Our Story
Back in 2003, the founder of Murder Mystery Maniacs, David Wachtendonk, puchased the company from his Uncle, a successful executive at a now publically traded printing company. At the time the business focused on private parties for groups of 12-40 people. Not satisfied with the existing landscape of the murder mystery industry, David set out to disrupt how things were done. He wanted to create an atypical experience that avoids the corny/cheeseball/slapstick humor along with the incosistant service that comes when dealing with small, creative companies. The goal was to create an interactive, exciting, and thrilling experience for both the host and their guests.
A Different Idea
It started with adding more scenarios that could accomodate corporate events, teen parties, and private parties for groups of 12 to 75 people. The next step was to sell events, not just murder mystery games. Events are experiences you want to remember, and with that, the option to have an on-site faciliatator (actor/host) was born. To achive the goal of making our hosts look good, David began creating what is now a nationwide network of actors and murder mystery troupes. Last, but certainly not least, was automation...he created an online experience that let customers pick the scenario they wanted to play, and pick and choose the characters for all of their guests, as well as be a one stop shop for their party package needs.
Recruiting the Best
Finally, David created a team of dedicated professionals that can assist you in creating an event with your end goals in mind. From writers to actors, marketing minds, web developers and event planners, the company is fully equipped to help you scope and market your event: be it a teen party, company outing or fundraiser. We have established relationships with some of the best murder mystery talent across the US. We screen and train them so you don't have to. Today we have created what is now one the largest murder mystery companies in the US. We have written, facilitated, and produced thousands of events for over 50,000 guests since 2003.
Recent Press
Fast Company
FastCompany | March 2011
Murder Mystery Groupon
Groupon | June 2010
Chicago Crains - Entrepreneurs in Action
Crains | October 2010
Chicago Tribune - Minding Your Business
Tribune Company | June 2008
How to contact us
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