LUCY BURDETTE: you may remember last year that the friends of the Key West library hosted a murder mystery tea event featuring Ann Cleeves and the script she wrote to share with libraries across the world. Though we didn’t know exactly what we were doing, it was a huge success, and we were determined to repeat it.
I *might* have volunteered to write the script this year… Here are some tips and tricks in case you want to pull a stunt like this yourself!
Secure an author. Ahem. Easier said than done. Already worrying about next year...
Decide on a theme and a murder. This was easy. I live in Key West, I write mysteries set in Key West. Key lime pie is a thing. A poisoned key lime pie was the next logical step. I happen to know that our head librarian has ordered a nursing dummy to set up the crime scene. There will be a blonde wig involved, along with a key lime pie. (The staff at the Key West Library is amazing!)
Choose motives for four suspects. This is hard, but critical. Money? Love? Greed? Lust? Loathing? Ambition? They aren't going to tell...
Write the play. Ahem. See above, easier said than done.
Share the theme with the library staff so they can set up the crime scene, including any physical clues. (If you haven’t been completely successful writing the dialogue so that the audience has a fair shot at guessing the murderer, these clues can relieve the pressure.)
Suggest costumes to actors and hold rehearsal. Tell everyone it’s going to be great and don’t be afraid to ham it up! Write a snappy description and invite the world.
Recruit an amazing team to produce the tea with a tropical twist this time...
Now we have 175 guests registered, with more on the waiting list. Wish us luck! And by the way, if I posted the script on my website, can you imagine libraries actually using it? What else would you need to make this happen at your library?
This sounds delightful, Lucy . . . I'm sure it will be a great success!
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