If you’ve never attended a murder mystery dinner before, you might be wondering: What exactly happens at a Dinner Detective show? How does the mystery unfold? Do guests really become part of the investigation?
This guide walks you through the entire experience, step by step, so you’ll know what to expect when you attend The Dinner Detective in North Augusta, SC — the area’s most interactive and hilarious true-crime inspired dinner event.
From check-in to the final arrest, here’s how the night works.
1. Guest Check-In & Seating
When guests arrive, they check in with our friendly Host and Co-Host. Every guest receives:
- A name tag (alias for the night)
- An Interrogation Form
- A pen/pencil for taking notes
- Their assigned table and entree ticket
Already, the mystery begins — because actors are secretly mixed in with the audience, and you won’t know who’s real and who’s pretending.
Expect a little misdirection. Expect a few suspicious characters. Expect to laugh.
2. Meet Your Hosts & Learn the Rules
Once everyone is seated, the Host and Co-Host welcome the room and explain how the show works:
- Anyone in the room could be part of the mystery
- You must use your detective skills to uncover clues
- There are prizes for the top sleuth
- There are also red herrings designed to mislead you
This is where the audience chemistry kicks in, every table becomes a team of investigators.
3. Hors d’oeuvres & Opening Interrogation
As appetizers are served, our Detectives begin the first round of “interrogation.”
Guests mingle, question characters, compare notes, and start piecing together the first clues.
This isn’t a passive show — you move, ask questions, take notes, and get into the story.
4. The First Crime Occurs
At a dramatic moment, something goes terribly wrong — a crime takes place in the room.
From this point on:
- Evidence is announced
- Clues are delivered directly to your table or electronic device
- Actors roam freely and improvise with the audience
- The storyline begins weaving humor, mystery, and true-crime style elements
Expect surprises. Expect plot twists. Expect to doubt your friends.
5. Dinner Is Served (While the Mystery Deepens)
During the main course, evidence continues to unfold. Guests will:
- Compare suspect notes
- Listen to Detective updates
- Write down theories
- Receive additional clues
- Watch the story escalate and maybe get in on the interrogations.
This phase includes some of the funniest improv moments of the night, because the performers respond in real time to guest questions, accusations, and theories.
No two shows are ever the same.
6. The Investigation Intensifies
As dessert arrives, the mystery hits full speed:
- New evidence drops
- Character motives become clear
- Hidden relationships are revealed
- Tension (and laughter) rises
- Detectives ask the audience for help
This is where guests often switch theories — someone you trusted is suddenly suspicious.
The entertainment thrives here because YOU become part of the storyline.
7. Submit Your Final Guess
Every guest fills out an official Detective Answer Form (Paper or Electronic):
- Who committed the crime
- Motive
- Key evidence
- Supporting reasoning
These submissions determine the winners — and bragging rights.
Some guests take it extremely seriously. Others write the most outrageous answers imaginable. Both are correct approaches.
8. The Big Reveal & Awards
This is the grand finale:
- The real culprit is exposed
- The full story is explained
- Motives and clues are connected
- Actors break character and thank the audience
- The Top Sleuth who guessed correctly with the most details is awarded our prize valued over $100
Awards typically include:
- Top Sleuth (most accurate detective)
- Funniest Answer
- Most Blindly Confident Detective
It’s the perfect ending to a night of comedy, surprise, and immersive fun.
Why North Augusta Guests Love The Dinner Detective
The Dinner Detective is the largest interactive murder mystery dinner show in the U.S. — and North Augusta guests consistently tell us the same thing:
- They love that there are no cheesy costumes
- They love that actors are hidden among guests
- They love the improv comedy mixed with true-crime style stories
- They love that every show is different
- They love that they become part of the investigation
If you enjoy live entertainment, comedy, mystery, or just doing something new in North Augusta… this is one of the best night-out experiences in the area.
Book a Show in North Augusta, SC
You can view upcoming dates, ticket availability, and seating options here: