Off the Shelf: Murder Mystery Night
By Angela Spatafore on October 22, 2025 from Off the Shelf
Mark your calendar! The date has been set for our annual Murder Mystery Night. Join us on Friday, November 14 from 6:00-8:00 PM for this year’s mystery, Murder! At the Speakeasy by Bearded Rat Mysteries. We have run two Bearded Rat Mysteries games so far, and they are always a blast. Murder Mystery Night is just for adults, and light snacks and drinks will be provided. As with all library events, it is free to attend, and registration is required: https://www.bplwv.org/event/14891624
When you register for the event, you choose the character you will play. There are three levels of characters based on how comfortable you are acting in front of a group. Essential characters are the main characters with the most lines and clues. As the name suggests, the game cannot be played without these characters, so if you want to flex your acting skills, an essential character is the way to go. On the other side of the spectrum are spectator characters. If you just want to watch the drama without the stress of reading a script, you will want to choose a spectator role. Then we have optional characters—the perfect middle ground characters. These characters have clues and lines, so if you want to see if this kind of game is for you, an optional character will give you a balanced experience.
Because of space constraints in the Event Space, we do require all participants to sign up for a character. Spectator characters will be seated at separate tables around Essential and Optional characters. This way everyone can see and hear the drama unfold. If you are coming with a partner or group and want to be seated together, we recommend everyone in your party sign up for either Spectator characters or a mix of Essential/Optional characters.
Costumes are highly encouraged at this event, and the 1920’s noir theme comes with a colorful cast of mobsters, jazz singers, bartenders, pilots, and more. As in past years, we will take a group photo at the end of the night, so dress your best! Prizes are available for Best Costume, Best Liar, and Best Actor Overall.
If you have any questions about the Murder Mystery Night, you are welcome to reach out to me directly at aspatafore@bridgeportwv.gov or at 304-842-8248 ext. 6. We hope to see some of you come out and solve the Murder at the Speakeasy!
Editor's Note: Pictured top/cover is the cast of the 2023 murder mystery. Also pictured is the 2024 cast.
