Kansas City’s Suspensful, Intriguing and Mysterious Fun for Every Sleuth
Mystery lovers young and old will love exploring our 5 Favorite Kansas City Attractions for suspense and intrigue!
I Love a Mystery Bookstore:
Just the Facts: 6614 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS. 913.432.2583 www.ILoveAMystery.com
Background: “Not just a bookstore, it’s an experience!” reads the slogan of the I Love a Mystery Bookstore… and how true it is! Decorated as a Victorian bookshop filled with memorabilia from favorite detective games, Sherlockania and fun nooks including the office door of Sam Spade, this is one shop every avid reader should visit.
Extra Clues: The staff is able to recommend books for anyone, as you’ll soon discover mystery includes subgenres for every enthusiast. Parents love the section for children and teens featuring books from Richard Scarry’s Mystery Picture Books, classics like Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and to new favorites from Anthony Horowitz and The Sisters Grimm and more. The store hosts book clubs, including many parents and teens may enjoy together. Read the full review of the I Love a Mystery Bookstore.
Mr. E Hotel & Crime Lab at Science City:
Just the Facts: Family-friendly exhibits within Science City at Union Station. 816.460.2020 www.UnionStation.org
Background: The Mr. E Hotel exhibit features interactive optical illusions and the illusions of M. C. Escher. In the Crime Lab, learn how to use forensic evidence in a criminal investigation to solve crimes.
Mystery Train of Kansas City:
Just the Facts: Mystery Dinner Theater performed at the Prime Rib Grill. October’s mystery, “Ghost Train,” is $54/Thu., $64/Fri. & Sat. Appropriate for teens or adults. 816.813.9654
Background: If you love to play the game Clue with your family, you’ll love this show! Each mystery is set aboard an imaginary train with Kansas City as its historical backdrop.
Clues: Guests are greeted by the conductor who provides the schedule and gives “Bribe Bucks” to use in an attempt to extract information from passengers who often carry luggage and belongings that may reveal clues. Read our full review of The Mystery Train.
Murder Mystery Players of Kansas City:
Just the Facts: Mystery Dinner Theater at Dave and Buster’s. $36.95/ea. (buffet included) or private parties at your location. Appropriate for teens or adults. 913.515.4938 www.MysteryPlayers.com
Background: The Murder Mystery Players have been “killing guests with laughter” for more than 20 years. Kansas Citians enjoy local references in the humor and over-the-top acting in this light-hearted performance.
Clues: The actors dine with the guests, so come prepared to interrogate suspects and compare notes as you try to solve the crime. The winning sleuth receives a prize and everyone leaves laughing. Read our full review of The Mystery Players!
Slay It Again Sam:
Just the Facts: Mystery Dinner Theater at Holyfield Winery, Oct. 29 & 30 at 7:00. $40/ea. (dinner included). For adults 21 and over only. 913.724.WINE www.HolyfieldWinery.com
Background: Just when you thought you could trust your friends, you may discover they are among the suspects! Actors from Upstage Productions in St. Louis, with the help of randomly selected audience members, play parts as the mystery unravels.
Clues: Keep an eye out for clues because the winning sleuth takes home a sparkling prize, courtesy of Holyfield.
Bonus Mystery Events (October 2010) in Kansas City:
Miss Nelson is Missing Oct. 4, 6:30, Oak Grove Library & Oct. 25, 7:00, Blue Springs North Library. This program brings to life the longtime favorite characters of the "Miss Nelson is Missing" series. Ages 5 and up. www.MYMCPL.org Crime Lab: To Catch a Thief Oct. 11, 2:00, Antioch Branch Mid-Continent Public Library. Help the mad scientist solve a mystery using clues, forensic science and observation. Ages 6 and up. 816.454.1306 www.MYMCPL.org
Scavenger Hunt at Kemper Museum Oct. 16, 10:00, Kemper Museum. Hone your art detective skills and discover something new about contemporary art at the Kemper Museum. 816.753.5784 www.KemperArt.org
39 Clues Oct. 22, 2:00, Kearney Library. The hunt is on for the 39 clues. Test your ability to earn points and claim victory over all! Ages 8 and up. 816.628.5055 www.MYMCPL.org
Whodunnit? Oct. 26, 10:00 & 3:00, Kearney Library. Think you can solve a crime? Figure out who done it before it’s too late! Ages 7 and up. 816.628.5055 www.MYMCPL.org
Murder Mystery for Teens Oct. 26, 6:00, Raytown Library. A relaxing cruise in the Caribbean to celebrate the dedication of its crew to the ship hits a port not on the itinerary: murder!. Join us to help solve a crime on the high seas. Call for reservations: 816.353.2052. www.MYMCPL.org
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Kristina Light loves to curl up with a good mystery in the autumn.