13 Ways to Celebrate National Mystery Month
Every May, mystery lovers have the perfect excuse to indulge in their favorite whodunits: National Mystery Month. Established by the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, this month-long celebration shines a spotlight on one of the most beloved genres in books, television, and film. From classic detectives to modern amateur sleuths, mysteries invite us to puzzle through clues, savor charming settings, and enjoy the thrill of a well-earned reveal.
For fans of cozy mysteries—where the crimes are clever, the settings are comforting, and justice always prevails—National Mystery Month is the ultimate time to lean into the genre.
Here are 13 delightful ways to celebrate and make the most of this mystery-filled month.
1. Read a Classic Cozy Mystery
Revisit the timeless charm of authors like Agatha Christie or dive into The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun. Classic cozies are the perfect way to honor the roots of the genre.
2. Start a New Cozy Mystery Series
There’s nothing quite like discovering a new fictional town filled with quirky suspects. Try a long-running favorite like the Bakeshop Mysteries by Ellie Alexander—perfect for binge-reading all month long.
3. Watch a Cozy Mystery Marathon
Settle in with beloved shows like Murder, She Wrote starring Angela Lansbury or the charming British favorite Midsomer Murders. Bonus points for themed snacks!
4. Visit Your Local Bookstore
Support indie bookstores or browse your local library for hidden gems. You might even discover a new favorite author or a cozy mystery you’ve never heard of before.
5. Host a Mystery-Themed Book Club
Gather fellow fans to discuss a cozy mystery pick. Choose a book with plenty of suspects and twists, and encourage everyone to guess the culprit before the final chapter.
Need some inspiration? Check out our CozyCrimes Book Club page!
6. Try a Cozy Mystery Audiobook
Take your sleuthing on the go with an audiobook. Listening to a well-narrated mystery can make your daily routine feel like a thrilling investigation.
7. Bake a Recipe Inspired by a Cozy Mystery
Many cozy mysteries feature mouthwatering recipes. Whip up a treat inspired by Hannah Swensen Mysteries or your favorite culinary cozy series.
8. Write Your Own Mini Mystery
Channel your inner detective writer and craft a short cozy mystery. Create a small-town setting, a quirky sleuth, and a puzzling crime—then see if your friends can solve it.
9. Attend a Mystery Event or Festival
Check for local or virtual mystery conventions, author talks, or themed events. These gatherings are a fantastic way to connect with fellow fans.
10. Rewatch a Favorite Detective
Spend time with iconic sleuths like Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot. Their clever deductions never get old.
11. Explore Cozy Mystery Blogs and Communities
Dive into online communities (like your very own Cozy Crimes!) to discover recommendations, reviews, and discussions with like-minded fans.
12. Create a Cozy Mystery Reading Nook
Set the scene with soft lighting, a comfy chair, and a warm drink. A cozy atmosphere makes every mystery feel even more immersive.
13. Share Your Love of Mysteries
Recommend your favorite books, shows, or movies on social media or to friends. National Mystery Month is the perfect time to spread the joy of the genre.
Celebrate the Cozy Way
National Mystery Month is more than just a celebration—it’s an invitation to slow down, savor a good puzzle, and immerse yourself in the comforting world of cozy mysteries. Whether you’re revisiting classics, discovering new series, or baking your way through a culinary cozy, there’s no wrong way to celebrate. So grab your favorite sleuth, settle into your coziest chair, and let the mysteries unfold.