7 Detective Tips We Learned from The Residence: Solve a Murder Mystery Party Like a Pro
If you loved watching Cordelia Cupp crack the case in Netflix’s The Residence, you’re not alone. The show’s mix of clever deduction, quirky characters, and locked-room suspense made it a delicious treat for mystery fans. But what if you could be the detective, instead of just watching one?
At Harvest Moon Mysteries, we believe anyone can become a brilliant investigator for a night. You do not have to be an official investigator like Cordelia to crack the case. Just bring a sharp mind and a few clever tricks.
Today, we’re sharing seven detective skills you can borrow from The Residence to dominate your next murder mystery game night.
1. Start with the Scene
Cordelia Cupp always starts by reading the room. She examines the body, the surroundings, the objects left behind.
When you're playing a murder mystery, don't immediately jump to conclusions. Start by surveying what you know about the setting:
What’s out of place?
What’s missing?
Sometimes, spotting the crumpled note on a desk or the muddy footprints by the door can be your first big break.
Pro Tip: Each character typically has access to specific pieces of information. Be sure to review what your character knows and also check what information other characters have.
2. Everyone's a Suspect
In The Residence, no one is above suspicion. Not the pastry chef, not the president’s advisers, not even Kylie Minogue (sort of).
At a murder mystery party, it’s tempting to "clear" your friends because they’re funny, quiet, or persuasive.
Don’t fall into that trap!
Until you have hard evidence, everyone should stay on your list.
Pro Tip: Take quick mental (or real) notes on everyone’s alibis. Compare stories carefully. Discrepancies usually pop up faster than you think.
3. Look for Motives, Not Just Means
Cordelia doesn’t just ask how AB Wynter was killed; she also wants to know why someone woud want him dead. In party mysteries, players are usually given backstories that include secret rivalries, resentments, or ambitions. Those grudges are your goldmine.
Ask yourself:
Who benefits from the crime?
Who has the biggest grudge?
Who had something to lose?
Motives often reveal the murderer before the forensic details ever do.
4. Notice What People Don't Say
In The Residence, awkward silences, nervous glances, and half-finished sentences are just as telling as big confessions. When you’re interrogating your fellow players, pay attention to what they avoid mentioning.
Pro Tip: Ask open-ended questions. ("What did you see after dinner?" vs. "You didn’t see anyone suspicious, right?") The way someone dances around a simple answer can be a huge clue.
5. Trust Your Instincts — But Verify Them
Cordelia often gets a "feeling" when something is wrong, but she always backs it up with proof. In party settings, you might have a hunch early on. Trust that instinct, but don't accuse without evidence. Use it as your guide for who to watch more closely.
6. Stay Cool Under Pressure
When Cupp faces FBI agents, Secret Service agents, and a crowd of furious suspects, she keeps her humor and her nerve. Murder mystery games are supposed to be fun. Don't let competitiveness ruin the vibe! Stay cool, joke around, and remember that the journey (solving the mystery) is just as exciting as winning.
7. Never Stop Looking for Twists
The Residence constantly surprises viewers with twists such as the stolen shirt, the secret alliances, and the unexpected motives. At your Harvest Moon Mysteries event, don’t assume the first obvious suspect is the real killer. Ask:
What would make this story more interesting?
Who benefits if the wrong person is blamed?
That kind of thinking will keep you one step ahead.
You don't need a magnifying glass or a badge to channel your inner Cordelia Cupp . You need a sharp mind, a sense of humor, and a love of solving puzzles.
And the best part? With Harvest Moon Mysteries party kits, you can set the stage for a night full of mystery, laughter, and brilliant deductions.
Ready to test your skills? Browse our collection of murder mystery kits and host your own unforgettable investigation.
You’ve watched the best — now it’s your turn to be the detective.
