Whodunit? Murder mystery and dinner theaters in Atlanta

1. Rhodes Hall: The site of a Ghost Hunt Weekend 2. L.P. Grant Mansion: The Atlanta Preservation Center offers tours 3. Meadow Nook: The second-oldest home in Atlanta allegedly has several haunters 4. Barrington Hall: This Roswell home has had reports of mysterious voices and footsteps. 5. The Thornton House: This 1784 house is the oldest restored home in Georgia.

Ever catch yourself talking back to the characters on screen? At a live murder mystery, that's not just expected, it's encouraged. And the give and take is just part of the appeal at the murder mystery and other dinner theaters that are date night mainstays in Atlanta.

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They also give you a chance to unplug your entertainment for a pleasant change. On the strictly practical side, a one-stop meal and entertainment date night keeps you from frantically criss-crossing Atlanta and parking and re-parking.

Want to join in, or at least watch? Here's who's offering the best dinner theater whodunits in metro Atlanta:

Agatha's A Taste of Mystery

Adults $73, $65 with Sunday matinee special pricing of $60

161 Peachtree Center Ave, Atlanta. 404-584-2255, agathas.com

These actors are sort of trying to solve a mystery, but they're definitely succeeding in making the audience laugh. Along with a lavish five-course meal, the show includes lots of interaction and fun. If you want to repeat, they have new shows in the works at all times. Upcoming, for example, is "Ridiculous Beasts and Where to Kill Them."

Murder Mystery Company in Atlanta

The troupe presents once or twice a week at different restaurants in Atlanta and Tucker

Prices vary, but usually about $90

888-643-2583, shows@themurdermysterycompany.com, events@themurdermysterycompany.com

Themes for this murder mystery company can include anything from "Totally 80s" to "Death of a Gangster" and a murder-at-the-wedding caper involving a Bridezilla. Public shows involve a three-course meal, and audience members get to sleuth and interview suspects, working in teams. The Murder Mystery Company will also come to you for a private "crime and cocktails" event, for a price.

'Murder at the Roadside Diner'

Four shows, 7 p.m. Thursdays August 15 or 22, $55; 6 p.m. Sundays August 18 and 25, $65

Shorty's Neighborhood Eatery, 3701 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker. www.tuckertheatre.com/mmd.html

Tucker's own Main Street Theatre moves into the Shorty's Neighborhood Eatery for four nights only. The three-course meal is diner fare and the show combines comedy and suspense. No door sales, so get your tickets early and line up a babysitter.

The Dinner Detective

Saturday nights, tickets start at $63 with cash bar

6345 Powers Ferry Road, Atlanta. 866-496-0535, atl.info@thedinnerdetective.com

These folks brag on being the largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show, but don't worry: Everyone gets to play at least a bit part. The show's geared towards adults, but kids 15-plus can come on their own. Three-course plated dinner arrives as you're solving the crime, with the traditional "the killer is in the audience with you" motif.