Does anybody know why all new book releases in the mystery genre happen in February and August? It’s clear why most important episodes in a TV show air in February. But what is it with books? It’s so annoying to have nothing to read all year and then to get inundated with half a dozen 400-page mysteries in one week.

P.S. The ones I read are not really mysteries. It’s the police procedural genre.

6 responses to “The Mystery of Mysteries”

  1. David Bellamy Avatar
    David Bellamy

    It’s clear why most important episodes in a TV show air in February.

    Why is that clear?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Clarissa Avatar

      That’s when the networks make decisions as to which shows will be renewed. So each show does its best to get the highest ratings in February. There is a term for this that I can’t remember right now.

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    2. Shakti Avatar
      Shakti

      Sweeps are during February.

      Based on the viewing habits then, that’s how ad rates are set by Nielsen for various networks and shows.

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      1. Clarissa Avatar

        Exactly, that’s the term. Thank you. I hate it when a word escapes me.

        It is weird, though, that book publishing is following the same schedule. I’m sure there is a reason. Something to do with tax seasons?

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  2. xykademiqz Avatar

    February — peak cabin fever?

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  3. cliff arroyo Avatar

    If February is peak cabin fever… then maybe August peak beach time?

    January and July would make a little more sense but… who knows?

    It also might be some scheduling thing inherited from long ago that just became tradition…

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