The birth of Skills Murder Mysteries

It all kicked off in the fall of 2023 when a friend came to sisters Amy and Ashley with an exciting request! That friend was Heather Johnson of Heather's Paint & Sip. She was in charge of organizing an upcoming event and needed their creative flair to craft an engaging game that would captivate the attendees. Little did they know, this thrilling request would ignite a new venture, bringing joy and excitement to countless participants!

A Perfect Pairing

Ashley, a journalist and screenwriter in New York with a flair for crafting compelling narratives, and her sister Amy, a Seattleite who has always had a love for mysteries, made the perfect team. Their combined skills and shared enthusiasm for storytelling set the stage for what would become their first murder mystery game. With creativity flowing, they embraced the challenge and began to develop the concept.

However, the sisters had never created a murder mystery game before. So, how would they approach it? They took apart mystery party games they hadn't played yet and even purchased new ones to deconstruct in order to figure out how to address this challenge.

Murder at the Manor

Their friend requested a 1920s speakeasy mystery. Their first game is now set in the glamorous 1920s, a period known for speakeasies, flappers, and a touch of danger. They named it "Murder at the Manor," drawing players into an exciting whodunit experience filled with twists and turns. The game was crafted to engage participants, encouraging collaboration to solve the mystery while enjoying the era's ambiance. The duo also created interactive booklets for the audience, as too many character roles could become confusing. Finally, the sisters handed the files to their friend, hoping for the game's success.

Credit: Kelsie Norman Photography

A Resounding Success

The event was an overwhelming success. Around one-hundred attendees were captivated by the plot, the characters, and the immersive experience that Amy and Ashley had created. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and it quickly became clear that the sisters had tapped into something special. Their passion for storytelling and knack for creating engaging narratives resonated with players, and they soon found themselves with a burgeoning demand for more games.

Credit: Donna Marie Photo Co

Expanding the Portfolio

Encouraged by the success of "Murder at the Manor," the sisters set to work on their next project. They crafted "A Merry Murder Mystery," which brought a festive twist to their whodunit formula. The success of this game further solidified their reputation, and they were soon approached to create yet another captivating experience.

The third installment, "A Slippery Slopeside Slaughter," took participants on an adventure in a winter wonderland, adding new layers of intrigue and excitement. With each new game, Ashley and Amy honed their craft, developing a unique style that combined clever writing, engaging gameplay, and immersive storytelling. "A Slippery Slopeside Slaughter" remains Skills Murder Mysteries' deadliest game to date.

Realizing the Need for Branding

As the sisters embarked on expanding their portfolio, they quickly recognized the importance of establishing a strong brand identity. They understood that a well-defined brand would not only set them apart in the competitive market but also resonate with their target audience. This realization prompted them to brainstorm potential brand names that would reflect their unique approach to mystery-solving experiences.

During this creative process, Ashley found herself seeking inspiration to overcome a creative block. She turned to Canva, a design tool that had previously helped her unleash her creativity. As she experimented with various logo designs, she stumbled upon the perfect name for their venture: Skills Murder Mysteries.

The name encapsulated their mission perfectly, with a vibrant red "S" positioned boldly in front of the word "kills." This design symbolized the essence of their brand—players would need the necessary "skills" to uncover the truth behind the "kills." The combination of the name and logo not only captured the intrigue of their murder mystery experiences but also created a memorable identity that would engage and attract participants.

By choosing the brand name "Skills Murder Mysteries," the sisters also created a unique identity for themselves as The Skills Sisters. This change fit them perfectly and served as a reminder that this is a sister-led venture.

The sisters embraced the new branding by January 2024.

Sweet Surprises & Culinary Chaos

In early 2024, Amy and Ashley were busy organizing two exciting Valentine's Day games that were set to take place just days apart. These games, titled "Death by Chocolate" and "A Valentine's Dinner Disaster", were designed to bring fun and laughter to the holiday.

The friend who initially reached out to the sisters continued to play a crucial role by hosting these games for them, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and that everyone had a memorable experience.

Heather Johnson of Heather's Paint & Sip (Left) with Skills Sister Ashley (Right) at "Bodies Drop at the Sock Hop" event

Finishing Out 2024

In 2024, the creative duo of Amy and Ashley continued their thrilling journey through time and mystery with a series of captivating games. Next up was "Bodies Drop at the Sock Hop," a 1950s game filled with rock and roll charm and sinister secrets, which set the tone for their exciting lineup. Following that, they introduced "Diners, Dives & Death," another 1950s adventure that kept players guessing at every turn. The sisters then took a nostalgic trip to the neon-lit 1980s with "Killer Throwback," a game packed with unexpected twists that delighted fans of the era. Finally, they wrapped up their series with "Haunted Homecoming," a chilling housewarming murder mystery that heightened the suspense and left players on the edge of their seats. "Haunted Homecoming" first premiered at a close friend's housewarming party. This friend has been a significant supporter of Skills Murder Mysteries, attending nearly every public event.

Each game showcased their unique storytelling flair, making 2024 a remarkable year for the sisters.

The sisters also created "One Last Party," a murder mystery themed around a farewell celebration that premiered at a woman's real moving party, and "Deadly Detox," a spa-themed murder mystery for women only. Both games will be available for purchase in 2025.

This is Just the Beginning

Skills Murder Mysteries is just getting started, with plenty more to come.

As 2024 comes to a close, Skills Murder Mysteries offers a variety of fun games for for any occasion. Ashley and Amy, fueled by their passion, are building a successful business that brings friends, families, and colleagues together in a spirit of fun and teamwork.

What started as a simple idea from a friend has turned into a popular series of games, showcasing creativity and the joy of solving mysteries. That excitement is sure to continue.