On August 10, 2019, I attended the Murder as You Like it conference in Mechanicsburg, PA, sponsored by the Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop. I last went three years ago and it was even better this time! Deb Beamer is a delightful bookseller. She and her staff do an extraordinary amount of work to put on this one-day event.
I sat on a panel entitled “There’s Something for Everyone” in which we discussed the wide variety of sub-genres in mystery. Moderator Robert Walton writes thrillers, Sheryl C.D. Ickes writes cozies (and has an interesting background as a truck driver!), while Rich Kisielewski authors hard-boiled novels and of course yours truly writes historical mysteries.
After lunch I participated in “Read Dating,” a version of speed dating in which authors went from table to table of attendees and discussed their books.
While at the conference, I browsed the bookstore and found this utter gem, entitled WRITERS GONE WILD. The author, Bill Peschel, was the toastmaster for the day’s events. The book takes an irreverent trip through the lives of some famous authors—Edgar Allan Poe, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Mark Twain, and Voltaire, to name a few—and describes some of their wackiest deeds. They were usually fueled by anger, jealousy (personal or professional), liquor, or a misguided need for revenge.
It’s a fun, light read and I highly recommend it.
I also met historical novelist Greer McAllister, who was totally delightful. She has three books out, GIRL IN DISGUISE, about the first female Pinkerton agent; WOMAN 99, a historical novel about a group of women in an insane asylum—which Greer insists is *not* a depressing read; and THE MAGICIAN’S LIE, the story of a turn-of-the-20th-century female illusionist who solves a crime. I could hardly decide among the three titles because they also sounded so fascinating, but I finally settled on THE MAGICIAN’S LIE, which is Greer’s first book. I can’t wait to dig into this one.
My thanks to readers who came out to meet me. Can’t wait to see you again at a future event!
Conference Highlights
Here are all of the authors who participated in the full day of panels, signings, and “read dating.”
Here I am with the ever-delightful Deb Beamer. Her bookstore is a staunch supporter of my books and I am so grateful to her for it.
With author Nancy Hughes, who is the nicest lady ever.
Hard at work during “read dating,” handing out chapter booklets to entice readers to learn more about Violet and Florence!
Enjoying my panel time with Robert, Sheryl, and Rich, while toastmaster Bill Peschel makes announcements.
I enjoyed getting to know (l-r) Rich Kisielewski, Sheryl C.D. Ickes, and Robert Walton.