The “One-Sitting” Challenge: Can You Solve This Mystery Before Your Coffee Gets Cold?
Here's a thought: The average Australian spends 47 minutes on their morning coffee routine: brewing, sipping, scrolling. What if, instead of mindlessly thumbing through social media, you could solve a complete murder mystery in that exact same window?
Welcome to the One-Sitting Challenge, where your coffee cup becomes your countdown timer and finishing a book becomes the most satisfying flex of your day.
What Exactly Is the One-Sitting Challenge?
It's simple. You pick up a short mystery book under 100 pages, pour yourself your favorite brew, and race against the clock (or the cooling coffee) to crack the case before your mug goes cold.
No bookmarks. No "I'll finish it next week." Just pure, uninterrupted momentum from the first page to the last twist.
Think of it as the reading world's answer to a Netflix binge: except you actually finish something, feel accomplished, and don't have to explain why you stayed up until 3 a.m.
Why the One-Sitting Read Is the Ultimate Flex
You might think finishing a 500-page thriller is impressive. And sure, it is: if you have a spare week and the memory of an elephant to keep track of 47 characters and 12 subplots.
But here's the real surprise: The one-sitting read is a different kind of achievement. It's about intensity, focus, and that rare feeling of actually completing something in a world full of half-watched shows and abandoned to-do lists.
Here's what makes it special:
- No plot amnesia: You won't forget who did what because you read Chapter 3 two weeks ago.
- Momentum builds tension: Every page turn amps up the suspense without giving you time to overthink.
- Instant gratification: You start a story and finish it in the same sitting. That dopamine hit? Chef's kiss.
- Zero commitment anxiety: No wondering if you'll ever finish. You know you will: before your coffee gets cold.
The one-sitting mystery is the literary equivalent of a perfectly crafted espresso shot: concentrated, intense, and over before you can second-guess it.
The Coffee-Break Math: How It All Adds Up
Let's break down the numbers, because they're surprisingly perfect.
The average person reads about 200–250 words per minute. A typical easy read mystery book in the 80–100 page range clocks in at around 20,000–25,000 words.
Do the math:
- 25,000 words ÷ 250 words/min = 100 minutes
- Factor in those moments where you pause to gasp at a plot twist or re-read a clue = 45–60 minutes of focused reading
That's the exact length of:
- Your morning coffee ritual
- A lunch break
- A train commute
- The time between putting the kids to bed and collapsing yourself
The magic? These books are designed to fit these pockets of time. They don't demand a weekend. They demand a coffee break.
The Rules of the One-Sitting Challenge
Ready to test yourself? Here's how to play:
Step 1: Grab Your Favorite Brew
Whether it's a latte, flat white, long black, or herbal tea (we don't judge), pour something warm and settle in. Bonus points if you add a croissant or biscuit to the mix.
Step 2: Pick Your Mystery
Choose a short read that fits the challenge criteria:
- Under 100 pages
- Fast-paced with minimal filler
- A complete, satisfying story arc
(More on the best picks below.)
Step 3: Set Your Timer (or Just Watch the Steam)
You can go official with a timer, or simply challenge yourself to finish before your coffee goes cold. There's something poetic about racing against a cooling mug.
Step 4: No Distractions Allowed
Put your phone on silent. Close the laptop. Tell the cat you'll be unavailable for the next hour. This is you vs. the mystery.
Step 5: Solve the Crime
Read straight through. Let the clues stack up. Make your guesses. And when that final reveal hits? Savor it like the last sip of a perfectly brewed cup.
Your Challenge-Ready Reading List
Not all mysteries are created equal when it comes to the One-Sitting Challenge. You need stories that hit the ground running and never let up.
Here are the top picks from the C.T. Mitchell collection that are practically built for this challenge:
Detective Jack Creed Series
These are the gold standard for coffee-break crime fiction. Each novella is:
- 70–90 pages of tightly wound suspense
- One crime, one detective, one sitting
- Zero filler, all thriller
Start with:
- Dead Shot: A sniper case that escalates fast
- Dead Ringer: Identity theft meets murder
- Dead Wrong: When the obvious suspect isn't so obvious
The entire Jack Creed box set is challenge-approved, meaning you can binge solve seven mysteries in a single weekend (if your coffee supply holds up).
Selena Sharma Series
If you prefer your mysteries with a side of intelligence agency intrigue, Selena Sharma delivers. These novellas blend:
- Sharp detective work
- International stakes
- Lightning-fast pacing
Perfect for readers who want that "just one more chapter" feeling: except you finish the whole book instead.
Miss Coco Cozy Mysteries
Prefer your murders with a side of charm and a Burmese cat sidekick? The Miss Coco series brings cozy mystery vibes without sacrificing speed. These are ideal for:
- A Sunday morning coffee ritual
- Readers who love amateur sleuths
- Anyone who thinks cats make everything better
Why This Challenge Actually Matters
You might think this is just a gimmick. A fun little reading game. But here's what's really happening:
You're rebuilding your reading confidence.
According to the Australia Reads report, 54.9% of readers wish they read more, but they struggle with barriers like time, focus, and motivation. The One-Sitting Challenge removes all three:
- Time: You only need an hour
- Focus: The format demands momentum
- Motivation: The finish line is visible from page one
Every mystery you solve in a single sitting is proof that you can finish books. That you do have time. That reading isn't some luxury reserved for people with endless free time: it's something you can fit into your everyday life.
And once you've nailed one? You'll want to go for two. Then five. Then the entire Jack Creed series.
Ready to Accept the Challenge?
Here's your mission: Pick up a short mystery, brew your favorite coffee, and see if you can crack the case before the mug goes cold.
Start with a C.T. Mitchell novella: they're designed for exactly this kind of reading experience. Fast, focused, and deeply satisfying.
And when you finish? You'll have that rare, beautiful feeling of actually completing something. No guilt. No "I'll get back to it." Just you, a solved mystery, and an empty coffee cup.
Challenge accepted? Head to The Short Reads bookstore and pick your first case. Your coffee's getting cold.
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