Collecting for murder... Dorothy's ruby slippers arrive.

While I collect for fun, there’s also a deeper reason behind it — a sense of nostalgia and a desire to connect with a historical or imagined era. Many of the murder mystery dinner parties I create are set in the past, such as The Jane Austen Murder Mystery, set in 1815, or The Titanic Murder Mystery, which unfolds on the fateful evening of April 14th, 1912.

Collecting for these events is always a joy — especially when I get to display the treasures on the night of the party. Authentic first-edition books, antique dinner plates, vintage wine glasses, and period costume pieces all help set the scene. These details not only elevate the atmosphere but also help guests immerse themselves in character, offering a glimpse into what life might have been like during that time.

I often hear from fellow murder mystery enthusiasts who spend their weekends combing flea markets for just the right piece to complement their game night setup. There’s something magical about discovering that perfect item that brings the past to life.

The Wizard Of Oz Collection

One hundred and twenty years after its first publication, The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum remains one of the world's best-loved story's. It is a lot of fun to collect for your Oz dinner party, as well as decorate for it and share the final results with your friends.

Above: Some of my collection includes the 75th anniversary Wizard of Oz collectors book. Award winning Noble collectors pin set. The Wizard of Oz Toy Theater by Dick Martin (1985). Original Motion Picture sound track (1995). Exact replica Ruby Slippers, Icon studios 2020 (limited edition), an autographed picture from the last remaining male munchkin Jerry Maren (centered in picture wearing green) and The Wizard of Oz original screenplay signed by Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Frank Morgan, Billie Burke, and Margaret Hamilton.

The Titanic Collection

The Titanic Murder Mystery was one of the very first games I ever created. I’ve always been captivated by the grandeur of the ship — its history (apart from the tragedy), the elegance, the class distinctions, the menus, the opulence of the era. As I brainstormed an original storyline for the game, I found myself diving headfirst into flea markets, estate sales, and antique shops — collecting anything that could help bring the night to life. Finding pieces that would make the evening feel more authentic for my guests quickly became an obsession.

Above: A few treasures from my personal collection include a first edition of The Sinking of the Titanic by L.H. Walter (1912), The Titanic Collection box set (1998), a replica Heart of the Ocean diamond necklace from the film, a dinner plate from the Titanic Artifact Collection, an authentic 70MM film cell featuring Rose and Jack, and an original Titanic screenplay signed by James Cameron, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Gloria Stuart, David Warner, and Frances Fisher.

The DaVinci Collection

I was captivated by The Da Vinci Code film adaptation of Dan Brown’s novel — the visual style, the unfolding mystery, and the slow-burn reveal of what might be one of history’s greatest cover-ups thrilled me. It sparked a deep curiosity to explore the life and secrets of one of the world’s most extraordinary artists: Leonardo da Vinci.

That curiosity led me all the way to Florence, Italy, where I celebrated Leonardo’s 564th birthday by hunting for clues, props, books, artwork — anything that could immerse me further into his world. This journey became the foundation for The Da Vinci Murder Mystery game, allowing me to weave an original storyline inspired by the man, the myths, and the enduring mysteries surrounding his genius.

Above: Some of my collection includes "Inventions", modeled from the drawings of Leonardo Da Vinci, Walter Books (2008). The Leonardo da Vinci Puzzle Codex by Richard Galland Wolfrik (2014) and the original screenplay "The DaVinci Code" autographed by Ron Howard, Tom Hanks, Ian McKellen, Audrey Tautou and Dan Brown.

The Jane Austen Collection

The Jane Austen game was my second murder mystery, and like Titanic, I fell in love with the subject. Jane Austen is a fun game to collect for. Antique dinner plates, tea sets, serving platters and three tiered cookie stands are all fun elements that can create the perfect look for a JA party. I remember searching through bins at our local flea market and finding great period music, a must for the perfect atmosphere.

Above: Some of my collection includes The Jane Austen Illustrated Treasury by Rebecca Dickson (2008). Replica Traditional 17th Century English Playing Cards. Replica 17th century European chocolate, coffee and tea set. The complete Novels of Jane Austen, Modern Library 1925. Replica letters from Jane Austen to her sister Cassandra, 1796.

The Vampire Collection

There’s nothing quite like collecting and decorating for a spooky vampire-themed party. Bram Stoker’s iconic 1897 Gothic horror novel Dracula served as the perfect inspiration for my envisioned Vampire Murder Mystery Dinner Party, and once I began planning, the collecting became delightfully all-consuming.

I pictured a long, dramatic table set with vintage glasses brimming with blood-red wine, heaping platters of meat — for the humans, of course — and subtle nods to the vampire mythos: bats, crosses, and Gothic touches cleverly woven into the décor. It’s one of the most thrilling themes to collect for, as nearly any antique with a dark, ornate flair fits right in.

Above: Some of my collection includes Vampireology, candlewick press. Vampyre, The lost journal of Dr. Cornelius Van Helsing (2007). Replica brass flintlock pistol, circa 1800. Vintage cross 1932. Dracula's Heir by Sam Stall (2008).

The Witches Collection

The month leading up to Halloween is the perfect time to start hunting for unique treasures to elevate your upcoming party. Collecting for The Witches Murder Mystery game was an exciting and immersive experience from the very beginning. I kicked it off with a trip to the epicenter of North American witch lore — Salem, Massachusetts. The shops there were brimming with enchanting finds: potion bottles, crystals, dried herbs, and all kinds of magical paraphernalia. I picked up prints, spell books, candles, cards — and most importantly, came home with a cauldron full of inspiration.

Above: Some of my collection include bottles of various oils with herbs (1967). Vintage looking replicas of Halloween paper- Mâché folk art. Replica bones, owls and old brooms.

Extra Scripts

Above: My other autographed scripts include "The Lord of the Rings" signed by Liv Tyler. "Aliens" signed by James Cameron, Sigourney Weaver, Paul Reiser, Michael Biehn, Bill Paxton, and Lance Henriksen. "Toy Story" signed by Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles and Annie Potts. And not pictured here; "Gladiator" signed by Russell Crow and Ridley Scott.

The Ruby Slippers (Wizard of Oz)

Above: Replica Ruby Slippers (Wizard of OZ) Icon studios 2020 (limited). These registered collector shoes are an exact copy of the ones that Judy Garland wore in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz. They are perfect in every way, right down to the inside labels (Innes Shoe Co.) and her shoe size of 5B.

Of the four known pairs of authentic ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, the pair that inspired this replica — marked inside with “#7 Judy Garland” — is considered to be in the best condition. These particular shoes were primarily used for close-up shots in the film, which has helped preserve their detail. Because of their iconic status, the ruby slippers remain among the most valuable and cherished pieces of film memorabilia in existence. The true magic of the ruby slippers lies in their message: the power to believe in your dreams.

The idea of being transported to another time and place is something we all long for. When you take the time to thoughtfully design the setting for your murder mystery evening, your guests will feel that magic too. With each carefully chosen detail, they’ll step deeper into the world you’ve created. And then, as everyone gathers around the table and the game begins, the transformation is complete. In the case of The Wizard of Oz Murder Mystery Game, you’ll suddenly find yourselves not in your dining room… but somewhere over the rainbow.

Angela Landsbury - Murder She Wrote

And last but certainly not least, my small—but deeply cherished—collection of Ron Kron dolls. I was lucky enough to acquire these two one-of-a-kind, handmade "portrait sculptures" by the late artist Ron Kron. Created in his Greenwich Village studio in New York City around 1970, each doll represents a single, unique celebrity likeness—Kron never made duplicates. He passed away in 1994, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

His work is now part of the permanent collections at the Museum of the City of New York and the Library of Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.

Although I secretly wished Angela had been dressed as a detective—perhaps in a trench coat and deerstalker hat, magnifying glass in hand—I’m still thrilled to have her captured in the glamorous role of Mame Dennis from the Broadway musical Mame.

My second doll is, of course, the fabulous Carol Channing as Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! Before "the girls" came to live with me, they were part of the 50-Year Salute to the American Theatre Wing and Its Tony Awards exhibit in New York, 1989.

Ron Kron; Seen here with a few of his one of a kind dolls, Marlene Dietrich to the left and Liza Minnelli in the background right. He passed away in 1994.