Murder and puppet mastery mixed on Saturday at 11:30AM in Marriott A707 at the first fully immersive puppet murder mystery event at Dragon Con, “Murder Most Felt.” Clearly an intriguing concept, more than 200 people were turned away at the door as the room filled up with participants. The event was a joint production between the Puppetry Track, the unofficial Dragon Con Theater and Performing Arts Lovers group, and The Murder Mystery Co, founded by Scott Cramton.

The room was set up with tables of six participants, people and puppets alike. Everyone worked in a team with the other people at their table to solve a mystery. One person at each table was also designated to play a suspect and were provided binders with everything they needed to know and say. Suspects promised not to lie but could accept bribes (of play money) from other participants to give up the information they have.

The story began as Detective Peter Ness (played by Crampton) introduced himself, saying that he had been hired by Sir Warren Peace to solve Peace’s own murder. All of the suspects then introduced themselves and what their relationship to Peace was—and any motives they might have for killing him. Twists and turns in the story abounded as the teams circulated around the room, talking to suspects, taking notes, and collaborating to solve the crime or crimes that may or may not have occurred.

In the end, only one team successfully solved the mystery, becoming the Detective of the Night. In addition, there was a Best Performer award given to one of the puppets who played a suspect. Even as just an observer of the whole thing, it was tremendous fun watching people and puppets interact with one another. Every participant brought so much personality and a sense of fun and whimsy to their time there. Let’s hope this is the start of a new Dragon Con tradition and more puppet murder mayhem can be had.