People who attend a joint murder mystery fundraiser this Saturday for the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and the Center for Arts and Artists in Newton will actually be part of the event. Center for Arts and Artists Executive Director Sophie Kruger is the brainchild for the “Death By Chocolate” fundraiser.

“Rather than being like a play at the theater where you watch everything unfold, we ask our participants to talk with other guests and our 14 suspects. Ask them questions to figure out the murder mystery themselves instead of having it unfold in front of them.” 

Kruger got this idea from her October birthday parties.

“Starting about the third grade, my mom hosted a murder mystery party for me for my birthday until about 2020 or 2021. Now that I have settled into my Director role, I thought why don’t we do a murder mystery because I loved them so much when I was younger, and it’s time to do something big and fun for the community.”

Kruger says 50 percent of the tickets are already sold out. They cost $36.50 and include chocolate desserts and drinks, including wine samples. Tickets can be obtained through the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens or the Center for Arts and Artists in Newton. If available, tickets will also be available at the door. The fundraiser will begin at 5 p.m. this Saturday November 16th at the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, 3030 North 4th Avenue East in Newton.