A Small Sampling of Our Criminal Masterpieces
Below is a sampling of our murder mystery plots, suspects, and questionable life choices, but it’s far from the full rap sheet. We’ve cooked up mysteries just for holidays too, like When Irish Eyes Aren’t Smilin’ for a St. Patrick’s Day gathering or Hips, Hips, Hooray when Veterans Day calls for a little extra intrigue. We also love writing shows built specifically for a client, which is how Lenscrafters ended up with Focus on Murder and its eye-related mischief, Docu-Voice Corporation commissioned the medically dramatic Final Discharge, and Arby’s hosted Die for Five featuring suspects named Horace C. Sauce and Curly Frye. Use these listings as a starting point, then tell us what you’re dreaming up, because tailoring the crime to fit the occasion is kind of our favorite thing.
Curl Up And Dye! The Best Little Hair House In Tennessee!
Welcome to Split Hairs, TN, home of the world’s largest foam hair curler, proudly displayed in the town’s main square. Split Hairs also boasts the county’s most popular beauty parlor, a pet grooming salon (where all the elite send their precious pooches), and a renowned New Age health spa owned by Herr Les Noggen, a recent European transplant.
Dee Tangle has invited all the local townspeople to join her in celebrating the grand re-opening of The Curl Up & Dye House of Beauty, now a sole proprietorship under the teasing comb of Blondie Faux. To highlight the festivities Dee has arranged for a variety of hair care and beauty specialists to give informative talks and offer tantalizing tidbits on enhancing one’s “natural” beauty.
But beneath the glitz and glitter, there may be more cooking than a hard-curl perm. Should something untoward occur, Sheriff Albee Danged may appeal to you for help in unsnarling the clues. After all, it is an election yea,r and it would be a real feather in the sheriff’s cap if the crime could be solved before turning it over to the state police.
The Silence of the Hamms
Join us in Fatback, TN, for the annual Ima Hamm Memorial Pig Festival. Ordinarily, the Festival is a crackling good time for the townsfolk as they show off this season’s best pigs and piglets (even though everyone knows Ima’s daughter Rowena Hamm will undoubtedly walk away with most of the top awards as she does every year).
But this season, rumors of a serial pig killer (suspected to be escaped convict Hammable Lester) on the loose have everyone looking over their shoulders and hamhocks. It’s said that an FBI agent, Clayreece Hogstallings has been called in to make inquiries. So, enjoy the fun and the feasting, but keep your eyes peeled as we see who ends up a pork chop and who will bring home the bacon.
From Here to Maternity
8 months and 29 days ago something happened here in the strange little town of Jess Station, TN. But due to a town-wide epidemic of amnesia, no one seems quite sure why so many of the citizens are scratching their heads (and in some cases their bellies) in abject puzzlement. County Sheriff Albee Danged has stopped in to check on the progress of the paper filing and clean-up following this morning’s traffic-stopping wreck- a collision between a Vlasic pickle truck and a semi loaded with Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. So the Sheriff is on hand when one of the citizens seems to meet with an unnatural demise. As the clues are laboriously collected, we may need your help in solving what looks to be an unearthly crime!
Die Me a River!
Welcome to Hydro Plains, a quiet bucolic hamlet in Aqua Fina County, TN, where the water’s so pure – just drinking it’s a real treat! Unfortunately, the tides of progress are threatening to wash away the peace and tranquility of our rustic village. Tonight, the townsfolk have gathered for a last-ditch meeting to give their views – pro and con – of a massive land purchase request from the Mega-Super Center. As is the tradition in Hydro Plains, gifts of pure river water (distilled from each resident’s personal stock) will be distributed to the out-of-town guests before anyone gets down to business. We may find that (at least one) of the townsfolk intends to be something of a wet blanket and extinguish the overly ambitious plans of Mega-Super Center, no matter what it takes!
Four Feuds and a Funeral!
It’s always a bang-up affair when the offspring of mean old PawPaw Piddle gather up for a family feast. Due to some longtime disputes and smoldering squabbles betwixt and between purt near everybody in the family from PawPaw’s son, Bo Diddle Piddle to grand young ‘uns, Lee Dale and Pug Piddle, theirs is quite the fractious family even on the best of days. But it appears fowl things are afoot when one of the guests ends up deader than the chickens PawPaw’s poached for dinner. So, enjoy the eats but keep your eyes open because one of your fellow diners looks to be a killer and you’ll be helping Sheriff Albee Danged bring that scoundrel to justice! Join Us for A Hoot and a Half of Fun and some mighty fine Feastin’!
Trowel & Error*
Here in Soggy Fields, TN folk take their plants and their planting seriously. So, it takes a very special party to get them to lay down their hoes and put on party clothes. This evening’s party is just that—a soiree hosted by Miss Harmony Rose, frail flower of the South and the town’s most notorious recluse.
Tonight marks the anniversary of the death of Boutonniere Rose, amateur horticulturist and Harmony’s twin brother. 25 years ago, Boo (as he was affectionately called) was accidentally smothered to death during a floral delivery gone awry. Devastated by her brother’s demise, Harmony went from being an American Beauty to being a woman obsessed. Over the last quarter of a century, Harmony has devoted her time, energy, and her family’s vast fortune toward the development of the perfect rose -- a bud worthy of gracing the grave of her dear, departed sibling.
At tonight’s party Harmony plans to unveil the result of her quest - the Forever Madness Rose. Tonight, it may be apparent that not everyone supports Harmony’s mission. Do not be surprised if murder and mayhem soon take precedence over the mirth and merriment of the festivities.
*Also known as “Murder & The Deadly Rose.”
The Da Bubba Code (In search of the holy gravy?)
TV Journalist Okra Windfree certainly spices things up as she tries to decipher the ingredients to Da Vinci’s Mama’s recently uncovered but somewhat illegibly written tomato gravy recipe. But will thyme run out as this salty-tongued spitfire turns up the heat with her peppery persistence? Will the long simmering food fueled feud of celebrity chefs Jewelria Childe and Poof Gang Wuk cool down or finally reach its boiling point? Does the mysterious Sister Albeano, protector of the Shroud of Tureen, have some sage advice to add to this murderous mix? Join Sheriff Albee Danged as he dices and slices through the clues in his quest to bring just desserts to the conniving killer in this cuisine-based caper.
Pirates of the PintoBEAN (The Curse of the Cumberland Corpse)
When Captain Bubbarosa and his scurvy crew sailed their treasure-laden boat, The Off White Pearl, up the Cumberland River, their plans were simple… pillage… loot…bury their plunder…then back to the sea. But no one had figured on the Captain meeting the true love of his life, Opal Jean April May June July Jewell! So, the Cap’n and his bride settled down in Swash Buckle, TN (5 miles down the road from Bell Buckle), anticipating an idyllic life of bringing up babies and land pirating.
Alas and alack, though, no quarter may be given as a “black spot” from the Captain’s past emerges from the briny deep with a bit o’ murder in mind. And as well, there’s a mutinous crew of seadogs seemingly bent on absconding with the Captain’s dinghy, The Mini Pearl. It may be up to Sheriff Albee Danged to put paid to a craven killer’s cunning crime or as we say…“shiver me grits matey and let’s end a short drop with a sudden stop!” (Rated AAAAR for Raucously Rowdy!)
Murder Mystery Shows
Check Out Time
Welcome to the Sleep N’ Snore, a peaceful little inn nestled in the quiet hills of the country. Proprietress Minnie Barr and the inn’s staff, Manny Gerr, Kit Shennette, and Hoss Kepping are struggling to keep the inn afloat despite a recent rash of bad luck. Unfortunately things really start to heat up when Minnie’s “ex-” husband, Jack Cuzzi, makes an unexpected visit bent on blackmail!
Swing Your Partner... Dosey Die!
YEE HAH !! Not since the season finales of American Idol and Dancing with the Stars has the town of Dippentwirl, TN been so abuzz with anticipation and excitement. The International Heel & Toe Committee’s selected this syncopated little town to host it’sannual High Stepping Hoedown. Everyone’s dance card is full as a highly competitive group of hopeful hoofers take the stage to strut their stuff in this tense toe-tapping competition. But while most concentrate on whether they should promenade left or promenade right it soon becomes apparent there’s some killer competition this year! It may take two to tango but it looks like it may only take one to hustle up and electric slide into a homicide. Sheriff Albee Danged will have to stay light on his feet as he shuffles and shimmies through the conga line of clues constituting this cavorting caper!
Murder & Magnolias
Martha Monet, extravagantly rich southern socialite and Ginsu knife distributor, is hosting a party tonight for her twin daughters, Harmony Belle and Calliope Belle. Tonight marks the tenth anniversary of their father’s demise, and each girl will receive millions from Daddy’s trust fund tonight at the stroke of midnight. A medley of family and friends have been invited to participate in tonight’s festivities, but a pall is cast on the evening when we discover one of the twins has been murdered, a Ginsu knife embedded in her frail little back. In this murder mystery we pose the question, “Do blood-laced frocks come clean with Woolite?”
Death Al Dente
The Fettuccini family welcomes you this evening to the party being given by Don Al Fredo Fettuccini to announce his daughter Mara Narra Fettuccini’s engagement to Eddie Spaghetti—one of the Don’s faithful hammers. With all the Don’s “business” associates attending the party as well as the Don’s consigliore (the family lawyer) with his guest Penne Risotto, we can be assured there won’t be any trouble - unless someone in the family is cooking up a pot of trouble that no one was expecting.
Scandal on the Set!
Join us on the set of “The Hot and the Hunky” - Hollywood’s latest daytime drama. The set’s buzzing with activity as the crew sets up to film some steamy scenes with star, Luce Maurels.....as soon as they can pry her out of her dressing room where she’s smooching with her newest paramour, Lucky Enlof. Although you may witness some snide dialogue and a temper tantrum or two...don’t worry, it’s all part of the artistic process! These temperamental stars will kill to get the film in the can!
Number One With a Bullet!
It’s Ray Lynn Doggie’s big night! He’s celebrating the success of his first number one hit, “Thank God I’m A Country Star.” Everyone’s gathered for a rip-roaring night of fun as Ray Lynn receives his award. Friends, family, fans, record label executives and unsuspecting guests are caught up in the action when someone bites the bullet and everyone’s a suspect!
Murder and the Seedy Side of Town
Benjamin Bob Burpee, owner of Burpee Seeds and Soils, a top supplier of fine seed and the dirt to grow it in, has summoned the entire Burpee clan to meet for this evening’s repast. However, Ben Bob has more than bar-b-que on his mind. For some time he’s suspected that there’s something “not right” in the Burpee conclave, and tonight he plans to confront the culprit(s). But before long, Ben Bob may find himself pushing up daisies instead of planting them.
Slay Bells Ring
It’s the annual holiday bash of Lyon, Cheatham, Killum and Barium, Attorneys-at-Law. There’s an abundance of Yuletide cheer due to the banner year the firm has experienced! All is calm (all is bright!) until a senior partner becomes the victim of a Christmas killer!
Home-icide for the Holidays
Yul Logge and his lovely wife, Sylva Belle, are hosting the annual Yul Logge party at their opulent and ornate mansion. Tonight’s party offers an interesting assortment of family, friends, and business associates and has been eagerly anticipated as THE PARTY of the year. But as the egg nog flows, tongues loosen, and talk is that all is not well in the Logge family. Tonight’s festivities may well end in a fatality.
A Stiff’s Upper Lip (A tale of Death & Taxes)
IRS agents are on hand at our dinner meeting this evening for a complete audit of the firm of Harumph, Snivelle and Wein since certain discrepancies have been found in the company’s tax returns, and rumor has it there has been a flagrant misuse of company monies. Those who are untainted by greed, avarice, and deceit will have nothing to worry about this evening. For others, it may be a day of deadly reckoning!
Dialysis of a Murder
It’s a lovely and special night at the Saline mansion. Tonight marks an important milestone in the career of Dr. Norm Al Saline, noted nephrologist. A host of friends and colleagues have been invited to toast the good doctor on this night when he plans to announce a medical breakthrough in his recent research project. Not all are applauding Dr. Saline this evening, and it soon becomes apparent that there are those who would be happy to end the good doctor’s research efforts....forever.
Murder and Mai Tais
Capt. Hale N. Hardy and crew welcome you aboard the USS Jamaica for a fun-filled frolic across the ocean. Though the azure sea looks tranquil, it may be our luxury liner is cruising into danger, and we are headed for rough sailing. All is not as it seems, and it should come as no surprise that something sinister lurks behind the sun-kissed smiles of some of your fellow passengers.