I recently had the pleasure of attending Malice Domestic, a mystery fan convention held yearly in Bethesda, Maryland. It was my sixth year in a row to attend Malice, and I love it more each year.
The convention brings together both readers and authors of traditional mystery fiction, and each year they present fan-voted Agatha awards in various categories. (Yes, named for Agatha Christie.)
For readers, it’s a great opportunity to meet their favorite authors in a personal way—at panels, at meals, at special events, and even casually in hallways.
For authors, it is a truly fun way to interact with current fans and potential readers. We also get to meet one another. After all, mystery authors are also fans! There are many authors whom I see just once a year at this particular convention.
Speaking of which, I was happy to spend time this year with Anna Lee Huber, Clara McKenna, and Victoria Thompson at this year’s conference. Pictured left to right: Anna Lee Huber, Clara McKenna, Victoria Thompson, and me.
Anna Lee Huber is my fellow anthologist for THE DEADLY HOURS, coming your way in late 2020. Anna is quite prolific and has several series she works on simultaneously (Lady Darby, Verity Kent, and Gothic Myths). My favorite, though, is her Lady Darby series. To me, Anna really evokes the atmosphere of 1830’s Scotland, and I really love the relationship between Lady Darby and Sebastian Gage. The latest book in this series, AN ARTLESS DEMISE, just released in April, and features a knotty mystery blended with the very real history of body-snatching. Check it out! http://www.annaleehuber.com
Clara McKenna is one of the sweetest authors you would ever want to meet. I managed to snag a copy of her debut novel, MURDER AT MORRINGTON HALL. Totally love this cover! The premise is intriguing: “Set in 1905 in Hampshire, England, McKenna’s delightful debut and series launch introduces feisty American heiress and horse breeder Stella Kendrick and Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst.” I can’t wait to read it. See more about Clara here: http://www.claramckenna.com
I’ve gotten to know Victoria Thompson primarily because we tend to end up sitting next to each other at book signings! (Thompson, Trent…) By happy coincidence, we both write in the Victorian era, although her Gaslight Mysteries are set in New York City and take place in various well-known city spots of the late 19th century. Her latest entry, MURDER ON TRINITY PLACE, released a few weeks ago. The series has more than 20 books in it, so binge away! Vicky has also written quite a few historical romances. Learn more about Victoria here: http://www.victoriathompson.com
I hope you find a new author to love among these three.
I also encourage you to attend a mystery fan conference if you have never done so. There are several across the country, so perhaps there is one near you! Here are a few of the more well-known ones:
Malice Domestic, held yearly the first weekend in May in Bethesda, Maryland. I’ve been a guest auctioneer for their charity auction the past few years. Loads of fun—maybe I’ll see you there next year?
Bouchercon has a different theme each year and rotates around the country. 2019 in Dallas, 2020 in Sacramento. Plans are underway for 2021 in New Orleans and 2022 in Minneapolis.
Left Coast Crime, occurs in early spring and rotates around the west coast each year. For 2020, the conference will be in San Diego.
I also want to mention to you that I will be appearing at the one-day Murder As You Like It Mystery Conference in Mechanicsburg, PA, this August. There will be various panels and a book signing in an intimate environment. It’s a great way to get to know some new authors while also reconnecting with your favorites.
Murder As You Like It Mystery Conference
Sponsored by the Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop
Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church (about 10 minutes from the book store)
5000 Simpson Ferry Road, Mechanicsburg, PA
My panel: “There’s a Mystery for Everyone”