Mystery film is a sub-genre of the more general category of crime film and at times the thriller genre. It focuses on the efforts of the detective, private investigator or amateur sleuth to solve the mysterious circumstances of a crime by means of clues, investigation, and clever deduction. The plot often centers on the deductive ability, prowess, confidence, or diligence of the detective as they attempt to unravel the crime or situation by piecing together clues and circumstances, seeking evidence, interrogating witnesses, and tracking down a criminal. This genre has ranged from early mystery tales, fictional or literary detective stories, to classic Hitchcockian suspense-thrillers to classic private detective films. A related film sub-genre is spy films.

Mystery films mainly focus with solving a crime or a puzzle. The mystery generally revolves around a murder which must then be solved by policemen, private detectives, or amateur sleuths. The viewer is presented with a series of likely suspects, some of who are "red herrings," - persons with motive to commit the crime who didn't actually do it - and attempts to solve the puzzle along with the investigator. At times the viewer is presented with information not available to the main character. Intensity, anxiety, and suspense build to an exciting climax, often with the detective (or protagonist) using his fists or gun to solve the crime. The central character usually explores the unsolved crime, unmasks the perpetrator, and puts an end to the effects of the villainy.

Jeff Ray is the head men and women's golf coach, life skills coordinator, and former head basketball coach at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. On January 8, 2002, he was named the school's Director of Athletics. He took over the reins of the men's basketball program a year and a half later and became the head golf coach in 2006. Ray has now been a part of the MSU athletics family as a player, coach, or administrator for 19 of the past 23 years.

Ray earned all-state accolades as a prep senior at Archer City High School, located just south of Wichita Falls. Ray helped the Wildcats win 44 consecutive district games while playing for his father, Bobby.

Ray started his college basketball career at Midland Junior College and Cooke County Community College, but transferred to MSU in 1982 to play for NAIA Hall of Fame coach Dr. Gerald Stockton. During his senior season, Ray helped the Indians post a 25-16 mark and make an appearance in the 1984 NAIA National Tournament.

Following his senior year, Ray stayed at MSU for two more seasons to serve as a graduate assistant under women’s basketball coach Kim Griffee.