Death by Candlelight: Single Murder Mystery Paint Party
Not sure if murder mystery nights are right for your studio? Try one first.
Created specifically for paint party and creative studio owners, this commercial-use murder mystery is completely written and designed to run alongside your paint party. One story, one night, $19.97.
 
🕯️ The Story
Vale Candle House is launching its newest collection, and owner Iris Vale has promised tonight's announcement will change the business forever. But at 7:30, Iris is found dead in the rear pouring studio, and a page has been torn from her account folder. The building is sealed. Ten guests had reasons to fear what Iris planned to reveal, and one of them is a killer.
 
HOW DOES A MURDER MYSTERY PAINT PARTY WORK?
You teach the painting. The mystery runs alongside it. Here's what the night looks like:
Guests arrive and get their character. Each guest receives a character card with their role, secrets, and what they know.
The host opens the mystery. Using the included host script, you introduce the story and the victim, then guests start painting.
Clues come out as the painting progresses. At natural breaks in your painting steps, you open an evidence envelope and guests read their clue cards aloud. They question each other, defend themselves, and swap theories while they paint.
Guests make their accusations. As paintings near completion, everyone uses their detective notes to fill out a ballot naming who they think did it.
The big reveal. You read the solution, the killer reads their confession, and everyone goes home with a finished painting and a story to tell.
No acting experience needed. Guests don't memorize lines or perform scripts. They read their clue cards aloud and talk in their own words.
Built for 10 players. The story is designed for exactly 10 guests so everyone can follow the clues while they paint. Extra guests can pair up and share a character.
You choose the painting. Teach any painting you already love. A candle, a moonlit window, or a cozy storefront all fit the story.
Please note: this is the mystery only. You provide the painting and teach it your way. (Full details below.)
 
🔎 What's Included
Complete mystery storyline with a fixed solution
10 character cards with secrets and alibis
Large, easy-to-cut clue cards for two rounds
3 evidence sheets for your envelopes
Host scripts and step-by-step instructions
First-time host guide
Event timeline (about 2.5 hours)
Host cheat sheet showing where every suspect was
Detective notes and accusation ballots
Final reveal script and killer's confession
Commercial-use rights for your own paid events
Instant digital download. Print it, prep it, host it.
 
Good to know before you buy. This packet is the murder mystery only. Not included: a painting, painting design, tracer, or tutorial; art instruction; costume or decorating guides; music or playlists; invitations; or prizes.
 
Death by Candlelight is a standalone story. It is not included in Volume 1, Volume 2, or the Complete Collection, so you won't buy it twice.
 
🕯️ DEATH BY CANDLELIGHT: $19.97
Ready for more mysteries?
Every Murder & Masterpieces mystery runs exactly the same way. Once your guests are hooked, there are 10 more stories ready for your calendar.
 
GET VOLUME ONE: 5 STORIES FOR $57
GET VOLUME TWO : 5 STORIES FOR $57
GET ALL 10 STORIES FOR $97 (SAVE $17)