Most parties start the same way.
People gather. Conversations stay small.
And before long, guests drift back to their phones.
But it doesn’t have to go that way.
At Solve the Mystery, each experience is designed to pull your guests in—and keep them there.
This isn’t background entertainment.
It’s something that unfolds around them.
Conversations shift.
Reactions become real.
And at some point, everyone realizes… they’re part of it.
With over 25 years of experience, performances in 39 states, and thousands of private events, Solve the Mystery’s host Cris Johnson has created unforgettable experiences for audiences across the country.
Here’s what one client said:
“Cris was absolutely wonderful! Being one of the “hosts” of the party, it is always nerve wracking to be the one in charge of picking the entertainment for an event. Cris was fantastic! I have heard nothing but positive reviews from everyone. People are saying it has been the best entertainment we have had for our yearly event. I would highly recommend Cris to anyone who is looking for something different, entertaining and fun. Cris recommended his Murder by Magic show given the info I gave to him and it was a hit!”
– Jill B, Lancaster, NY
A quiet town. A lingering presence. A story that refuses to stay buried.
What begins as a simple attempt to make contact slowly reveals something deeper—and far more unsettling.
A connection to one of history’s most haunting tragedies.
As the evening unfolds, details emerge that blur the line between past and present… leaving guests questioning how much of that night is truly gone.
A darker, more theatrical experience.
Guests are drawn into a secretive world of investigation, suspicion, and hidden identities—where not everyone in the room can be trusted.
Left on their own, guests tend to stay in their comfort zones.
This changes that.
Every experience is designed to:
No awkward silences. No passive watching.
Everyone is part of the night.
Cris was wonderful! Everyone loved the show and it was the talk of the office the next morning. From booking to end Cris was awesome. He is super personable and his act was just the right mix of everything - comedy, magic, mystery and just an all round great time! I would HIGHLY recommend him to ANYONE looking for new and exciting entertainment ideas. I was worried and stressing a little over how the night would play out and just the schematics of the whole thing but he made everything so simple and easy. I could just sit back, relax and enjoy the night. Thank you Cris for making my first year planning our company Christmas party an awesome success!
- Debbie B., Fairport, NY
Cris was a pleasure to deal with! We had him perform his "Murder Mystery Show". He was extremely professional and great to deal with. He took care of all the details, brought his own equipmenIt and really left no work for me to do! As far as his show, Cris is an extremely talented magician. The audience was amazed at how he did what he did! He was also very comical and did great in getting our somewhat hesitant audience to participate. We all had a blast! Would highly recommend Cris for any type function and hope to have him back. Cris is a very professional,funny, talented, and all around,an excellent performer! Thanks, Cris!
- Ann W., Springfield, MA
Our entrepreneurial club kicked off its first meeting this year with Cris as our guest speaker. He did an amazing job. I received so many compliments on booking him. Everyone was impressed. He worked his magic into a motivational speech that was very entertaining.
- Michelle Z., Buffalo, NY
Cris is very pleasant, professional and accomodating. His correspondance to discuss details and logistics about the performance was very prompt. When dealing with him, his experience at his craft, at handling different types of audiences, and at running a succesful business is evident and reassuring. His "Murder by Magic" show was fun, humorous, entertaining, and interactive without being embarrassing or hokey. He came in plenty of time to set up his equipment, so there was no anxiety on my part (as the party organizer) on whether he would be late, etc. Overall our department was extremely pleased with having him as our entertainment for our holiday party.
- Elisabeth D., Buffalo, NY
Cris was great. He gave everyone a taste of what was in store with the preview "upclose" show which was very mindbending to say the least. It was great how he included the audience in his Murder by Magic show. It kept everyone involved and in awe throughout the show. Everyone enjoyed it immensely and we'll definitely be asking Cris to perform for us again!
- Jackie S., Wingham, ON
I was very pleased with Cris Johnson's performance, he was professional and was very entertaining. His performance was tasteful and my guests felt very comfortable with him. Cris was very friendly and easy to talk to. The show was a hit and I can't wait to hire him again for another event.
- Julie U., Thornhill, ON
Extremely personable! Cris made everyone smile, and wonder "how did he DO THAT!?" A very genuine person and performer. Fabulous performance and very accommodating to us. Even my 'skeptic' husband was very impressed with him. HIRE THIS MAN!
- Emma B., Burlington, ON
Cris was awesome and held the attention of everybody for almost 2 hours. We had great feedback from our staff and would love to have him again!
- Janet Goddard., Wheeling, WV
We hired Cris for our annual Employee Service Awards luncheon. Cris was professional, engaging, fun and provided a very appropriate magic and hypnosis performance. The hospital staff is still laughing a day later. The show was a success! We were very pleased with Cris' performance and would recommend him to anyone looking for "something different". Thanks Cris!
- Carmen F., Philadelphia, PA
If I had to choose one word to describe our evening with Cris Johnson it would be "Fantastic" Here it is Monday, two days later and I have heard many of our staff talking about how much they enjoyed themselves. He was so professional about the way he described to everyone what would be taking place, it put everyone at ease and we immediately got the volunteers we needed. His show was so entertaining and there was no embarrassing moments, just a lot of laughs. I would recommend an evening with Cris to everyone, and would have him perform again in a heart beat. Many thanks to Cris Johnson for "making" our evening!
- Peter D., Niagara Falls, ON
If your guests don’t enjoy the experience, you don’t pay.
It’s that simple.
And in all those years, no one has ever needed to use it.
Tell us about your event, and we’ll create something your guests will be talking about long after the night ends.
Or call directly: (716) 940-8963