Murder At Menlo Park

Curious people and curious inventions await you in Menlo Park!

murder at menlo park mystery game cover black with pink blood drops and white abstract gears

During the 1904 World’s Fair, Dr. Ari Jacobson and Dr. Julian Shaw debuted their marvelous creation, The Animatronic Man. Despite great interest, they dissolved their partnership shortly after, leaving their invention unfinished. Eleven years later, WWI rages in Europe, and the Germans have just sunk the Lusitania. The call for America to join the war grows louder, and the now Professor Jacobson has announced a mysterious new invention after years of exile. They have invited guests from their past and present to a special reveal in Menlo Park, the small quaint town they've lived in for years.

🕒 Game Time: 2-3 hours
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Number of players: 7-15 players, all gender-neutral
🖥️ Play Online or In-Person with you and 14 friends!
⛺ Theme: Retrofuturism/Steampunk
👽 Inspired By: The Prestige, Steampunk, Thomas Edison, Age of Invention, Science
✨ The Host can play without knowing whodunnit

CONTENT WARNING: Mild violence, mild romance, and suggestive themes

Recommended For Ages 16+

7 - 15 players

Please note this game is a digital party game kit with files that can be used for print and play in-person or used to play online on Zoom, Discord, or other virtual platforms. No physical game will be shipped.

$37.99
Add To Cart
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Play Your Way

Visit the quaint town of Menlo Park and solve a murder with 7 -15 friends online or in person! Play as a genius inventor, a titan of industry, an intrepid reporter, or any number of fun characters! All our characters are gender-neutral so it’s easy to include everyone!

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Download Instantly

No waiting for your game to arrive; your purchase will download instantly upon check-out, allowing you to get started right away planning your game night. The Host receives full instructions on how to organize and they can even play themselves without knowing the identity of the murderer!

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Super Sleuth

There are no scripts, you decide how to play your character and accomplish their goals and objectives. Players can blackmail, bribe, lie, trade secrets and rumors, and work together to piece together the clues as they see fit.

Your game includes everything you need to throw a great murder mystery party!

Including: a Host Guide (Preview!) walking you through all the steps you need to host your game, Character Profiles (Preview!), Goals and Objectives (Preview!), Name Tags (Preview!) and Play Money (Preview!), Item Cards, and Foulplay Cards, Whodunnit Forms, Best Costume, Best Performer, Shadiest Player, and Wealthiest Player Award, the Evidence and Solution, a Pinterest Board and Spotify Playlist and BONUS: Instructions on how to host your game online if you choose!

murder mystery party kit

"My friends and I had such a fun time playing Murder at Menlo Park! As the organizer, I felt like I had plenty of instructions to feel in control throughout the night. It was a tough mystery to solve - only one player guessed it right!

— Caroline

+ Characters

Professor Ari Jacobson - GN

A Professor of Science at Rossum University, they were hailed as a genius when their invention, The Animatronic Man, made its debut at the 1904 World’s Fair. After a public falling out with their inventing partner, Dr. Shaw, they were ridiculed for their outrageous ideas about mechanical utopias. They have been living in exile in Menlo Park for over a decade.

Dr. Julian Shaw - GN

The other half of the partnership behind the famed Animatronic Man, Julian started their own telecommunications company, Shaw Teleworks, after the public falling out between them and Professor Jacobson. According to Julian, Professor Jacobson turned away many lucrative offers to continue prospering their invention because the price simply wasn’t high enough.

Rory Jacobson - GN

The only child of Professor Jacobson, Rory is quite the opposite of their mechanically-minded parent. A concert pianist, Rory has received accolades for their music career, something Professor Jacobson does not seem to be very impressed with.

Sydney Green - GN

Professor Jacobson’s new House Manager. They are quite young to have risen to such an esteemed position in the estate, but Professor Jacobson has nothing but praise for their cleverness and their remarkable ability to manage the various tasks of the house with such efficiency.

Jordan Baker - GN

Professor Jacobson’s assistant. They seem to be quite intelligent, if not a bit aloof. They study at Rossum University and are rumored to be Professor Jacobson’s protégé, although they claim to know nothing of tonight’s unveiling.

Mayor Torrance Henson - GN

The long-time mayor of Menlo Park, Mayor Henson takes pride in the small and quaint atmosphere of the town. They seem very excited to welcome all of these distinguished visitors to their small town!

Sheriff Myer Williams - GN

The local law in Menlo Park, their job is pretty easy, as Menlo Park is such a peaceful place. As a long-time Menlo Park resident, they were asked by Professor Jacobson to make sure new friends and old enemies get along tonight.

Morgan Hopkins - GN

Morgan is the head of Rossum University in nearby Rossum City. They have only been in the position for a short period of time, but they are very supportive of Professor Jacobson’s work.

Rene Andrews - GN

A colleague of Professor Jacobson’s at Rossum University. They seem to be a bit ruffled at Professor Jacobson’s success, but nonetheless seem to be just as intrigued as everyone else at the Professor’s work and advancement of the sciences.

Leslie Coleman - GN

A late-bloomer in the world of industry, Leslie is nonetheless a successful entrepreneur catering to the wealthy through their luxury railcar service. They always seem to have their eye on the next big thing for the elite, which explains why they are here for Professor Jacobson’s reveal.

Drew Thatcher - GN

A well-known industry leader, they have their funding in many proverbial pies through their company, Thatcher Industries. From meat-packing plants and textiles, to railroads and airplanes, Drew certainly seems to have jumped right in on the rails of modern production.

Leighton Call - GN

A high-up from the United States government, Leighton is representing the State Department’s interest in this new invention.

Elliot Glove - GN:

A reporter for The National Journal, Elliot was the first to break the news as a brand new reporter eleven years ago about the falling out between Professor Jacobson and Dr. Shaw. They are here to report on this exciting new reveal and maybe get a few new leads as well.

Kay O’Malley - GN Leader of the largest worker’s union in the country, Kay is tough and shrewd when it comes to fighting the brutal conditions of factories for workers. Professor Jacobson has always been supportive of worker’s rights, so it is no surprise Kay would be here on this special occasion.

Kerry Jacobson - GN

Professor Jacobson’s cousin. They were close as children but drifted apart when the Professor went to college and began their idea for the Animatronic Man. Kerry seems to disapprove of Professor Jacobson’s passion for invention, leading to some tension.

Mason Keeler - GN

Mason is the Mayor’s new assistant. After a disastrous first week on the job, Mason is eager to prove themselves tonight.

Enhance Your Murder Mystery Experience

 
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Our Guarantee

We care about our customers! For our online game sales, we have a 14-day money-back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, please contact us at foulplaycompany@gmail.com within 14 days of your purchase date for a full refund. We reserve the right to limit customers to one refund per lifetime.