This article was written by Martha Hayden and originally published on The Restless Viking website on November 22, 2022
Join us as we investigate a murder. Ok, I know dinner theater doesn’t qualify as an ‘adventure,’ but for my birthday, I wanted to get a taste of solving a case. For years I’ve watched crime shows with interest. Chuck willingly modifies many things for me! On this October night, Chicago fell silent as I unknowingly joined the cast as their ‘Phorensic Fotographer.” So, let’s have dinner, drink wine and solve a mystery!
Checking In
A middle aged gentleman and a younger lady entered the elevator, “Is there where we go for the murder mystery?” He asked. “My daughter and I don’t know where to go.” His eyes were wide while his daughter rolled her eyes in embarrassment.
In the basement of the Marriott hotel we received our ‘checking in’ envelope. This contained our table number (2), colored tabs for our dinner selection and blank sticker nametags. I purchased a glass of wine at the bar in the hallway. After placing my wine at our assigned table, I posed in the body outline on the floor. This was just for fun! Curiously nobody else felt inclined to do the same . . .
Table Two
Each place setting included a note taking sheet and three “Quick Reference Codes.” (QR Codes) I held my phone camera over each of the QR codes hoping to get a jump start on the clues. However, the QR codes were locked and needed a secret cipher to open. We would have to wait. I sipped my wine and visited with our tablemates.
The only clue we could solve was a puzzle that explained the murderer would be wearing a NAMETAG! We were instructed to choose a code name for our own nametag. I was “Poppins” and Chuck’s highlighted his earned titles, “Lord Minister.”
Dinner
A salad course was served as the eight of us explained and giggled about our code names with our fellow Table Two residents. Some crazy college stories were shared that I wasn’t given permission to repeat.
Our conversations flowed easily among our small group. No one had been to a murder mystery before, so we were all novices. “Did any of you sign up to be part of the cast?” “High Ball” asked the group. Chuck answered, “It was already filled when we signed up.” Others shrugged and shook their heads.
The attendant, using a microphone, reminded us to place our colored tag above our dessert fork so the servers would know which meal to serve each guest. I was impressed with how efficient the service was for eighty people.
As dessert was being served we learned that three couples at our table were married and the fourth couple was engaged with wedding plans for next year. Dessert was decadent, rich chocolate cake. The whole room grew quiet for a short time.
The Murder
As our plates were cleared a screaming woman ran in through the doors behind us. She stumbled around our table to the center of the room and conveniently fell on the taped outline. Now the mystery was taking shape! Problem solving could finally commence.
I popped out of my seat to get a good photograph or two of the victim. After all, this experience may make an engaging article. The two officers greeted me with delight. “Oh good, our forensic photographer is here!”
My improv skills kicked in. “Absolutely. They sent me over right away!” (When doing an improv scene you always agree with your scene partner and add something. It’s called, “Yes . . . And.”) “Here’s your nametag.” The tall officer handed me a nametag with “Phorensic Fotographer” written on a sticker, which I slapped onto my sweater and stepped into my role.
I moved around the “dead” girl. “OK” I encouraged, “Strike a pose, Officers!” They followed suit. As I walked back to my seat audience members were giving me sideway glances. These raised eyebrow looks continued throughout our event.
Scene One Ended
The ‘dead’ victim got up and exited through the main doorway. The officers thanked us for working the case along with them. They exited. The administrator of the event explained that scene one clues were now available on the first QR code. The password was, “SBC123,” she verbally cued. We all went to work reading the documents provided.
I struggle when reading the small print on my phone. (Yes. I already have bifocals.) Suddenly, I caught the stare of the engaged couple next to us. When chatting with them during dinner we had a friendly rapport, now they were giving me the stink eye. I smiled politely realizing their suspicion and returned to trying to read the email and financial sheet provided on my small device.
Sharing Knowledge
Next, we were invited to circulate around the room. The hostess encouraged us to ask others questions and learn about possible connections to the murder. She reminded us that the murderer would be someone with a NAMETAG. Chuck and I split up and mingled, but only questioned a few people before being called back to our seats for Scene Two.
Scene Two
The officers returned and questioned a sweet older woman who was wearing a green dress. “Buttons” liked to make crafts. During questioning the agent glowed with suspicion. Instantaneously he flipped out a full page photograph of “Buttons” which had been taken as she had checked in.
“Pipes,” the investigator called to one man, “Stand up.” Which he did. “You’re a plumber, right?” Pipes nodded. Moments later the man in uniform called, “Pipes, sit down.” This was repeated a few times over the course of the investigation.
The detectives moved from one table to the next singling out an individual from several groups. The pair kept our attention and stirred our curiosity. We knew someone in the audience was playing along, but we didn’t know who.
With a crooked eyebrow the tall detective approached yet another man, “We are looking for a William Bates. . .” Reluctantly a suited gentleman stood. “Why did you receive a package?” The well dressed man shrugged. The other officer brought forth a box. “I think we should open it.” There was a note inside. This had been copied for us to study in the second set of clues.
We quickly unlocked the QR code and read the note and a balance sheet. “This time, we want you all to make a guess about who you think the murderer is. Use the scrap of paper in your packet to write down your guess.” The director of the event stated. “Loosey Goosey, will you collect these?” She asked a woman from the audience. Loosey Goosey explained that she was there alone and worked for the Marriott Hotel. “I could easily collect the suspect sheets for you.” she stated with confidence.
My left eyebrow crept up on my forehead. “She’s alone?” I pondered aloud. The engaged couple confirmed, “Yeah, we met her and thought that was weird. Plus, she works for the hotel and said she got the ticket for free as a comp.” “Kitty” explained.
Dead Victim
I slipped out of the ballroom to the bar in the hallway to retrieve another glass of wine. To my surprise the ‘dead victim’ was standing there wearing a sash, “Still Dead Don’t Ask.” “May I take your picture?” I inquired.
Scene Three
Right away the ‘men in blue’ targeted a man in the audience. He claimed to be a retired Chicago police officer. The retired cop was attending with his daughter. “Oh, that’s the guy who said he didn’t know where to go when we got here. Remember?” Chuck quietly mentioned. Our side conversation interrupted some important developments as the next thing I knew, the daughter screamed and ran out. The meek father followed.
Suspects
The officers had tallied the suspicions and confronted several individuals in the room. “Buttons, stand up.” One agent instructed. The other commented, “She’s crafty, ya know. She could devise a plan.”
“Pipes, stand up.” which he did. Then the officer turned his attention to William Bates. “Why did YOU receive a package?” He hummed loudly. “You two can both sit down.”
The hostess entered the ballroom. “We will leave you to work the case. All three QR codes are available for you to review. Only one winner will be selected from the correct answers. Best of luck.”
The Arrest
The officers returned. “We have looked over the evidence and have considered all your suspicions. “Loosey Goosey, you need to come with us.” The young woman who had been attending alone stood shaking her head, “It wasn’t me.” she innocently stated. The officers approached her. “Madam, come with us.” They each took hold of one of her wrists and led her out the door. “Thank you all for your assistance!”
As the congregation disbursed a man approached me, “I thought it was you!” Waiting for the elevator a woman sheepishly grinned, “Poppins, I suspected that you did it!” Another gentleman chimed in, “I know. I did, too!”
After two years of not being able to gather due to a global virus, it was rejuvenating to meander among many. The evening turned out to be a fascinating caper of clues and suspicion. I felt it was curious enough for an article. Please follow us for more adventures as we look behind the curtain of life.
Chuck and Martha Hayden, aka The Viking and Poppins, enjoy going on adventures off the beaten path. They also like to share their explorations with others. The Viking is a retired expedition leader while Poppins is a retired teacher. The two offer independent views of their journeys showcasing places, people, and cultures as they explore the world. Visit and follow them on their website and social media accounts. Website | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube
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