The Host Checklist — exclusive bonus from the Halloween Host Pack. To save as a PDF: ⌘P (or Ctrl+P) → Save as PDF (one page, US Letter).
The Case File Press · Free for hosts
The Host Checklist
Everything to do, in order, from two days out to the accusation.
2 days before
- Count confirmed guests. 6–14 works for the adult case, 6–14 for teens (no murder), 6–12 for family.
- Pick which version fits who’s actually coming — not who you invited, who said yes.
The night before
- Print the kit: Host Guide, Character Booklets, Invitations & Extras, Evidence & Solution.
- Keep the evidence envelopes sealed. Don’t open anything marked "DO NOT OPEN UNTIL ROUND—".
- Cut and fold whatever the guide’s print page tells you to — ink-saver version if you’re printing 14 copies of everything.
1 hour before
- Clear one table everyone can sit around — two pushed together works if you don’t have one big enough.
- Lay out the sealed envelopes in the order the guide gives you. Don’t peek.
- Clear a corner of the table for exhibits as they come out.
When guests arrive
- Hand out one character booklet per player. Nobody reads anyone else’s.
- Give everyone 2 minutes of silence to actually read their own page before talking starts.
- Read the intro out loud — it’s already written for you on page 2.
During the night (about 90 minutes)
- Round 1: questioning. Let it run long if people are into it.
- Open the first sealed clue between rounds — not before.
- Round 2: questioning continues with the new information on the table.
- Case wraps early? Switch to a game from The Marlowe Manor Holiday Game Night — no setup, just deal and play.
The accusation
- Everyone writes their guess, then reveals at the same time — nobody changes their answer after seeing others.
- Open the sealed solution last. Read it out loud, slowly. This is the part people remember.
After
- Loved it? A photo from your night gets you the next case free — reply to any Case File email with a picture.
- Something didn’t work? Tell us within 14 days — we fix it or refund it, no form.
The Case File Press thecasefilepress.com Host Pack exclusive