Mystery book swap - a women only gathering

Mystery Book Swap — An Intimate gathering for women who love books

Come with a book you've read and leave with one you haven't.

A cozy, curated Mystery Book Swap for women who love books, thoughtful conversation and slow, meaningful gatherings. This will be a small group of maximum 8 women — designed to feel warm, intimate and relaxed rather than like a large social event.

Each person will bring along one pre-loved fiction book that meant something to them — a story you loved, a character you couldn’t stop thinking about, or a book that stayed with you long after you finished it.

Before coming, you only need to wrap your book in any wrapping of your choice. We’ll provide everything else. During the gathering, we’ll write clues together for others to guess from — themes, characters, feelings or tiny hints without giving the title away.

Event details :
Date: Saturday, 1st August 2026
Time: 4–6pm
Place: Art Werkx (River Valley, opposite UE Square & Fort Canning MRT)
Cost: $5 early bird until 14th July, $10 after.
Includes one drink of your choice from the menu
Drinks menu here

What to expect:

• Arrive, order a drink, settle in and get to know the other women at the gathering
• Fill in the prompt sticker provided with a few mystery clues about your book, then stick it onto your wrapped book before adding it to the mystery pile
• Browse the mystery book pile one at a time and choose a book that stands out to you
• Read the clues together and try to guess the books, authors or storylines
• Unwrap the books together
• Use a few thoughtful prompts to guide conversation around the books we chose and why we loved them
• Take your swapped book home to read and enjoy!

Designed for women who simply love stories and connecting over them in a warm, low-pressure setting.

Things to note :

• Payment : Please register via Meetup and then pay via Paynow to 9764 5700 with your name as a reference to confirm your spot.
• Kindly arrive on time so we can all begin the activity together
• Please ensure the book you bring is in good, readable condition (no stains, dog ears, water damage or missing pages)
• Full refunds will be provided for cancellations up to 24 hours before the gathering. Unfortunately, refunds cannot be provided for cancellations made within 24 hours of the event, as the venue booking and event costs would already have been confirmed
• Event photos may be taken during the gathering for social media sharing. We’ll always be happy to tag you if you’d like

Q & A

Q: Why is there a ticket fee for the gathering?

A: The Rewilding is completely not-for-profit, but we do charge a small fee to help cover venue hire, materials, gifts, stationery, booking fees and the other costs involved in organizing and hosting the gathering. We genuinely try to make the gatherings as value-for-money as possible by including what we can within the ticket price while still keeping the experience warm, thoughtful and intimate for everyone attending.

Q: What kind of book should I bring?

A: A pre-loved (second-hand) fiction book that meant something to you — something memorable, thought-provoking, comforting, beautifully written or impossible to stop thinking about. Please bring books that are in good, readable condition and avoid damaged books.

Q: Can I bring more than one book?

A: For this gathering, we'll be doing one book per person so that everyone leaves with one swapped book. You're welcome to bring more, but expect to leave with just one book.

Q: Can I bring non-fiction?

A: For this gathering, we're keeping it to fiction only so that everyone has a similar experience while guessing and discussing the books.

Q: Do I need to wrap the book before coming?

A: Yes — please come with your book already wrapped in any wrapping of your choice. Brown paper, newspaper, fabric, gift wrap — anything is welcome.

Q: What kind of clues should I write?

A: During the gathering, you'll fill in a small prompt sticker with clues about your book. Think feelings, themes, character types, moods or tiny hints — without giving the title away. We'll be there to guide you if you get stuck!

Q: What are the prompts so I can prepare in advance?

A: There's absolutely no need to prepare in advance, but if you'd feel more comfortable doing so, here are a few things you can think about:
— What did you love most about this book?
— Which character, relationship or moment in the book felt the most real to you, and why?
— What should the person receiving this book expect to feel after reading it?

Q: What if I don't like the book I receive?

A:That's part of the mystery! The idea is to discover something you may not have picked up yourself. You might leave with a new favourite author, genre or perspective. But if you really don't like your book, not to worry, we'll have a few extras, wrapped and ready for you to choose from again.

Q: What does the ticket include?

A: Your ticket includes one drink of your choice from the menu

Q: Will there be food?

A: Food is not included in the ticket price, but you're welcome to purchase your own food from the cafe.

Q: How do I get there?

A: The gathering will be held at Art Werkx, located at 232 River Valley Road, Singapore 238290.
It's around a 5-minute walk from Fort Canning MRT (Downtown Line).
If coming by MRT:
— Exit from Fort Canning MRT
— Walk along River Valley Road towards UE Square
— Art Werkx is located directly opposite UE Square along the main road
If taking a Grab or taxi:
— Search "Art Werkx" or "232 River Valley Road"

Q: Who can I contact if I'm lost or running late?

A: A contact number will be shared with attendees before the gathering day.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

A: Full refunds will be provided for cancellations made up to 24 hours before the gathering.
Unfortunately, refunds cannot be provided for cancellations made within 24 hours of the event, as venue bookings and event costs would already have been confirmed.

Q: What if I don't know anyone?

A: Most people probably won't know anyone else either. The gathering is intentionally designed to feel small, warm and low-pressure, with prompts and activities to help conversation flow naturally. We'll make sure everyone feels included and part of the discussion.

Q: Do I have to speak or share?

A: idea is for us to share our love of books, so being open to sharing would be wonderful. But you're also welcome to participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

Q: I've never been to a book club before. Is that okay?

A: Absolutely. This isn't a traditional book club and there's no required reading. The gathering is designed to be relaxed, welcoming and accessible whether you're an avid reader or simply someone who loves a good story.