Games in the Murder Mystery Party series are a throwback to the parlor games of medieval Europe. Guests assume their roles and stay in character throughout the party in an attempt to solve the murder. All guests are given information to read privately which reveals their motives and hidden pasts. A lively cross-examination should ensue. All players must answer questions truthfully, but are not required to provide more information than asked. An exception is the murderer who may lie freely. Accusations are made at the conclusion of the final chapter, the winner being the player who guesses the author's solution correctly. The setting of this particular mystery is Rome in the year 1985 where an American citizen has been found dead in one of the catacombs. The roles in the game are the son of the deceased, the son's wife, the wife's parents, the secretary of the deceased and the lawyer of the deceased. A 33 and a third phonograph record is included to provide a sense of atmosphere.