Murder mystery weekend - outfit?

don9999

As a surprise, have been invited to a murder mystery weekend.

Have been asked to dress as a character from a famous crime novel/film/play, for the Saturday night meal

Any ideas? With minimal spend? (Leaving tomorrow, so no time anyway).

Thought of a few - kojak (lolly and glasses, but am not bald), Columbo (rain mac and hat - though don't want to wear a mac all night), Sherlock (deerstalker hat and scarf - but don't want to wear them through evening), Captain America (no costume, but carry a round shield around), Godfather (Black Jacket, white shirt and bow tie, and tissue stuffed in mouth)....

None of the them 'really' appeal to me. Just need something simple, that I can explain as a certain character.
If I had a dog collar, I would wear a black shirt and jacket and say I am Rev Plumb from Cluedo!

kingfisherblue

Make a simple dog collar from white card - it should only take a couple of minutes.

Go in a scruffy-ish suit as Jack Frost. The books were written before the TV series.

don9999

Someone suggested buying a box of Ritz, and going as Cracker......

suejb2

A shot in the dark, you're male, how about Starskey or Hutch, Magnum P.I Apologies if my first suggestion was wrong, how about Cagney or Lacey?

ljonski

Just one more thing Maam!

Sagz_2

Carry a shovel and go as Sam Spade.

badmemory

How many suggestions do you want - Campion, Father Brown (this would make the costume easier, Rebus, Inspector Alleyn, Sherlock Holmes - you probably only need the hat. Who has invited you? If the opposite sex - who are they interested in? My guess would be someone non-violent that solves a case by brain power. Murdock from Murdock mysteries. If you have a problem with other peoples issues then go for Father Brown.

Just so you know - I have been on a few murder mystery weekends and they can be really good. (Even if you don't suss out the mrderer)

don9999

Thanks badmemory.

Interested to hear about your experience of the Murder Mystery weekend :-)

Am not particularly 'in to' the crime genre, so isn't necessarily my cup of tea. But is a weekend away from the kids! Don't mind putting a bit of thought into it, but from what I hear there is a crime room to go to and study, and lots of characters to interrogate etc... Not sure I can put the effort in to do all that.

Regarding characters, I can of course think of loads. The issue is picking one that I can imitate with minimal special clothing or props.

macman

Just make sure it's something that you can easily wash the bloodstains out of...

missbiggles1

Large moustache and cravat - Poirot.