90s: Late Fees & Fatalities
An Immersive Murder Mystery Party of Backrooms and Backstabbing
About This Mystery
About This Experience
It’s the 1990s, and Reel World is more than a video rental store — it’s a community landmark, the backdrop for first dates, Friday nights, and neighborhood traditions. The shelves are lined with VHS tapes, movie posters, and memories, but the store’s future hangs by a thread. With streaming on the horizon and investors growing restless, Reel World’s survival is in doubt.
To fight back, the owner has organized a “Save the Store” party — part fundraiser, part celebration, part rallying cry. Fans, staff, investors, and local celebrities have all gathered under one roof to show their support (or, in some cases, to quietly push their own agendas). Everyone has a reason to be there: to preserve nostalgia, to secure profits, to chase attention, or to stir up trouble.
It’s meant to be a night of laughter, music, and community pride — but when so many personalities collide, the evening is destined to be unforgettable.
First Time?
How It Works
Perfect For
Is This Mystery Right for You?
Meet the Suspects
Sample Characters
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Can guests opt‑out if they don’t want to play?
Our mysteries are set up in a way in which roles accommodate different comfort levels. By providing clear objectives we give each guests the flexibility to take a more reserved approach or to fully-embrace their character. Guests receive clear character guides, objectives, and host support.
Can I come alone, or do I need a group?
Solo tickets are absolutely welcome. You're assigned a character and immediately have natural reasons to talk to everyone in the room.
Can we just purchase materials for self-hosting?
Since we use licenses to sell tickets, we only provide a fully-hosted experience. This ensures that you receive a high-quality, immersive murder mystery event, complete with all the necessary materials, guidance, and support for a memorable experience.
Do guests need acting experience?
You don’t need acting experience to participate. Guests receive clear character guides, objectives, and host support. Acting in character is optional. Some guests lean into roleplay, while others focus on strategy, deduction, and conversation. The experience works at any comfort level.
Our parties are designed to be intuitive and welcoming—even for first‑timers. Many competitors also offer “interactive” events, but theirs often still feature central actors to manage pace and plot. We trust the group to carry the narrative, supported by materials and structure—not scripts.
How do guests receive their character information?
Characters are provided digitally or in person, depending on the event format.
If chosen, private event attendees can be emailed their characters, backstories, and goals ahead of time. Most public event participants receive assignments onsite.
How do I dress?
Themed attire is encouraged and helps immersion but is optional. Themes range from 1920s speakeasy to supernatural seance or winery mystery—costume inspiration guides are provided to help participants prepare. Guests may dress comfortably or lean into the theme for fun.
How long does a Murder Mystery party last?
Our public murder mystery parties usually last 2 hours. Smaller parties with less than 20 guests typically last an hour and a half. For private events we can adjust the duration to fit your needs.
How many guests are required for private events?
Private events are available for groups of 6 or more guests.
Our mysteries are designed to work best with 15–20 players, which allows the story to unfold with the greatest depth and interaction. For smaller groups, we offer Small Batch Experiences that use adjusted story formats and additional facilitation to ensure a smooth and engaging experience.
- Small Batch Experiences: Available for 6–19 guests, priced at a flat rate
- Open Case Experiences: Available for 20 or more guests, priced per person
If your guest count is flexible, inviting a few additional guests is often the easiest way to access per-person pricing.
How much does this murder mystery party cost?
Pricing depends on guest count and format. Smaller groups book at a flat rate, while larger groups use per-person pricing.
Most private events fall between $375–$600, with larger groups, over 20, start at $20 per person.