What is National Mystery Month?
National Mystery Month:
A Celebration of Intrigue, Whodunits, and the Joy of Solving Mysteries
May is National Mystery Month, and for fans of whodunits, sleuthing, and page-turning suspense, it's the perfect time to dive into the world of mystery fiction, TV, films, games, and more. Whether you're a lifelong armchair detective or just dipping your toes into the genre, National Mystery Month offers a golden opportunity to celebrate everything mysterious.
In this post, we’ll explore what National Mystery Month is, how it began, why it matters, and how you can celebrate it—especially if you’re a fan of cozy mysteries. From book recommendations and themed events to trivia and fun ways to engage your inner detective, here’s your ultimate guide to enjoying this mysterious month to the fullest.
What Is National Mystery Month?
National Mystery Month is an annual celebration held in May, dedicated to the mystery genre in all its forms—books, television, film, games, podcasts, and more. It’s a time to honor the writers, readers, and creators who bring suspense, clever puzzles, and unforgettable characters into our lives.
The month is spearheaded by Mystery Writers of America (MWA), a leading organization that supports mystery and crime writers. The MWA established National Mystery Month to coincide with the Edgar Awards, which take place annually in late April or early May. These awards honor excellence in mystery writing and are named after Edgar Allan Poe, often considered the godfather of modern mystery fiction.
Why Celebrate Mystery?
Mystery fiction is one of the most enduring and beloved genres in the literary world. It taps into a universal human curiosity: the desire to uncover secrets, solve puzzles, and seek justice.
Here are just a few reasons why readers and viewers love mysteries:
They challenge the mind. Mysteries encourage readers to look for clues, solve riddles, and think critically.
They’re emotionally satisfying. There’s something deeply rewarding about a good mystery—especially when the culprit is caught, justice is served, or a clever twist leaves us amazed.
They provide escapism. Whether set in a sleepy village or a bustling city, mysteries transport us to intriguing places full of secrets and surprises.
They come in many flavors. From dark and gritty crime dramas to light-hearted cozy mysteries, there’s a subgenre for every taste.
Cozy Mysteries and National Mystery Month
For fans of cozy mysteries, National Mystery Month is the perfect excuse to revisit your favorite amateur sleuths, small-town settings, quirky side characters, and clean-but-clever crimes. Cozy mysteries offer all the satisfaction of a good whodunit without the gore, profanity, or disturbing content found in some darker genres.
What Makes a Mystery "Cozy"?
Cozy mysteries typically include:
A non-professional detective (think librarians, bakers, bookshop owners)
A charming, usually small-town setting
A murder or crime that occurs "off-page" with minimal violence
A sense of community and recurring characters
A strong focus on the puzzle and character development
10 Fun Ways to Celebrate National Mystery Month
Whether you’re an avid mystery lover or just getting started, here are ten engaging ways to celebrate:
1. Read a New Mystery Book Each Week
Make a goal to read at least one new mystery novel each week in May. Consider themes like classic mysteries, modern thrillers, or international crime fiction. Don’t forget to include a cozy mystery or two!
2. Host a Cozy Mystery Book Club
Gather your friends—virtually or in person—and host a book club dedicated to a cozy mystery series. Bake themed treats, dress up as characters, or even try solving the mystery together before the end.
3. Watch Mystery Movies or Shows
Plan a weekly mystery night. Great options include Murder, She Wrote, Only Murders in the Building, Psych, or Hallmark’s Hailey Dean Mysteries. Bonus points for watching a movie adaptation of a book you’ve read!
4. Explore Classic Mystery Authors
Take time to explore iconic authors like Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Raymond Chandler, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Their influence on modern mysteries is unmatched.
5. Try a Mystery Puzzle or Game
From board games like Clue to interactive murder mystery boxes, there are tons of games that let you play detective. You can even try a cozy-themed mystery puzzle for a more relaxing challenge.
6. Write Your Own Mini Mystery
Channel your inner Agatha Christie and write a short mystery story. Consider setting it in your favorite cozy mystery environment—a bakery, a bookshop, or a knitting club, perhaps?
7. Visit a Local Bookstore or Library
Many bookstores and libraries create special displays for National Mystery Month. Take time to browse and discover new authors. Ask your local librarian for recommendations in the cozy category.
8. Attend a Virtual Mystery Event
Authors, publishers, and book influencers often host online panels, Q&As, or live readings during May. Follow mystery writers on social media and sign up for virtual events to connect with the community.
9. Share the Love Online
Use hashtags like #NationalMysteryMonth, #CozyMystery, and #MysteryBookLovers to share your reads, reviews, and thoughts throughout the month. You might discover a whole world of fellow mystery fans.
10. Support Indie Mystery Authors
Look for self-published or independently published authors who write cozy mysteries. Many offer ebooks or print copies directly through their websites or on platforms like Etsy.
Mystery Month Is More Than Entertainment—It’s Community
One of the most powerful aspects of National Mystery Month is the community it brings together. Fans of mysteries often find comfort, camaraderie, and creativity in the genre. Whether you're swapping book recs in a Facebook group, attending a mystery-themed convention, or just cozying up with a good novel, you're part of a global tradition of storytelling that values intellect, justice, and curiosity.
And for writers—especially cozy mystery authors—this month is a wonderful time to engage with readers, share your work, and inspire the next generation of sleuths and storytellers.
Final Thoughts
National Mystery Month is a wonderful reminder of how powerful and enduring the mystery genre really is. From hard-boiled detectives to tea-sipping sleuths, mystery stories connect us to something timeless—our desire to solve the unknown, right wrongs, and bring hidden truths to light.
So this May, dive deep into a great story, host a mystery-themed gathering, or pick up a magnifying glass (real or metaphorical) and celebrate all the mystery the world has to offer.
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