Whidbey Golf Club Hosts First Murder Mystery Dinner March 28

Somewhere between the clink of glasses and the murmur of suspicion, a body lies cold in the back, hidden in a vegetable cooler. Whidbey Golf Club is staging its first murder mystery dinner on March 28, an immersive Italian-themed whodunit that invites guests to play detective over a multi-course buffet.

The fictional crime at the center of the evening: world-renowned Chef Lorenzo Ritelli, discovered stabbed in the back inside the vegetable cooler at his restaurant "Enzo's." Eight suspects are in play, an evidence board will anchor the investigation, and guests will spend the night competing to crack the case. The prize for whoever solves it: tickets to a Whidbey Playhouse performance, with options including a women's production of "Hamlet" or "Little Shop of Horrors."

Behind the mystery is Jackee Stadler, a social member of the club who serves as the evening's detective and the mastermind who designed the event. Diana Amirehteshami, the golf club board of trustees secretary and event committee chair, said Stadler has a "real knack" for orchestrating these whodunits. "I'm excited to see how people figure it out," Amirehteshami said, adding that she herself plans to play along.

The Italian feast will be prepared by Chef Gordon Stewart, who has spent nearly 40 years in the restaurant industry and is known at the club for elaborate spreads. "We are very blessed to have him," Amirehteshami said. "He has turned out some fabulous meals for us."

The drinks menu leans fully into the theme. "The Poisoned Olive Martini" combines vodka or gin, dry vermouth, olive brine, and skewered olives. "The Last Sip" layers gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice, finished with champagne. Beneath the laughter, candle flames flicker against red-and-white checkered tablecloths as wax drips slowly down the necks of wine bottles.

The event is open to anyone over 13. Tickets are $45 per person, with RSVPs closing March 25.