Not about this conference! The Public Safety Writers Association (formerly known as Police Writers) just held their annual Vegas conference. PSWA has been around since 1997, bringing together those of us who write about cops and firemen, EMT’s and security guards, and everything in-between. We also have journalists who write for law enforcement magazines. Last year’s keynote was the Vegas coroner; this year it was Holocaust survivor Stephen Nassar. I networked with author Michael Mehas, who wrote the screenplay “Alpha Dogs.” He penned STOLEN BOY, a fictional account of the murder. I asked him and Dennis Griffin, who ghosted the autobiography of hitman Frank Cullotta (featured in ”Casino”) to speak in the Fresno area. Dennis asked if he could bring the hitman along. Oh sure, why not? My contribution to the conference was a presentation on sexy vintage book covers and the artists who put detective fiction on the map. We wound up the weekend signing at Cheesecake and Crime, a Henderson book store. For more info on the organization, check out www.policewriter.com

Although Dennis writes non-fiction books about Vegas, he told me Books In Motion has given him a contract for his sin-city trilogy: KILLER IN PAIR-A-DICE, ONE-ARMED BANDIT and VEGAS VIXEN. Gotta love the titles! Audio rights for his non-fiction books, THE BATTLE FOR LAS VEGAS and CULLOTTA, have been picked up by Huntington Press.   

While I was gone, my mailbox filled with lots of interesting tibits to share. Looks like Michael Connelly is bringing Lincoln lawyer Mickey Haller together with Harry Bosch for THE BRASS VERDICT. He’ll be taking the novel on the road in October. 

Jacqueline Seewald got the green-light from Five Star for her sequel to THE INFERNO COLLECTION. We’re going to see more of academic reference librarian Kim Reynolds and police detective Mike Gardner. Congrats, Jacqueline!   

One blog group is doing it right! Murderati has been nominated for an Anthony. Four of the members are in the Murder Circle: Naomi Hirahara (THE SNAKESKIN SHAMISEN), Pari Noskin Taichert (THE SOCORRO BLAST), Denise Dietz (CHAIN A LAMBCHOP TO A BED), and Simon Wood (PAYING THE PIPER) .  

I see Simon has a book coming out next month: WE ALL FALL DOWN. Looks like he’s putting his engineering experience into a good mystery. And Denise, writing as Mary Ellen Dennis, gives us THE LANDLORD’S BLACK-EYED DAUGHTER. Highway men, Newgate prison and past lives are all wrapped up in this 18th century tale.

Troy Cook (THE ONE MINUTE ASSASSIN) has an outrageously busy schedule, and now he’s going to be Toastmaster at Deadly Ink (June 20-22, NJ). Jane K. Cleland (ANTIQUES TO DIE FOR) is Guest of Honor. More Murder Circle folks are going to be there as well: Peggy Ehrhart (SWEET MAN IS GONE); M. E. Kemp (DEATH OF A DUTCH UNCLE); and Austin Camacho (THE ORION ASSIGNMENT).  

Any friend of Austin’s is, by default, a friend of mine. Diane Marquette writes the Chesapeake Conference Center mysteries (TOO CLOSE FOR WORDS). Having been on conference committees (including one for the 1998 Mideast Peace Talks), she knows behind the scenes stuff.  

And that’s how The Murder Circle works.

Elizabeth Zelvin picked tax day to launch DEATH WILL GET YOU SOBER. The NYC event fulfilled a life-long dream of publishing for the author. Kudos!  

DEATH WALKED IN like a lion this March in Carolyn Hart’s latest Death On Demand mystery. In their 18th adventure, the Darling couple, Annie and Max, are restoring an antebellum home. Missing gold coins and a murder are linked to the house. When Annie opens the door to the secret the Franklin house holds, Death walks in. 

I’m a big fan of Rick Riordan and his Tres Navarre series (BIG RED TEQUILA), but had no idea he’d started writing for middle-graders. PW wrote that he was in Bologna promoting The 39 Clues series, which is pulling in the $$$$. So good to see Rick take off in that sub-genre. Encouraging for the rest of us.  

Time to talk Agathas XX. I’m pleased to see Margaret Maron nominated in the Best Novel catagory for HARD ROW.  Donna Andrews is nominated in that catagory for THE PENGUIN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH as well as the short story catagory for A RAT’S TALE. Rhys Bowen repeats the double-header with HER ROYAL SPYNESS for Best Novel and PLEASE WATCH YOUR STEP for Best Short Story. Elizabeth Zelvin is on a roll with her short, DEATH WILL CLEAN YOUR CLOSET, making the list. Good friend Penny Warner is up for the non-fiction award for THE OFFICIAL NANCY DREW HANDBOOK.  And, I’m especially pleased to see my Idaho roomie Beth Groundwater nominated for Best First Novel with A REAL BASKET CASE.

Also around the corner is the Public Safety Writers Conference in Las Vegas April 24-27. This organization is celebrating its 14th year and continues to grow as the word gets out. Anyone in the public safety field or writers of law enforcement (fiction & non-fiction) is encouraged to join. I’ll be attending and can’t wait to see friends. Speakers include Mary Montague Sikes, author of PUBLISH! NOW $ELL IT! Friends have asked me to bring back signed copies of Dennis Griffin’s THE BATTLE FOR LAS VEGAS, the true-life tale of mobster Tony Spilotro. John Schembra will have copies of his book, RETRIBUTION, which has just been released in paperback. I’m also excited to see Oak Tree Press publisher Billy Johnson and freelancer Michelle Perin of The Writing Hand, LCC.  Houston PD officer and poet Sarah Cortez has been going full steam on her book, WINDOWS INTO MY WORLD: LATINO YOUTH WRITE ABOUT THEIR LIVES. I also love her book of poetry aptly titled HOW TO UNDRESS A COP.  

I’ll be there with close friend, Marilyn Meredith. Marilyn is the author of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series and the Rocky Bluff PD series. I’m giving a presentation on pulp fiction cover art. Afterwards, we’re all going to Henderson, NV, for a booksigning and to gamble our earnings away. What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas! I’ll report all about it in the next Murder Circle.     

So much to say about LCC, so little space. . . coming this weekend, authors hit the Rockies in full force. It’s going to be cold, not a problem for Donna Andrews, who is promoting THE PENGUIN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH. The novel is up for an Agatha at Malice this April.

Mario Acevedo won’t be hard to miss, he’ll be on the Prison Bus conducting a tour of Denver’s most notorious killing.  He’s also on panels “Dying is Easy, Comedy is Hard” and “The Private Eye in the 21st Century.” Totally apt, considering he writes a vampire series. The latest in saucy titles is THE UNDEAD KAMA SUTRA.

Speaking of saucy, Joanne Pence is channeling her catering heroine, Angie Amalfi,    as she acts as the convention’s celebrity chef.  She’s also on a panel titled “Walking the Mean Streets in High Heels.”

Margaret Coel is literally walking the mean streets of Denver as she leads everyone on a surveillance workshop. And Camille Minichino also goes “Down These Mean Streets,” as well. What mean streets are these folks talking about?

Denver’s got altitude, but the panels have attitude.  “I’m Cozy, You Got a Problem With That?” Uh, no. Denise Dietz, who kills food in her book titles, is on the panel, as well as Maggie Sefton (A KILLER STITCH). Deb Baker (MURDER TALKS TURKEY) supports the sub-genre with “Cozymania: Its cause and cure.”

“SinC: Kick-Ass Sisters on a Mission.” The K-A sisters are Carolyn Hart, Hailey Lind, Roberta Isleib, Nancy Pickard and Denise Dietz.

MWA offers “What’s Age Got to Do With It?” You can see Beth Groundwater (A REAL BASKET CASE) and Simon Wood (PAYING THE PIPER) on that panel. Beth also takes us “Beyond Agatha Christie,” and Simon talks up short stories in “Short and Deadly.” Oh, and did you know Beth’s book is up for an Agatha for Best First Novel?

Penny Warner (DEAD MAN’S HAND) wants to know ”Dude, Where’s the Body?” She’s referring to the next generation of mystery readers. Kris Neri, owner of Sedona’s Well Red Coyote book store and Penny Rudolph (LISTEN TO THE MOCKINGBIRD) go with “Post Modern Detectives.”

Fleur Bradley tells about ”Books That Keep You Turning the Pages Past Midnight,” and Troy Cook asks “How Real Is Real Enough?” Maybe you prefer “Over Medium: Soft-Boiled vs Hard-Boiled.” Inquiring minds of Carl Brookins and Jim Hayes want to know. Cara Black, on the other hand, addresses the battle of the sexes with ”He Writes/She Writes.”

Mike Sherer, Donna Andrews, Jane Cleland, Alexandra Sokoloff and Penny Warner tell us “Where Stories Come From.” Betty Webb (DESERT CUT) explains “How Mysteries Handle Touchy Issues,” and Jane Cleland cautions “Don’t Murder Your Mystery.”  “u r hawt: Internet on the WWW” is promoted by Linda Berry (DEATH AND THE EASTER BUNNY), while Julie Hyzy (STATE OF THE ONION) tells how to “Outline Your Novel in One Hour.”

Forensics continues to be strong at conferences. Cathy Pickens (HUSH MY MOUTH) delivers “Forensic: Objection! Law, fiction and the CSI effect.” And Jan Burke (KIDNAPPED) gives us “ABCs of Forensic Science.”  

That’s just the tip of the iceburg (or Pike’s Peak). Can’t wait to hear all the gossip after the conference!         

Like the first buds of spring, mystery cons pop up as soon as good weather comes. This weekend is Sleuthfest in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

Checking registration, I see Deb Baker is making the rounds (LIM, Magic City, soon to be at LCC) promoting her latest, DOLLY DEPARTED. It’s coming out on her birthday, March 11. Be sure and wish her a Happy Birthday.                   

“Looking forward to hanging with some of my homies too, Joanne Chando, Catherine Maiorisi. This will be my second S’fest…last year was a blast!!” reports Rosemary Harris (PUSHING UP DAISIES). Rosemary, please let us know about the fun in the sun and good times had by all. 

I’m glad newbie Salvatore Falco is on the registration list. I met him last year at Murder in the Grove, Boise. It was his first conference, and he traveled across country to get up close (and personal) with his favorite author, Robert Crais. I’m sure he’s excited to meet Lee Child.

I hope the Sleuthfesters take time to share a cup of java with Sandy Balzo, author of GROUNDS FOR MURDER. Or maybe Mai Tais with beach boys Don Bruns & Neil Plakcy. Bruns and his guitar are the unofficial entertainment at conferences, and sometimes he recruits back-up singers. Both authors are on island time–Bruns is promoting ST.BARTS SHAKEDOWN and Plakcy penned MAUI SURFER.   

Murder Circle regular M.E. Kemp (Marilyn to her friends) will be there promoting DEATH OF A DUTCH UNCLE. On-line acquaintances Jeremiah Healy (author of the John Francis Cuddy mysteries) and Chester Campbell from Nashville (THE MARATHON MURDERS) are also attending. 

Last word on Birmingham from Lonnie Cruse (57 HEAVEN): ” Murder in the Magic City and Murder On the Menu were great fun. I hope to hang out with Rosemary and the rest of the gang sometime soon!

Next week: colder weather at LCC Denver. You’ll see Deb Baker, Don Bruns, Rosemary Harris and Neil Plakcy braving the chill.

Whew! There’s barely enough time to put the word out that Pari Noskin Taichert is headed toward the Bay Area (that’s near San Francisco, folks) to promote her latest, SOCORRO BLAST with author Cara Black. It’s a double header on Feb. 28. First, they’re going to be speaking at 2 pm with Mystery Readers International and mystery maven Janet A. Rudolph at the Northern CA East Bay Chapter. Then it’s off to San Mateo and the M is for Mystery book store at 7 pm. Owners Edmund and Jeannie Kaufman always host the best authors.  

Cara, author of the Parisian Aimee Leduc mysteries, has a new book coming out in March, MURDER IN THE RUE DE PARADIS. Her ‘07 novel, MURDER ON THE ILLE ST-LOUIS is coming out in paperback in March as well. 

Pari mentioned that she’s hard at work on a new series featuring Darnda Jones. You might remember the character from THE BELEN HITCH, and she appears in SOCORRO BLAST as well.   

Reports are still coming in from the Love is Murder con. Morgan Mandel (GIRL OF MY DREAMS) wrote: “It was a miracle so many people made it in (Rosemont, IL) despite the weather which still won’t quit being bad around here. It was my 10th Love is Murder and each one is better than the last. It was worth the bother of fighting the weather.”

How could I overlook Murder in the Magic City??? Thank goodness Rosemary Harris ( PUSHING UP DAISIES) filled me in. “Not only did I enjoy meeting Lonnie (Cruse, 57 HEAVEN) at Love is Murder, but we spent more time together last weekend at Murder in the Magic City in Birmingham, Alabama. Margaret and Tammy and the Southern Sisters in Crime did a great job looking after us and introducing us to close to 200 mystery fans. Denise’ (Deitz) character (Ellie Bernstein, STRANGLE A LOAF OF ITALIAN BREAD) would have a problem because they fed us very well–I think I had biscuits with every meal. . .also spent time with Jane Cleland (CONSIGNED TO DEATH), J.T. Ellison (ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS), Donna Andrews (THE PENGUIN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH), Julia Pomeroy (COLD MOON HOME), Toni Kelner (WITHOUT MERCY), Linda Berry (DEATH AND THE FAMILY TREE), Deb Baker (DOLLY DEPARTED), Pari Noskin Taichert, Gayle Wigglesworth (CRUISIN’ FOR A BRUISIN’), and Betty Webb (DESERT CUT). . .and we were all serenaded by beach boy Don Bruns (ST. BARTS. BREAKDOWN).”   

That’s an ample reading list to check out. Next Murder Circle will be about LCC Denver and who to look for.  

Valentine’s day is a time for hearts, flowers–and murder.

Lonnie Cruse (FIFTY-SEVEN HEAVEN) reported back from the Love Is Murder Con. She connected the Murder Circle by meeting and buying Julie Hyzy’s book, STATE OF THE ONION. She also saw Susan Smily and Honora Finkelstein, and said Susan looked good (note: Susan had surgery and a birthday last week. Fly the pink ribbons!). “I got to chat with Carolyn Haines and Barbara D’Amato, two of my favorite authors, and touch base with lots of authors I already knew, plus meeting new folks,” said Lonnie.

Marilyn Meredith also gave feedback on LIM: “I was at Love is Murder too and also met Lonnie Cruse for the first time. Spent quite awhile chatting with Carolyn Haines whose luggage was lost. She also organized a snowball fight which my husband took pictures of and he had to duck quite a few snowballs. Susan Smily looked great, and she and Honora Finkelstein taught us how to make curry.” Look for Marilyn’s next Rocky Bluff PD Series, SMELL OF DEATH.

Rosemary Harris, who’s debut novel, PUSHING UP DAISIES just hit the shelves, was there as well. When a body is unearthed in an overgrown garden, landscaper Paula Holliday has no problem getting her hands dirty solving the case.  

Daisies aren’t the only flowers available on Valentine’s Day. Leann Sweeney is PUSHING UP BLUEBONNETS in #5 of her Yellow Rose mystery series. Houston PI Abby Rose is up to her cowboy boots when asked to identify a young woman in a hospital fighting for her life. Turns out the woman is connected to a prominent Texas family.

Another Holliday to celebrate is M.J. Holliday, protag of DEMONS ARE A GHOUL’S BEST FRIEND. When a boarding school on Lake Placid has a demon of a bully enrolled, it’s up to ghost hunter M.J. to send him to detention hell.  The book comes out in March, following the 2007 release of WHAT’S A GHOUL TO DO? Author and professional psychic Victoria Laurie also pens the Psychic Eye mysteries featuring Abby Cooper. Book #6, DEATH PERCEPTION, is due out in September.

First, Hope McIntyre taught readers HOW TO SEDUCE A GHOST. Now the author tells us HOW TO MARRY A GHOST. Neurotic protag, Lee Bartholomew, travels to the Hamptons for a wedding and the chance to ghost write the memoirs of a reclusive rock star. When the star’s son washes up on the beach and a rival writer turns up dead, there are enough suspects to fill a novel.

Last post, I asked what Denise Dietz had against food because of her book titles: CHAIN A LAMBCHOP TO A BED; BEAT UP A COOKIE; THROW DARTS AT A CHEESECAKE. “For the record, I have nothing against food. It’s just that Ellie Bernstein, diet club leader (and in STRANGLE A LOAF OF ITALIAN BREAD, dog-sitter for one of her members) wants people to eat the *right* food. To that end, I’ve included a few “legal” recipes in STRANGLE.” Okay, Deni, looks like I’ll have to eat my words.

Don’t mention diet to plus-size sleuth Odelia Grey. Third in the series, THUGS AND KISSES, is out just in time for V-Day. And keep room on your plate for a new Sue Ann Jaffarian series, the Granny Apples mysteries. Sounds crunchy!

In the “Oops, My Bad” part of this post, I incorrectly identified the race of a murder victim in DESERT CUT. “The murder victim in the first pages was a seven-year-old African-American child,” said Betty Webb. ”There are references to a Kurdish girl who disappeared years earlier, later on in the book, an Egyptian girl and an American teen disappear–but no Hispanics.” 

The Murder Circle is back up and running now.