Murder in the Haunted House: A Murder Mystery and Party Play
Carolee Russell
Trafford Publishing, 289 pages, (paperback) $18.50, 978-1466975217 (Reviewed: June, 2013)
There’s no shortage of humor in Carolee Russell’s mystery, Murder in the Haunted House. Even though the book spells out the details of a grisly murder, the narrative is full of silly wordplay, zany gags and nods to pop culture. Part whodunit novel and part script for a “party play,” the book tells the story of an unfortunate séance spearheaded by Phyllis Stein, the widow of industrialist and chemical manufacturer Frank N. Stein.
A year after Frank’s apparent demise in a chemical explosion at his factory, Phyllis draws on the otherworldly skills of medium Madam Angelica. The effort to conjure her dead husband from the netherworld draws a varied group of attendees who sport colorful names such as Priscilla Penniless, Lance Knight and Willard Hemlock.
Most of the book’s first section is dedicated to spelling out the relationships between the guests. There are children from previous marriages, bodyguards, lawyers and Frank’s former business partners.
This network of relationships and motives becomes even more important after the séance turns bloody and ends with a gruesome murder. Detective Cloque Jouseau (another nod to pop culture) arrives to nab the killer. In typical Agatha Christie fashion, the story turns to an exploration of motive, opportunity and access to find the (unlikely) killer.
After revealing the murderer, Russell turns to her second goal: spelling out specific instructions for hosting a “murder mystery party.” She offers a list props (including a cap gun and crystal ball) and provides in-depth character studies of more than 30 players. For anyone with the patience, resources and dedication to recreate the tale in person, Russell provides all of the necessary instructions.
Assuming every detail is in place, the story has the potential to provide many laughs and entertainment for a dedicated troupe of players. Despite some cheesy wordplay and spelling mistakes, Russell has assembled a mystery with enough twists and turns to keep interested players actively involved.
"It was Madam Angelica who had given Phillis hope..hope ofmaking contact with Frank's spirit in the Other World...hope of speaking with him and hearing his comforting words...hope of sorting out the confusion of her life...HOPE in the form of a SEANCE!"
A fun-filled story of murder and metaphysical mayhem, Murder in the Haunted House is not only a mystery, but a party play as well. Drugs, money, and sex, often found as reasons for murder, encapsulate this story. The first part of the book is a simple mystery surrounding Phyllis Stein and her hope to contact her recently deceased husband, Frank N. Stein, who was killed in an explosion at the chemical plant he owned with his friend Carlton Brenner. Along the way, various family members and friends alike become involved, also participating in the seance. The second part of the book is a play that is to be enacted as a murder mystery party. It is spelled out in great detail with instructions for the host/hostess, the details of the characters and instructions for each character, and charts such as the invitation, key players, and the wills of Phyllis and Frank. If enacted, it will be a hilarious and fun event for all the participants!.
This is a classic who-done-it that is delightfully funny, full of puns, and is an enjoyable read. The details of the story and the players are engaging and add to the overall essence of the murder. For who is really a loving friend or family member, and who is only out for himself or herself at whatever cost it takes? The cast of characteristics with all their warts and quirks as well as their secrets and dystunctions makes this book easy to love, read, and play. The seance is in the eyes of the beholder with the characters having significantly different reactions to the event. While it is not a mind-boggling mystery, the book does offer suspense, much humor, and a surprising ending. Even if you aren't interested in enacting the play, it is still a must read as it is a captivating look at all of the characters.
RECOMMENDED by the USR
Carolee Russell announces release of ‘Murder in the Haunted House’
New book allows readers the opportunity to act out its characters the way they want to
LAKE MARY, Fla. – “Murder in the Haunted House: A Murder Mystery and Party Play” (published by Trafford Publishing) is author Carolee Russell’s attempt to brighten house parties. Constructed as a murder mystery story, the book doubles as a play that can be performed by friends, family and guests.
The book is broken into two sections. The first part tells the actual story that players follow. It centers around a wealthy widow from a dysfunctional family who believes a mystic can contact her deceased husband through a séance. It is her hope that communicating with him will help put order back into her life.
The second half of the book provides the information and instructions needed to perform the story in a play format. Russell has made sure that there are plenty of characters to choose from so all guests can participate and experience stepping into a different persona. Each enactment of the play is guaranteed to be different. Readers will never tire of this exciting, fun new way to entertain guests and family members. “Be daring, let yourself go and give it a try,” she says.
An excerpt from “Murder in the Haunted House”:
“No one had noticed the patio doors open; nor could anyone have guessed when it happened. Suddenly, a fine mist crept in from the open doors and coiled around the guests as if to caress each one. A low light followed the mist into the room. All eyes bore into the increasingly heavy mist. There in the mist, backlit by the light, was a shadow coming closer. As the shadow came closer, it took the shape of a robed and hooded figure diffused by the mist.”
“Murder in the Haunted House”
By Carolee Russell
Softcover | 8.25 x 11 in | 304 pages | ISBN 9781466975217
E-Book | 304 pages | ISBN 9781466975200
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Carolee Russell has a talent for art and crafts which she has shared freely whenever an occasion has had a need for it. “Murder in the Haunted House” is her first book.
