I often ponder the question, “Why are we drawn to the mysterious?” From zombies to Agatha Christie, we are sucked in like moths to flame by the unknown. As part of my work, I run Mystery & Adventure Agency and have narrated many mystery novels, so I get a little glimpse into this genre and why it appeals to us so strongly.
What makes mysteries so fun and exciting?
There is something wonderful and joyous about the opportunity to safely “let go,” whether that means portraying something or someone scary or allowing oneself the latitude of being deliciously, shriekingly frightened. The loss of a job is terrifying in its own right, but the night before a new job is absolutely stomach-wrenching, but in some way exhilarating. 
A new language, a new skill, moving—anything that takes us out of our familiar element creates a state of fear and even dread. But we are creatures of curiosity (YAY), and if we believe the event will turn out okay, the fear has a hint of thrill and leaves a taste of excitement on the tongue, becoming an adventure.
How do we get the same thrill from a mystery?
A haunted tour, or a mystery dinner unfolding with ourselves included, pulls us, draws us into the darkness of unfamiliarity, not knowing what will come next … AND it includes some of our most terrifying concepts—being stalked by someone with murderous intent! All in fun, of course, and the knowledge that we can let go and allow ourselves to be vulnerable and startled rather than wary makes the whole thing even more exciting.
On that note, go out and get scared or host a mystery dinner of your own (shameless plug here: Mysteries at Home Youtube promo!) or go on a Haunted Tour, or join in on the safe scaring and help create a mystery/haunted tour in your community.
