UPDATE: Edited to add more photos because although they didn't come out well, I didn't want to exclude the authors.
I made my annual trip to the Festival of Mystery in Oakmont, PA this past Monday, and had a wonderful time as usual. Some of my favorite writers were there, and I got to meet a few I hadn't met before. I took loads of photos, but many didn't come out very well. Turns out I should've been using the flash. I'll know better next time!
Annette (the good photographer) showed some of her photos yesterday, and I'll try not to repeat, but this one of Avery Aames is so nice. Congratulations again for winning Best First Novel at Malice!
One of my favorites, Mary Jane Maffini who won the Agatha for Best Short Story. MJ and I had a great time reminiscing about the panel we were on, ahem, a number of years ago. The book she's holding is THE BUSY WOMAN'S GUIDE TO MURDER, the latest Charlotte Adams. Can't wait to dive in!
The so very sweet Heather Webber. Always a winner as far as I'm concerned. I love her Lucy Valentine series. The book Heather's holding (stupid photographer, grrrr) is ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY which came out in February. She's coming out with a new series about witches soon!
I'd never met Kate Carlisle, and I bought the first two books of her series. (Not something I normally do with a new-to-me author, but I had a hunch I'll like her books).
The fabulous Rosemary Harris, author of the Dirty Business mysteries. I look forward every year to buying her latest book. This year was no exception.
Of course, no mystery festival would be complete without our own wonderful Nancy Martin! After buying her new Roxy Abruzo book STICKY FINGERS, I got a huge giggle after reading the personalized inscription. . . Pictured here with Nancy is author Beth Groundwater, who I didn't get to meet, but I'm going to check out her Claire Hanover gift basket designer mystery series!
I met Lois Winston and bought her ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY GLUE GUN, the first in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries. I'd read a blog recently about the story behind this book, and it was a hoot. With any luck I'll be able to find it and post it here in the comments later.
Jess Lourey, who I met and learned from at last year's first MWA-University. I'm now the proud owner of MAY DAY, the first of the A Murder-By-Month Mystery. The woman in red, who I called the nun lady, is Alice Loweecey. Her first book is FORCE OF HABIT and introduces former nun Giulia Falcone. Both look like fun books!
Wendy Lyn Watson, author of SCOOP TO KILL. I would've bought this book if I hadn't won it in her agency's contest last year. Thanks, BookEnds, for the Scavenger Hunt!
This good-lucking guy is Alan Orloff, author of KILLER ROUTINE, a Last Laff Mystery. Alan's DIAMONDS FOR THE DEAD was nominated for an Agatha for Best First Novel.
I met Elizabeth Lynn Casey, author of the Southern Sewing Circle mysteries. I won one of her books (PINNED FOR MURDER) from the great scavenger hunt mentioned above. This time I bought the first in the series, SEW DEADLY.
I've read FALLEN by thriller writer Kathleen George, and this year I bought TAKEN. Aren't those great titles? I can't wait to get started!
This wonderful trio includes our fantabulous Annette Dashofy, standing between Beth and Avery. I'd bought the Kindle version of FISH TALES, but couldn't imagine not having a print copy. Y'all must go get this anthology!
Two photos, if you can believe it, came out worse than any of the above but I do want to mention these authors. I bought the latest books in Sheila Connelly's Orchard Mystery. I'm looking forward to finding out what Meg Corey is up to in ROTTEN TO THE CORE and A KILLER CROP.
Brad Parks, author of EYES OF THE INNOCENT, was his usual funny charming self. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough while reading last year's debut FACES OF THE GONE, and I know that's going to happen again this year.
And there you have it. To everyone who commented yesterday about wanting to attend this festival, DO IT. You definitely won't be sorry.
Now, I'm gonna go curl up with a good book. What fantastic choices I have!
5 comments:
It was nice seeing you on Monday, Paula. The Festival is the highlight of my year.
And again I say... I really must schedule myself for this event one year! Thanks for sharing what I missed by not doing it this year.
Great pictures. So many good ones coming in.
Paula, I don't know about me being the "good photographer." Perhaps when I have my "good camera" which weighs 400 pounds. So for these kinds of events, I have my little Kodak which doesn't do any better than yours. But I can throw it anybody and say "hey, take a picture for me!" Can't do that with the Nikon.
The Festival is becoming more and more like a mystery family reunion, and we're always happy to welcome new members to the clan.
Well done Paula! I love FOM and love seeing all the regulars in Oakmont. Thanks for making me feel fabulous!! Did you know there's going to be another MWAU in NYC this summer? August 13.
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