By LAURA DANIEL
Tiger Media Network
Mystery lovers looking for a welcoming space to discuss their favorite reads can find a home in the Cozy Mystery Book Club. Organized by Hays Public Library Communications Coordinator Callie Kolacny, the group gathers readers who share a passion for the cozy mystery genre and meets each month to discuss a selected title.
The Cozy Mystery Book Club meets in the Kansas Room at the Hays Public Library at 6:30 on Wednesdays. The next meeting is this week.
Kolacny described the club as a place for fans of the genre to connect and engage in thoughtful conversations.
“The Cozy Mystery Book Club is a group of readers who love the genre and enjoy coming together to discuss a book each month,” she said.
Unlike traditional mysteries that may focus on graphic crime scenes or intense suspense, cozy mysteries emphasize a lighter approach. Kolacny explained that these stories typically feature amateur sleuths, with major events like murders occurring offstage.
“Cozy mysteries tend to feature an amateur sleuth, the murders happen behind the scenes, and so do any steamy scenes,” she said.
The club’s reading selections range from stand-alone novels to the first installments of popular series, allowing members to explore both new authors and long-running storylines. This flexibility keeps discussions fresh and engaging for participants.
The Cozy Mystery Book Club has a long-standing history at HPL, making it a staple of the library’s programming.
“Cozy Mystery is the oldest book club at HPL. It has been offered for over 10 years,” Kolacny said.
Meetings take place at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, typically in the Kansas Room. New members are welcome at any time and can participate at their own comfort level.
“New members are welcome to just attend and listen or participate in the discussion about the book,” Kolacny said.
What sets the group apart, Kolacny added, is the depth of experience among its longtime participants. With some members attending for many years, discussions benefit from knowledgeable readers who truly enjoy the cozy mystery genre.
Kolacny encourages any mystery enthusiast to consider joining.
“If you enjoy cozy mysteries and want to get more from the books by discussing them with other fans of the genre, this club is for you,” she said.