1920s Printable Murder Mystery for Zoom Parties: Host a Speakeasy Night That Feels Like an Event (Not a Video Call)

A Zoom party can go one of two ways: everyone’s smiling politely… or everyone’s fully in character, accusing “the pianist” of poisoning the gin while somebody’s background is a smoky speakeasy.

The difference is in structure.

A 1920s printable murder mystery gives your group an actual shared mission (solve the crime), a reason to talk (in-character questions), and the exact kind of playful drama that makes time fly. And if you’re hosting with Broadway Murder Mysteries, you’re not building that structure from scratch. You’re opening a ready-to-run experience built to be fun in a real room and on Zoom.

Before we dive in: if you want to browse themes first, start here: All Murder Mystery Games.

Best Downloadable Murder Mystery Games for Zoom Parties

Not every murder mystery translates well to video. The best Zoom-ready games share three things:

• Clear rounds (so nobody talks over anyone)
• Strong character prompts (so quieter guests still have “a way in”)
• Printable materials + easy digital sharing (so setup doesn’t become homework)

Want instant-download options? Murder Mystery Game Digital Downloads is the fastest way to compare.

Quick pick table (so you don’t overthink it)

• If your group wants a true speakeasy night: Roaring 20’s: Death By Bathtub Gin
• If your group wants “showbiz” drama + glamour: Murder at the Moulin Rouge
• If your group wants playful, family-friendly-ish chaos: Murder Under the Big Top
  (Also: for younger groups, check the Family Games Collection.)

What Is a 1920s Printable Murder Mystery for Zoom Parties?

A 1920s printable murder mystery is a digital game you download, print (or send as PDFs), and play with your guests over Zoom. Everyone gets a role with secrets, motives, and clues. You move through a few guided rounds where players ask questions, share information, and slowly tighten the net around the killer.

• Think of it like an interactive show… where your friends are the cast.
• What “printable” actually means in real life (and why it helps on Zoom):
• You can print packets for anyone who loves paper props.
• You can email PDFs to anyone who’d rather keep it on-screen.
• You can run a mixed setup (some print, some screen) without breaking the game.

And yes, it’s meant to feel doable. Broadway Murder Mysteries’ digital downloads are built so the host can follow a clear guide and still enjoy the night.

Best 1920s Printable Murder Mysteries for Zoom

If your goal is a 1920s vibe that looks amazing on camera and stays easy to run, these are your go-to picks.

1) Roaring 20’s: Death By Bathtub Gin (Digital Download)

Shop Roaring 20’s: Death By Bathtub Gin

This is the quintessential speakeasy setup: dimmed lights, a dramatic death, and a room full of suspects with something to hide. It’s fast to get into (great for Zoom attention spans), and the theme makes costumes optional but tempting.

Host note: This is ideal when you want the night to feel like a true 1920s party, not just a game.

2) Murder at the Moulin Rouge (Digital Download)

Shop Murder at the Moulin Rouge

Cabaret glamour hits different on Zoom. Guests can lean into bold characters, dramatic accusations, and gorgeous aesthetics (hello, red lipstick and feather headbands). If your group enjoys theater energy, this one hits the mark.

Host note: This is a great pick for groups that love to perform and banter.

3) Murder Under the Big Top (Digital Download) — “Bonus vintage pick”

Shop Murder Under the Big Top

While it’s not a 1920s theme, it does deliver that old-school, larger-than-life feeling that works beautifully on video. Circus characters are naturally big, which helps guests feel less self-conscious on camera.

Host note: If you’re hosting a mixed-age group, also browse the Family Games Collection for themes that keep the energy fun and accessible.

Why 1920s Speakeasy Murder Mysteries Work Perfectly on Zoom?

Because Zoom needs a “reason” to be there.

A 1920s theme gives you instant buy-in:

• Visual payoff: guests can change their Zoom name to their character and throw up a themed background.
• Built-in conversation: the question-driven rounds keep talk time balanced.
• Low awkwardness: you’re not “making small talk,” you’re interrogating suspects.

Short, satisfying arc: most groups love the feeling of solving something together in one sitting.

In other words: a 1920s Printable Murder Mystery turns Zoom into a stage.

How to Set Up a 1920s Printable Murder Mystery Game on Zoom?

Here’s a host-friendly setup that keeps things smooth (and keeps you out of tech support mode).

Step 1: Pick the right game + date

If you want true speakeasy vibes, start with Roaring 20’s: Death By Bathtub Gin. If you want glamour and showbiz, go Murder at the Moulin Rouge.

Step 2: Assign roles (the easy way)

• Match big personalities with big characters.
• Give shy guests roles that have clear prompts or fun “reveals.”
• If you have extra guests, assign them as detectives who ask questions and guess at the end.

Step 3: Send a simple invite that people actually read (copy/paste)

Subject: You’re Invited: Speakeasy Mystery Night (Zoom)
Message:

“Dress up if you want (1920s encouraged), rename yourself on Zoom as your character, and be ready to interrogate suspects. I’ll send your role privately before the party.”

Want to make invites even faster? Broadway Murder Mysteries has an evite tool here: Easy Evite Tool.

Step 4: Prep your Zoom settings in 2 minutes

• Turn on Waiting Room (helps you start “on time” with a big entrance)
• Encourage everyone to rename themselves to their character
• Optional: use Breakout Rooms for side conversations (best for larger groups)

Step 5: Run the game like a show (without acting like a host)

Your job is to:

• Read the start instructions
• Keep rounds moving
• Remind people when to reveal the next clue
• That’s it. The structure does the heavy lifting.
• Mini-host checklist:
• Roles assigned
• PDFs/packets sent
• Zoom link sent + “rename yourself” reminder
• Background music playlist ready (optional)
• A “last call” timer set for the final accusation

Choosing a 1920s Printable Murder Mystery Game

Use this quick decision guide:

• You want a classic speakeasy + gangsters + flappers:
  • Pick Roaring 20’s: Death By Bathtub Gin
• You want cabaret glamour + backstage jealousy + drama:
  • Pick Murder at the Moulin Rouge
• You want something vintage-feeling but a little different (and very group-friendly):
  • Pick Murder Under the Big Top

FAQ’s

Do 1920s printable murder mystery games require costumes for Zoom play?

No, but they help. Costumes are the fastest way to get guests out of “work meeting mode.” If anyone’s hesitant, suggest one easy option: a hat, pearls, suspenders, or red lipstick. Even a themed Zoom background counts.

Can a 1920s printable murder mystery be played without a dedicated host?

Yes. The smoothest setup is having one person start the call and keep rounds moving, but you don’t need a “game master” who sits out. Broadway Murder Mysteries games are designed so the host can stay part of the fun.

How long does a typical 1920s printable murder mystery game last on Zoom?

Most groups finish in about 1–2 hours, depending on how much your guests love to improvise and question each other.

Are the 1920s printable murder mystery games replayable?

They’re best as a one-time experience for the same group, because once you know the solution, the surprise is gone. If you want “another round,” pick a new theme from Murder Mystery Game Digital Downloads.

What devices work best for a 1920s printable murder mystery on Zoom?

A laptop or desktop is easiest, especially for reading character materials while staying on camera. Tablets work too. Phones can work in a pinch, but the game is more comfortable when guests can view PDFs without constant zooming and scrolling.