I slithered into the restaurant anticipating the worst: soap opera acting and mediocre food. But to my surprise, murder mystery events held throughout the Southland are just the kind of parties people are dying to get into. And for the most part, both the acting and dining experiences exceed expectations. Besides, who can resist the chance to play detective? After sleuthing and searching through a few of the local offerings, here are some highlights -- and a few lowlights. 

At some events you know immediately who the actors are. At others, you're in the dark about who's who until the murders commence. Elements in common include bodies hidden in freezers, blonde bimbos with squeaky voices and oh-so-punny character names like Harry Pitts and Maria Callous Ferragamo. Sometimes the names are actually clues. At all of these events, the person, couple or team who identifies the killer wins a prize. If you or your company is feeling somewhat extravagant, you can even hold a private murder mystery. All events require advance reservations.  

Murder Mystery Masterminds  

The murder goes down during one of Keith & Margo's Murder Mystery events at Lunaria.  Photo by Paula Simper

Keith O'Leary and Margo Morrison of Keith & Margo's Murder Mysteries are the masterminds of the genre and are probably best known for their mystery train weekends. They began their events in 1985 and have expanded internationally. Their one-evening restaurant performances at Lunaria in West Los Angeles are by far the most professional and elegant of the three reviewed.  

The night starts when you check in with the evening's host, David Rogers, then proceeds to the cocktail area, where sumptuous hors d'oeuvres are served. There, guests receive instructions to "interrogate everyone and trust no one!" Later, you'll discover that the incognito actors are milling about as regular patrons. Questioning begins with a list provided by the host to help sniff out who's who. Clues are steadily revealed as the night -- and the killing -- continues in the secluded dining room. Murder during an exquisite meal featuring several entree and three dessert choices is an experience for the mystery lover at heart.  

There's also a detective who comes to help solve the murders. His Don Rickles/Jerry Lewis style of stand-up comedy quickly becomes the focus of the evening, and gets more entertaining as the night goes on. There's even more fun to be had in solving the crime and joking with your table mates.  

Debbi K. Swanson is a freelance writer specializing in theater and entertainment.  

copyright 1999 Los Angeles Times 

UPDATE: The location of the dinner has changed: Here's the current information