You've purchased your murder mystery game of choice. You've set a date. You have your guest list in mind. Now, how do you get all of your guests as excited as you are? Here are a few tips from Shot In The Dark Mystery Games' Mystery Maiden to create a buzz about your murder mystery game party.

1. Send invitations describing each guest's character

. Invitations that include the suspects, descriptions and those playing them will get your guests thinking and wondering ahead of time - who could the killer be? What's going to happen? All of this creates excitement. This can be done via email, hand delivery, or regular mail.

2. Call your guests ahead of time to hype your party Sounds simple, right? It's amazing how many guests neglect this easy step. About a week before your party, call your guests and tell them you're thrilled they're coming! Tell them a little more about the plot and discuss others attending. Share any little extras you are adding into your game. Your excitement will easily rub off, and discussing the party will get your guests talking about your party with their spouse or other guests.

3. Submit a press release If your party is in honor of something - a 60th birthday party, an anniversary or a celebration of any kind, submit a press release to your local newspaper and TV station. It's common for journalists to have slow news days, and you are offering them a local story their readers will love. There is no guarantee it will be published or aired, but if it is, the buzz over your party will heighten. Look especially to local independent publications and society pages. There are also many free online press release services, such as 24-7PressRelease.com. Your guests can search for the release online and get excited reading about your fabulous party on the World Wide Web.

4. Create a web space for your party Sure, reading and writing HTML is about as simple as deciphering hieroglyphs and creating your own website can be time-consuming and frustrating. However, there are easy ways to create your own murder mystery game party web space containing the latest updates, as well as after party guest reactions. Myspace.com is an excellent place to create a web space. It's easy to set up, and with a simple Myspace account one can also start a private group about their party. Yahoo 360 is also an excellent place for beginners harness their own little spot on the web. For those up for a challenge, create a blog about the party where guests can comment. Whatever web space you choose, make sure you update it often so your guests can share in your excitement.

5. Distribute a gossip email a few days before your party This email will work best if sent three or four days before your murder mystery game party. Write things like, "I heard a rumor that someone was going to be murdered on Saturday night..." Make sure you include references and jokes to your guests, i.e. "I've always thought that Billy Joe looked a bit shifty - anyone else think he could be the killer?" Create a dialogue about the party ahead of time and watch the excitement about your murder mystery game heighten!

Mystery Maiden writes and facilitates murder mystery, general mystery, forensics and custom mystery games for Shot In The Dark Mysteries. For more party host tips, quizzes and more, visit www.shotinthedarkmysteries.com. The Mystery Maiden can also be reached via email at mysterymaiden@shotinthedarkmysteries.com.