| 30 years ago Joy invented the concept of Murder Mystery interactive weekends and has written 109 plots. Joy’s guests often tell her that her plots are better than most on television and film and that she should be writing books. To celebrate nearly 30 years of murder and mayhem Joy has launchedwww.murdermysteryinvestigations.com and the first online plot was launched in March 2010. Joy’s second plot, a free taster called ‘A Taste of Murder’ will be launched at the end of October. As you will see from the comments from some of the players from the first plot, it has gone down a storm and Joy is hoping to make many of her favourite plots available over the next year to celebrate her 30th anniversary year.
I thought I'd write and tell you what a fab Bank Holiday Monday my family and I had courtesy of Murder Mystery Investigations. No coming and going in and out of the rain for us, instead we were huddled round a laptop playing "The Other Side". It was absolutely fabulous and everyone enjoyed it so much they're all asking when the next one will be ready.
Clearly we need to brush up on our detecting skills as 43% is not going cut any ice when we come along for the real thing in November. I also doubt whether my cousin is ever going to get over that she suggested the actual conclusion, but dismissed it due to our lack of evidence - and of course by lack of evidence I really mean poor detection. The clues as always were there to find, if only we hadn't gone off on a tangent.
Probably one of the most fun £10 I've ever spent. Our compliments and thanks go to you and your team who kept us entertained for a good 8 hours on Monday. Bring on the next on-line plot - we can't wait until November.
Sarah Cooksey, Warley, UK
It’s the best $15 I have ever spent – far better than reading a book and trying to solve it. It really engages you and the clues are so realistic and fascinating. Elizabeth Hunt, Ohio, USA
I recently discovered your online game and tried my hand at that. It’s just as exciting and intricate as the Murder Weekends but I was doing it in the comfort of my own home and at my own pace. I did get together with Emma and Gill and we had several Murder evenings – eating our pizzas, going over the clues and watching the video interviews with the suspects (some of whom became victims as the plot wore on!). I really did not expect to find something as satisfying as a Murder weekend online but this was a whole new way of investigating. I especially liked the way the website was set out – so I could have my own ‘notes’ and investigation board so that I could pin up the information I was most interested in. There were as many arguments and confrontations as usual but we could watch them over and over again. You obviously put in as much thought (plus blood, sweat and tears probably!) as you do for the ‘weekends’. I really can’t understand how you can keep coming up with such devilishly complicated but very rewarding plots. Keep up the good work and I can’t wait for your next online plot which I think begins at the end of October – something to while away the winter evenings!
Olly Marlborough, Laindon, UK
Although I have been on many of Joy's weekends, this game was still a challenge and great fun. I'd have happily paid £20.00. I have no idea how Joy does it, I am just grateful that she does.
36 hours worth of sleuthing – what fantastic value, I can’t wait for the next one!
Anne Edwards, London, UK
This is so much fun and really keeps one’s brain active and young!
Sonja Kaempf, Bassersdorf, Switzerland
This has also prompted me at last to write and tell you just how much we loved the first online plot. I wasn't sure how it would measure up against the brilliance of a full blown murder weekend but we needn't have worried. If 'take away' meant dinner from your favourite restaurant served in the comfort of your own home then Online Investigations would be the 'take away' version of an Original Murder Weekend.
We decided to keep our sleuthing social and so spent several evenings gathered together over wine and pizza enjoying the highly amusing clips of Inspector Rutherford with his less talented sidekick and sorting through the clues. After much debate and discussion deciphering the codes and weeding out the red herrings, we each submitted our own theory with equal enthusiasm and varying degrees of success. We all agreed the whole thing captured perfectly the distinctive feel of an Original murder weekend; it won't replace our weekends away but will help satisfy the cravings between them.
Emma Marlborough, Billericay, UK
I have been playing with my family in New Zealand; we absolutely loved it and thought the plot was fantastic.
Piper Mitchell, Wellington, New Zealand
Just thought I'd write and say thank you for a very absorbing fortnight trying to make sense of all the clues in the online plot, The Other Side. Barry and I enjoyed following all the twists and turns, and the plot has been a major topic of conversation for days. We've now convinced our nieces to have a go at the next one! Chris & Barry Bridle, Dartford, UK
I have really enjoyed the first online murder mystery. I had suspect folders and all sorts of papers everywhere!!!!!
Congratulations to all involved in a fabulous plot and superb new way of playing.
Helen Broom, Harwich, UK
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