We’re living in an era where there is more, and more accessible, content than ever. Which is pretty lucky considering we’re all stuck inside during this bummer of a pandemic.
Here are some things to watch. Some might say they’re to die for. But not us.
5. Broadchurch
Set in a cliffside village in Dorset, England of the same name, Broadchurch follows detectives Alex Hardy and Ellie Miller. The first season covers the mystery behind the murder of 11-year-old Danny Latimer. Each season covers a new crime with a little overlap.
Watch it on Netflix.
4. Hinterland
This Welsh noir follows detective Tom Mathias as he battles both personal demons and the demons that have committed gruesome murders around the countryside. The series doesn’t take on a singular crime, but focuses on the characters that compose the villages in the stunningly beautiful Welsh landscape.
Watch it on Netflix.
3. The Fall
Gillian Anderson. Need we say more? In this particular endeavor, though who really cares, just got watch it, Gillian plays Stella Gibson. The English detective attempts to catch a serial killer in Northern Ireland.
Watch on AMC+, Peacock (gross), BritBox, or Ovation
2. Grantchester
If you’re on the market for a smokin’ hot, jazz-loving vicar, look no further. Grantchester takes place in the 1950s as vicar Chambers and detective Keating work together to solve crimes. Easily bingable.
Watch on Amazon Prime
1. Twin Peaks
David Lynch’s exceptional TV series was a first of its kind. Centering around the investigation of homecoming queen Laura Palmer, Twin Peaks delves the murky darkness that hides beneath the surface of a pacific-northwest logging town. It’s a meditation on death and trauma, throughly charming, and equally bizarre.
Watch the original series on Netflix, CBS, and Hulu. Watch the third season on Showtime.
When you’re done with all that murder, why not experience a murder of your own with one of Even if it Kills Me’s murder mystery experiences.
Play the character of a crotchety old retiree, a Texas rodeo queen, or a tourist visiting the Hawaiian isles as you discover the killer.
Start by figuring out the specifics of your character! The way they speak can be impacted by their birth place, age and socioeconomic situation.
Research
Do some research! Find videos on Youtube, podcasts or even family and friends that have a similar accent to what you want to emulate. If you are looking for a specific dialect it is easy to find on the internet by searching for audio samples. Find multiple video and audio files of different people with the accent you are looking to emulate.
Listen and Write
After you listen to your samples, try to speak some of the transcript of what you’re listening too along with the recording. Make notes on the text (IPA is helpful if you know it) of specific vowels or words that sound different to you!
Isolate
Once you are able to highlight the pronunciations of consonants and vowel sounds see how they affects different words.
Musicality
Listen to the rhythm of the phrases. Dialects are melodic! Depending on where you are from, there are different stresses throughout the words you speak and interesting patterns in the language.
Practice
Practice, practice, practice! Remember, the more committed you are to your accent and the more fun you have with it, the more your group will love it!
An accent is just one of the ways you can make your character stand out during our Virtual Murder Mystery Experiences! Our characters are all incredibly unique and quirky which allows you to add your own special touch.
We have characters in our experiences from Wisconsin, New York, Texas, England and more! So many fun accents to learn and impress your friends with. Check out all of the options at evenifitkillsme.com
In this series we’ll cover a smattering of true crime and murder in digest form.
While lots of lawlessness is anything but funny, there are bits of humor in many cases of crime. In this first post we’ll cover some of those lighter moments.
1. David Zurfluh
In what can only be described as a feat of superhuman strength, newly arrested David Zurfluh ripped the crotch out of his still-on underwear and began to eat them. We don’t know if this technique to fool a Breathalyzer does in fact work as he never finished his snack. And passed the test regardless. Hope they were clean.
2. Mason Tackett
Mason Tackett is a lover of hats, lover of cheese. When Tackett arrived home in August 2018, he discovered his cousin Phillip Matthew Hagens had broken into his home and was stealing his belongings. The confrontation resulted in Tackett being held at gunpoint over a cheese grater and an empty bottle of lysol. “Who steals a cheese grater?” Tackett asked. “What got me the most was my soap. He stole my soap! Who steals soap!”
3. Rodney Alcala
You may know him from his joyous 1978 appearance on The Dating Game, or his string of awful murders. Either way, during his third trial, Rodney Alcala acted as his own attorney where he cross-examined himself for 5 hours doing different voices for Lawyer Rodney and Murderer Rodney.
If you too like to play characters, you might enjoy our murder mystery experiences.
4. Costco Smackdown
In 2018, free samples at a South Carolina Costco turned ugly…though when are they not, amiright? As the San Francisco Gate reports, while waiting for his complimentary cheese, a 70-year-old man was cut in line by a man in a Hawaiian shirt. Later at the hamburger helper line punches were thrown. We are not aware of the status of either man’s hips.
If you’re interested in crimes against the elderly, consider Bingo Butcher, one of our mystery experiences. A wholesome murder for those 15+.
5. Brenda Schumann
Aww Brenda, Brenda, Brenda. After discovering her husband’s infidelity, this Florida woman found herself a gun. Barging into the bedroom where her husband and his lover were canoodling she threatened to kill them both. Unfortunately for her, the night ended with a whimper not a bang — and her urinating on the carpet, pooping on the kitchen floor, and destroying some Christmas decorations. “I found him in bed with a naked chick what was I supposed to do,” Brenda said.
Interested in holiday horrors? Try O Holy Fright, our Christmas themed murder mystery.
With every social event, work meeting and family gathering being relegated to Zoom, it’s more important than ever to feel and look your best on camera. Here are a couple of easy tips that the Even if it Kills Me team has compiled to help you crush the Zoom doldrums and stand out on-screen!
Background
You want to be the main focus of your zoom call, not the awkward tower of books (or worse) on the shelf behind you. The best way to achieve this is by sitting in front of a plain wall. If this isn’t possible with the layout of your house put up a Zoom background. This way, you can keep your privacy intact, the focus on you, and everyone can vicariously lounge on a beach in Cancun. With our murder mysteries, we provide custom zoom backgrounds, ensuring you never have to worry about looky-loos.
Lighting
You always want the light facing you. If you feel like investing in your zoom set up, a ring light is the easiest and best option.
In the daytime, turn so you are facing the window. Natural light is always the most complimentary. You always want your source of light to come from in front of you to minimize shadows and have you glow.
If you are using indoor lighting, put your lamp directly in front of you, any side or back lighting will create strange silhouettes.
Angles
You want your camera positioned directly in front of you and slightly above you for the most flattering angles. Make sure you are in the middle of the frame and that your entire face fits. Ideally, you would take up, at least, one third of the shot!
Clothes
Bright, solid colors always pop on camera and are the most flattering. You want to avoid stripes, checks and any other small and busy patterns. On camera, these create a distracting visual allusion called moire pattern which you want to avoid.
Just by doing these small things you will make the most of your Zoom calls and allow everyone to focus on what matters, you!
Even if it Kills Me provides immersive murder mystery experiences on Zoom for you, your friends, coworkers and family! By using these on-camera tips, we can ensure you take the worry out of Zoom logistics and can concentrate on finding the killer!
One of the most entertaining parts of attending a murder mystery is getting to become a completely different person. There are several ways you can make your character distinct but one of the easiest, and most fun, is by fully committing to your costume. All it takes are one or two statement pieces to really make you shine.
Hats, glasses, mustaches and makeup are all easy to find and can change your whole look.
You can find fun pieces that you already own all over your house- check your closet, your old halloween costumes even old party favors.
It’s easy to make costume pieces out of construction paper or scraps of old fabric. Or, you can always order some special items online. While Amazon has tons of options and fast delivery, some independent stores we love are:
http://www.frankbeecostume.com
https://www.beyondcostumes.com
Don’t forget to check vintage stores for fun gems!
Plus, since you’re on zoom, this is a fun excuse to dress up your top (while still having sweatpants on the bottom)!
Check out our amazing occasions to dress up. You can be a 90’s emo, a Hawaiian Hula dancer, a Vegas mafiosa or a bingo playing octogenarian in Boca! The options are endless.
We all have somebody in our life that has a inner Rolodex of serial killers and an encyclopedic memory for ghastly murders.
Sure you could get them a nice scarf, but why not source something a little more personal—and definitely more fun.
8. Merch
Many true crime aficionados have podcasts, tv series, or movies that hold a special place in their heart. Be it My Favorite Murder or Making a Murderer there is likely a cottage industry of craftspeople who can supply you with on-theme goodies.
7. A Serial Killer Coloring Book
Adult coloring books have become quite the trend. Why not combine a love of dismemberment with an equally important passion for crafting? With these truly special coloring book you’ll rekindle your death-by-Crayola fantasies.
Here are two options:
Buy it on Amazon (we don’t get a kickback)
Buy it on Amazon (we don’t get a kickback)
6. Murderous playing cards
For the Dahmer-holic, or the Gacy-ite, who also also has a gambling addiction—or just an at-home card shark—why not try out a deck of cards stamped with the faces of notorious killers? You’ll get that true crime fix with every hand.
But it on Amazon (we don’t get a kickback)
5. Stupid Deaths Board Game
Not all deaths are wicked, some are just, well, stupid. Taking turns, players read truly ridiculous ways people have, or have not, perished and decide if they are truth or fiction. Move the grim reaper token towards you for every wrong answer.
Buy it on Amazon (we don’t get a kickback)
4. Law and Order Seasons 1-20
The grand dame of true crime. Give the gift that keeps on giving for 20 seasons.
Buy it on Amazon (we don’t get a kickback)
3. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark
Michelle McNamara’s book is just fantastic. If we’re being honest, most of these lists include books the list-maker hasn’t even read. But we did read this, it’s great, and covers the truly horrific rapes and murders by the Golden State Killer. The audio book is real good, too.
Buy it on Amazon (we don’t get a kickback)
2. Crime Tape Socks
We have all been in a scenario where we have to get a gift for somebody we just don’t like that much. Why not seem like you’re being thoughtful while being a true cheapskate. It’s a win-win.
Buy it on Amazon (we don’t get a kickback)
1. A Murder Mystery Experience
Even if it Kills Me murder mysteries are a fantastic way to show somebody “I see you” by giving an experience that is just right.
Be it a bespoke mystery written to your exact specs, or the death of a beauty queen, everyone has a fantastically memorable time at our virtual events.
They are private for you and friends, so everyone will feel comfortable and at home. Get in touch today.
10. Trivia
We know, trivia can be a contentious topic but hear us out. Every group of friends has a common thread, be it a love of movies, pop culture, food — you name it. Why not have a themed trivia night about something you all love. Don’t want to discuss ancient Greece? Don’t.
9. Wine and Cheese Tasting
Who would have thought wine could be tasted via the internet — but it’s true. There are numerous virtual wine tasting classes to tickle your specific interests.
8. Secret gift swap
This is another idea where a theme can take it to the next level. Have your group draw names well ahead of time and mail gifts to each other to open on camera. Set a low price limit to encourage creativity, or a bizarro theme to make it wacky fun.
7. Group movie streaming
Several movie streaming platforms let you watch movies as a group — like Hulu Watch Party. Pick a favorite you all share, grab a glass of wine and some snacks, and hit play.
6. Crafting
Whip out that needlepoint, it’s time to craft. Everyone enjoys making things. Pop on an episode of At Home with Amy Sedaris while you’re at it.
5. Cooking class
CozyMeal offers some great classes from around the world. Having taken a pasta making class from a man in Italy, I can attest to it — the pasta turned out great, and everyone in our house had a great time.
4. Chat with a celebrity
Ever want to ask Sean Avery why he has an attitude problem? This option isn’t for everyone, but why not try out a 10-minute chat session with a celebrity? Depending on how you look at it, they’re surprisingly affordable. But I guess celebrities have nothing to do during quarantine either.
3. Magic show
Chicago’s Magic Parlour if offering online magic shows. For $49 a household, it’s also an affordable option when you’ve got a lot of people to entertain.
2. Roast
Roasting a friend for a laugh — all in good fun — is a great way to spend a night. And let’s be honest, there is somebody you want to drag.
1. Murder Mystery
One of the most fun options, is a murder mystery. We provide exceptionally fun murder mystery experience for everyone — no need to be an actor or outgoing.
Why not try Blood on the Bleachers with high school friends? or escape to the tropics in Trouble in Paradise? Feeling a bit backed up? Why not visit a strip club in our r-rated mystery Rubbed Out?
A mystery for every occasion.
Bonding with coworkers has never been so difficult as working from home has become the new normal. With the inability to forge friendships in the office, it’s important for managers to create special experiences that can help bring employees together.
There is no better way to take the stress out of team building than to book a Virtual Murder Mystery with Even if it Kills Me! We take care of all logistics and give your employees an event they they will talk about, by the virtual water cooler, for weeks!
Let us help your employees get to know each other on a more personal level and go from co-workers to friends. Our events are engaging, incredibly fun and are a great way to facilitate communication between all participants.
We are able to host groups as small as 6 people to as large as a hundreds. Regardless of the size, all of our experiences are a conducive for your company to share laughs and get out of your comfort zone. With our bespoke experiences, we can cater the event to you and your team!
Murder mysteries give a safe space for your employees to try something new together. Who doesn’t want to see Karen from accounting dressed in a captain’s uniform? And with everyone working together to solve the mystery, your team can bond over a common goal.
Team-building has never been so effortless and fun.
You can send out team swag, costume pieces, or special snacks to heighten everyone’s experience!
Working from home blurs the lines between work and private time so give your company a treat and share an experience, together, that has nothing to do with work!
Contact a consultant to help plan your experience, today!
1. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
A favorite of the Sherlock Holmes books, The Hound of the Baskervilles, finds Holmes captivated by a startling local legend in Devonshire, England. Set in the moody moors, the book traces the investigation into the apparent murder of each generation of the wealthy Baskerville family by a spectral hound.
2. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
The first novel to feature private detective Philip Marlowe. The book hinges around a blackmailer looking to extort money out of a dying millionaire. As the book progresses, the plot grows to encompass a slew of criminal deeds and a mysterious murder. Fast-paced, hardboiled, and great fun. Regularly on best 100 lists inclusive of every genre.
3. Rebecca by Dame Daphne du Maurier
A psychological thriller that takes place largely in the flashbacks of an secret woman — known only as the second Mrs. de Winter. Set in Cornwall’s Manderley estate, the book follows de Winter’s obsession with her husband’s first wife. Suspense builds as she grows increasingly unhinged and insecure.
Turned into a Hitchcock movie by the same name in 1940.
4. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
In the 1920s a beautiful, secretive woman named Miss Wonderley hires detective Sam Spade’s agency to follow her younger sister’s mysterious male counterpart. The death of Spade’s parter while on the case pries open a larger story involving a jewel-encrusted statue falcon.
The novel has been turned into four movies, best known for the version starring Humphrey Bogart.
5. Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers
The eighth book in Sayers’ series featuring Lord Peter Wimsey.
A London ad man’s suspicious fall down a flight of stairs looks like nothing more than a misstep. However, Lord Peter Whimsey is convinced there is more to the death than a mere fall.
When you’re all caught up with your reading, why not experience the thrill of the chase first hand? Try our on of our murder mystery experiences
Don’t let a pandemic get in the way of having a wild night with your friends.
A Virtual Murder Mystery a great way to bond with your closest gal-pals, but at Even if it Kills Me, we have specially created a comically raunchy experience that you and your friends will be talking about for years.
Our Rubbed Out theme takes you to the hottest Strip Club in Vegas where you and your friends all becomes suspects in the sexiest murder mystery yet. So grab a cocktail, plan a sexy costume and let us take care of all of the logistics.
With fun food and drink recipes, a themed playlist and your closest friends, you’ll never feel like you’re missing out on an in-person party!
We can customize any experience to make it extra special so be sure to check out our other themes, Trouble in Paradise, Blood on the Bleachers, Bingo Butcher, O Holy Fright and Lovely Miz Cowpoke or contact us to have a completely bespoke party!
Our experience is fully immersive with characters so outrageous that you and your party won’t be able to stop giggling.
Have a killer bachelorette party with Even if it Kills Me. Feel free to email us for a free consultantion at wanted@evenifitkillsme.com.
Enjoy an excuse to get out of your sweatpants, put on your lucite heels and party!