KEY WEST, Florida Keys (February 28, 2012) — No sleuthing skills are needed to understand why missing the inaugural Key West Mystery Fest, set for May 4-13, would be a “crime.” Scheduled attractions include a world-premiere play, interactive puzzlers for amateur detectives, a chance to meet the creator and writer/producer of television’s “Monk,” mystery films, presentations by leading mystery authors and more.

The suspenseful centerpiece of the 10-day festival is the world premiere of the mystery play “Home Exchange” at the Waterfront Playhouse adjacent to Mallory Square.

The play is written by Hy Conrad, writer/producer of “Monk” and “White Collar” as well as a mystery author and Key West resident. It explores what happens when a couple that swaps houses with another pair becomes convinced they’ve stumbled on a murder plot.

Scheduled at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 5, the premiere is followed by a party in the Key West Historic Sculpture Garden beside the playhouse. Home Exchange is to run throughout the festival and afterwards through May 26.

Mystery buffs also can get a clue at the “Crime Scene Photographer” interactive solve-it-yourself puzzler set for 7 p.m. Friday, May 4, at Key West’s Casa Antigua, 314 Simonton St.; and a three-stage progressive dinner May 6 in Truman Annex, complete with a dastardly murder to solve.

Conrad and “Monk” creator Andy Breckman are to host “Monk Night” at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at Key West’s Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. They will explain how the Emmy Award-winning show was created, written and produced, and screen favorite episodes.

The next night, Conrad is to join noted mystery writers Stuart Woods, Kate Collins, Mike Dennis, Jonathan Woods and Michael Haskins for a book signing and panel discussion exploring the secrets to success in the genre.

At 8 p.m. Saturday, May 12, a special “Home Exchange” performance and talkback are to be staged at the Waterfront Playhouse. Through insights from Conrad and the play’s cast and crew, attendees can solve the mysteries surrounding the intriguing production.

Aspiring sleuths also can enjoy meet-and-greet receptions, a backstage tour of Waterfront Playhouse’s “Home Exchange” set with Conrad and the director and set designer, a classic mystery movie night and a final brunch Sunday, May 13, at the Westin Key West Resort & Marina, 245 Front St.

Event information, registration and costs: www.keywestmysteryfest.com

Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest

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Andy Newman/Carol Shaughnessy