlock, The Keeper of the Night Garden: Earthy colors, a crown of dark leaves and berries, and gardening gloves.
• Kit Morrow, The Illusionist: A top hat, a cape, white gloves and a glittering domino mask. Bring a deck of cards.
• Blair Ashcombe, The Art Dealer: Sharp black tie, a silver mask and a monocle.

Meet the Hollowmoor suspects

Last Call at the Blue Lantern (1920s)

• Billie Blue, The Singer: Sequins or a sharp suit, a feather or fedora, and a long string of pearls. Bring a toy microphone if you have one.
• Teddy Marsh, The Bartender: Rolled shirt sleeves, a waistcoat, sleeve garters and a bow tie. Carry a bar towel over your shoulder.
• Rory Dalton, The Bootlegger: A pinstripe suit, suspenders and a flat cap or fedora. Never without a cheroot (a candy cigarette will do).
• Jo Callahan, The Jazz Fan: A newsboy cap or cloche hat, a trench coat, and a notebook you pretend is for song lyrics.
• Sydney Rhodes, The Heiress: Whatever says old money: fur stole, silk, a long cigarette holder, a cloche hat or a silk scarf.
• Lou Kessler, The Piano Player: Suspenders, a loosened tie, rolled sleeves and a straw boater or fedora. Wiggle your fingers a lot.
• Dixie Lane, The Cigarette Girl: A pillbox hat or cap, a tray of candy cigarettes, and a big smile.
• Georgie Bell, The Cook: An apron, a kerchief or chef's cap, and a wooden spoon.
• Max Whitaker, The Police Captain: A police cap or a detective's trench coat and hat. A badge if you have one.
• Mickey Flynn, The Doorman: A flat cap, a heavy coat and a very serious face. Guard the door.
• Ace Wexley, The Rival Club Owner: A white dinner jacket or flashy suit, a carnation in the lapel, and a gold watch chain.
• Morgan Pryce, The Dancer: Something you can dance in: fringe, a headband with a feather, or spats and a bow tie.

Meet the The Blue Lantern suspects