Thus began my first experience with a "How to Host a Murder" party game. Ever seen an episode of some TV show where the sitcom characters go away for a murder mystery weekend, essentially an excuse to show-off period costumes and hokey one-liners? (I seem to recall a certain "Saved by the Bell" episode … oh yeah, you know you watched it too.) Well apparently, these murder mystery games are actually available in boxed sets, allowing real folks like you and me to experience the melodrama, comedy and mayhem of a murder mystery at home. The most popular series, "How to Host A Murder," boasts the catchy tagline: "A mystery party game for eight. So much fun, it’s almost criminal!" They’re veritable dinner parties-to-go, complete with menu suggestions, character descriptions, player’s books, a murder plot, secret clues, guest invitations and costume recommendations – all designed to provide everything you might need for an evening of food and entertainment for a group of eight adults. In short, a perfect recipe, it would seem, for good, cheesy, frivolous fun.