Description
Katherine Beeson
95 minute mystery comedy in two acts
4 men, 5 women, 1 either
Is Murder Tax Deductible? is a lively mystery set in a Milwaukee accounting office during the high-stakes tax season of 1951, where spreadsheets meet shady secrets. When a late-night meeting ends in murder, one partner turns up very, very dead… except it’s the wrong partner.
As the investigation begins, nothing in the office is as simple as it seems. The supposedly “dead” accountant is very much alive and decides to stay that way for a while, teaming up with his sharp‑witted secretary to uncover the truth while dodging suspicion, suspicious clients, and a killer who may still be lurking. Enter a no-nonsense detective and a colorful cast of suspects: a calculating ex-wife, a smooth-talking “businessman” with a questionable side hustle, a nervous client with secrets of his own, and a landlord who’s hiding more than poor fashion choices.
With clever dialogue, unexpected twists, and secrets layered on secrets, every character has something to hide—and something to gain. The mystery unfolds with sharp humor and mounting suspense. The result is an engaging, laugh-filled whodunit with a touch of romance that keeps audiences guessing right up to the final reveal.
Inspiration
This play was inspired by the playwright’s close friend who happens to be a CPA and admits to getting a little crabby during tax season. At first, Katherine planned to write about an accountant who learns to mend his ways—but that seemed far less entertaining than having an accountant meet an untimely end (strictly on stage, of course). The result is a mystery that turns tax season into a whirlwind of secrets, surprises, and humor. While their friend may secretly enjoy the connection, he’d like to remind everyone: murder is definitely not tax-deductible.
About the Playwright:
Katherine is a freelance journalist, columnist, and occasional pub-crawl narrator. Her love of theatre began on stage and grew through years of directing, eventually inspiring her to write plays of her own. She enjoys crafting stories that mix humor, intrigue, and memorable characters. When she’s not writing, she’s cheering for her favorite football team and proudly sporting her Cheesehead spirit.
