How to Throw a Wild West Murder Mystery That’ll Blow the Barn Doors Off

You’ve got the game—now let’s make your party feel like a full-blown showdown at the Dusty Spur Rodeo. Follow these easy setup suggestions to transform your space into a scene straight outta the Wild West!

1. Set the Party Space: Dusty Spur Style

Decor Ideas:

Bales of hay (real or faux) for rustic seating or décor
Bandanas as table runners, napkins, or character props
Bull Riding Information
String lights or lanterns to mimic rodeo arena glow
Cow-print tableware and mason jars for drinks
Wild West doors at your front entrance

Pro Tip: Add a chalkboard sign that says “Welcome to the Dusty Spur – Secrets Guaranteed!”

2. Encourage Dress-Up: Cowboy Boots & Big Drama

Let your guests know they’re steppin’ into character.

Suggest costumes like:

Flannel shirts, fringe vests, and cowboy boots
Rodeo crowns or tiaras for the former royalty
Sheriff badges, bolo ties, denim everything
Mustaches and hats for maximum flair

Create a DIY “Mugshot Station” with your Suspect Board for unforgettable party pics!

3. Set the Mood with Sound & Sippin’

Music:
Create a playlist of country classics, honky-tonk hits, and dramatic spaghetti western soundtracks. Think Dolly, Johnny, Willie… and a little Ennio Morricone.

Drinks:

Serve drinks in mason jars with names like Whiskey Whisper, Rodeo Rattler, or Tipsy Wrangler Punch
Offer sweet tea, sarsaparilla, or moonshine mocktails for the non-alcoholic crowd

4. Feed Your Cowboys & Cowgirls

Keep it casual and hearty:

BBQ sliders, cornbread, baked beans, chili, or nachos
A “Make Your Own Trail Mix” bar
Cowpoke cookies or cupcakes with mini cowboy hat toppers

Bonus: Label everything with Western-style food signs like “Bandit Beans” or “Hay Bale Bites.”

5. Prep Your Game Space

Assign characters ahead of time or as guests arrive.
Print out character sheets, name tags, and all game materials in advance.
Set up a central “Accusation Station” with the suspect board, accusation cards, and space for your dramatic reveal.

Keep the Host Guide nearby—you’re the sheriff of this town, after all.

Final Tip: Play It Up!

Encourage guests to speak in accents, make wild accusations, and lean into the drama. The bigger the personalities, the bigger the laughs—and the better the mystery!

Now giddy-up and get to party plannin’! Buckin’ for Blood is about to bring the Wild West right to your front door—mystery, mayhem, and all.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Open your download with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free).
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Duplex (double-sided): enable if your printer supports it for clue cards and handouts.
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Can I print at a local shop?

Yes. Save your files to a USB drive or cloud link and ask the staff to print at Actual size on your preferred stock.
Many hosts choose standard copy paper for character sheets and a heavier stock for signs or awards.

Any ink or paper recommendations?

Most pages are optimized for everyday printers. For economy, print clue-heavy pages in grayscale.
For décor or cover pages, use a slightly heavier paper (e.g., 24–32 lb / 90–120 gsm) or cardstock for signs.

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If you need a practical workaround (e.g., different character names), simply write edits on printouts or include a note in your invites.

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For printing, opening on a laptop/desktop often gives you the best control over page settings.

Do all themes include a Scene Set or décor?

Not every theme includes a Scene Set. Explore available options under Scene Sets,
and browse party styling ideas under Decor Ideas.

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Description

Western Murder Mystery Game Kit for Adults (13–18 Players) – Buckin’ for Blood

Host a Western Murder Mystery Game Kit – Buckin’ for Blood. It’s rodeo night at the Dusty Spur Arena—and someone’s about to bite the dust.
The town’s top riders, royalty, and rabble-rousers have gathered under the arena lights for a showdown of grit, glam, and good ol’ gossip. But when a crime brings the competition to a screechin’ halt, it’s up to y’all to figure out who had motive, means, and muddy boots.

Buckin’ for Blood is a hilarious Western murder mystery party game kit made for 13 mandatory guests (plus 5 optional characters for bigger crowds). It’s fully printable, super easy to host, and absolutely packed with cowboy drama, wild accusations, and enough plot twists to lasso your guests all night long.

What’s Included in Your Instant Download:

Host Guide – Easy, step-by-step instructions so even a greenhorn can run the show.
Character Profiles – Each guest gets a role with juicy backstory, secrets, and costume inspo.
Interactive Two-Stage Gameplay – Guests mingle and scheme in Stage One, then make their big moves and accusations in Stage Two.
Accusation Cards & Suspect Board – Perfect for laughs, wild guesses, and Insta-worthy photos.
Ghost Instructions – Yep, the victim sticks around—with a hauntingly good role to play!
Solution & Big Reveal Script – Tie it all together with a dramatic final showdown.

Characters & Roles

Mandatory Characters (13 Total) – From Rodeo Royalty and rowdy wranglers to gossip-slinging bartenders and backstabbing sponsors, each guest is hiding something.

Optional Characters (5 Extras) – Great for large groups or if someone moseys in last-minute.

How It Works:

Print & Play – Download instantly, no shipping required. Printable – nothing in the mail!
Fully Interactive – Everyone gets personalized goals and secrets
Easy to Host – No experience necessary—just follow the guide
Flexible Timing – Most parties last 2–3 hours, depending on how wild things get