Brigadoon Once More

Another Crime Bake has come and gone, another sighting of Brigadoon, now gone in the mists of time. As usual, it was a lovely time with good friends in the mystery writing community, as well as fans. Jointly sponsored by the New England chapters of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, Crime Bake is a learning experience, a networking opportunity, and a wonderful time.

We kicked off Friday night with our panel on publishing (self/Indie/other), which was well-attended (about 75 people). 

Many folks came by in the next couple of days to say how much they'd learned from it. Judging by that, I guess we were a hit!

As usual, Tom Lyons was there with the New England Mobile Book Fair to sell the books of all the attending authors on panels.

Here's our Guest of Honor, Ann Cleves, with Ang Pompano

And with Coralie Jensen

Co-chair of the event Edith Maxwell with Susan Oleksiw and Ruth McCarty

To see an interview with Edith, click here

Elisabeth Elo with a photobombing Leigh Perry (who was here on her birthday!)

To see an interview with Leigh, click here

Joanna Schaffhausen

To see an interview with Joanna, click here

The always-dapper Ray Daniel

To see an interview with Ray, click here

Mo Walsh with Sarah Smith

Connie Johnson Hambley and Kate Flora

To see an interview with Connie, click here

To see an interview with Kate, click here

Hank Phillippi Ryan, Elizabeth Elo, Kate Flora, and JR Walcutt

To see an interview with JR, click here

Lisa Lieberman, Dick Cass, and Kate Flora

To see an interview with Dick, click here

Maureen with Bruce Coffin

To see an interview with Bruce, click here

Our GoH Ann Cleves with superstar book bloggers Kristopher Zgorski and Dru Ann Love

Doing my book signing for my latest Zack Taylor mystery (#6), A Darkened Room, with Jeanne

Stephanie Gayle with debut author JR Walcutt

Breakfast is a communal gathering

Sarah Smith (Center) with Frances McNamara

Leslie Wheeler (R)

Me with BJ Magnani

Chris Knopf and Mo Walsh

Leigh Perry, Donna Andrews, and JR Walcutt

Eddie and Cynthia Vincent of Encircle Publications, at the tired end of the conference

So much packed into just a few hours. Can't wait for next year!

Gala Mystery Night at New England Mobile Book Fair

We had another great night of mystery authors, food, and holiday cheer, all hosted by our favorite bookstore, the New England Mobile Book Fair.

Thanks to owner Tom Lyons and the staff, especially Mayre!

After we got set up and going, there was quite a crowd

We started some fun with author photos.

Connie Hambley

 To see an interview with Connie, click here

The always-wonderful Hank Phillippi Ryan

Lisa Mathews

Even I get in on the action

And the music mermaid, Sharon Kathryn

Debut author William Goyette

The place quickly filled with authors and fans.

Joanna Schaffhausen, Elizabeth Elo, Hank, Ray Daniel, Edwin Hill

 To see an interview with Joanna, click here

 To see an interview with Ray, click here

Sarah Smith, Tilia Klebenov-Jacobs, Bruce Coffin, Kathryn Gandek-Tighe

To see an interview with Bruce, click here

To see an interview with Tilia, click here

Each author had a table for their books, which they could sign for fans who came to buy.

Speaking of fans, here are Robin and Stephen, who always get a basket of new books.
Thanks, you two!

Part of the night is how the store honors a writer with the Robert. B. Parker Award for excellence.

This year it went to William Martin

Tom Lyons (L), store owner, gives the speech

With wife Chris and Gary Braver

Tom poses with Lisa Lieberman, caught by surprise

Here's a better pic of Lisa.

Here I am with Gina Fava

And Gina with Leslie Wheeler

 Elizabeth, Joanna, Tilia

Paula Munier, Elizabeth, Tom

The Dynamic Duo of Ray Daniel and Jay Shepherd

Sarah, Clea Simon, Elizabeth

And Clea with Dave Zeltserman on her right

Ray Anderson

Don Kaplan

Edwin Hill

Joe Finder with Hank

And Hank with hubby Jonathan

And J.M. Taylor, over by the bookcases.