The Sisters in Crime Quarterly • December 2014

The Thin Red Line Not Her Mama’s Bookclub Bloody Murder Writers’ Bane Inner Lie Disclosure Personal Representative Writes of Passage Update Award for Writers of Color …and More! Get a Clue Editor’s Note Molly Weston ...... 3 The mission of Sisters in Crime is to promote the Catriona’s Letter professional development and advancement of women Catriona McPherson ...... 4 crime writers to achieve equality in the industry.

The Thin Red Line Martha Reed ...... 5 Catriona McPherson, President Leslie Budewitz, Vice President Chapters ...... 8 Susan C. Shea, Secretary Lori Roy, Treasurer Not Her Mama’s Bookclub Carolyn Dubiel, Library Liaison Tina Whittle ...... 14 Barbara Fister, Monitoring Chair Clare O’Donohue, Bookstore Liaison Bloody Murder Martha Reed, Chapter Liaison Catriona McPherson ...... 17 Simon Wood, Publicity Frankie Bailey, At Large Writer’s Bane—Talking about Yourself Julie Hennrikus, At Large Laura Brennan ...... 18 G. M. Malliet, At Large Hank Phillippi Ryan, At Large Your Inner Lie Disclosure Laura DiSilverio, Immediate Past President Katherine Ramsland, PhD . . . . .20 Molly Weston, inSinC Editor Laurel Anderson, inSinC Proofreader Getting Facts Straight Gavin Faulkner, inSinC Proofreader Leslie Budewitz ...... 22 Marisa Young, inSinC Proofreader Sarah Glass, Web Maven/Social Media SinC at Bouchercon ...... 23

Writes of Passage—Update Beth Wasson, Executive Director Hank Phillippi Ryan ...... 24 PO Box 442124 Lawrence, KS 66044-2124 Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction [email protected] Award for Writers of Color 785.842.1325 (P) • 785.856.6314 (F) Frankie Y. Bailey ...... 25

We Love Libraries! ©2014 Sisters in Crime International Andrea Smith ...... 26

Beth’s Bits inSinc is the official publication of Sisters in Crime International and is published four Beth Wasson ...... 27 times a year. • One-year dues are $40 for professional US and Canada writers and $35 for non-professionals (add $5 for other countries). Two-year dues are $80 and $70; Awards & Nominations lifetime, $500 and $350. Address and all other changes can be made by members on Gay Toltl Kinman ...... 28 www.sistersincrime.org. If you do not use a computer or need a user name, please contact Beth Wasson at the address above. Information in inSinC is submitted or reprinted from sources listed in each article. Where required, permission to reprint has Events & Happenings ...... 29 been granted and noted. SinC does not investigate each submission independently and articles in no way constitute an endorsement of products or services offered. No mate- The Docket ...... 30 rial may be reprinted without written permission from Sisters in Crime.

2 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Sisters in Crime Past Presidents Sara Paretsky 1987-88 Editor’s Note Nancy Pickard 1988-89 by Molly Weston Margaret Maron 1989-90 Susan Dunlap 1990-91 Carolyn G. Hart 1991-92 ou’re right! This edition is P. M. Carlson 1992-93 Linda Grant 1993-94 coming to you later than usual. I Barbara D’Amato 1994-95 hope you can fit reading it into Elaine Raco Chase 1995-96 Annette Meyers 1996-97 your holiday schedule. Like most Sue Henry 1997-98 writers I’m usually chasing my Medora Sale 1998-99 deadline, but this time several Barbara Burnett Smith 1999-00 Claire Carmichael McNab 2000-01 outside forces combined to make this issue a Eve K. Sandstrom 2001-02 Ybit late. I hope you’ll find the additional late- Kate Flora 2002-03 Kate Grilley 2003-04 breaking information worth the wait! Patricia Sprinkle 2004-05 Libby Hellmann 2005-06 Fall was busy with lots of conferences—I attended three of them, Rochelle Krich 2006-07 including the Writers Police Academy which Martha Reed recaps Roberta Isleib 2007-08 Judy Clemens 2008-09 in “The Thin Red Line.” At the WPA, I attended not one, but three Marcia Talley 2009-10 sessions given by Katherine Ramsland (and she was absolutely fas- Cathy Pickens 2010-11 cinating!). I met Andrea Smith at Magna cum Murder in October. Frankie Bailey 2011-12 Hank Phillippi Ryan 2012-13 Andrea is doing a great job with our “We Love Libraries” program Laura DeSilverio 2013–14 and she’s also president of the Speed City Chapter. At Bouchercon I met Diane Vallare, president of the LA Chapter and I spent some Deadline & Submissions time with Laura Brennan—be sure to see her article on Page 18. I Deadline for articles for the spent a lot of time with our executive director, Beth Wasson. Beth March issue of inSinC is is not only a super resource for everything SinC, but she’s delight- January 15. Include name, email, mailing address, and phone ful company. number with submissions. Send columns, articles, high-res photos, SinC’s annual board meeting is always held at Bouchercon. It’s ideas, praise, and story ideas via always refreshing to see how much new energy new members email to infuse! We’re always sorry to see folks leave the board, but the Molly Weston newcomers always jump in with both feet and new ideas. The hard [email protected] 919.362.1436 work they do during the year is unlike any I’ve ever seen—and I’ve been involved in lots of boards in lots of places. Please be sure to The Docket say thanks whenever you see one of them! To list your publications and award nominations, login to As we come to the end of 2014, thank you for being such wonder- SistersinCrime.org ful siblings and thank you for your many contributions to inSinC! and look for “Quick Links” at the bottom of the home page. Fill in Happy holidays! the information, one entry per publication. Titles released more than six months from inSinC publi- Molly cation date cannot be included.

3 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Dear Siblings in Crime, that I’ve spent my life surrounded by other girls and then women who’ve I can’t begin to tell you how thrilled forgotten more than I’ll ever know Catriona’s I am to be writing this letter as your Letter and have got my back like a book’s incoming president. I’m still a bit got words in. And—as a bonus—they the publica- dazed that I was asked; or maybe brought brothers-in-law! So, all in all, tion of Writes of it’s altitude sickness from the steep I couldn’t really fail to feel at home Passage edited by learning curve I’ve been on since I when I left my real sisters behind in Hank Phabulous sat in on my first board meeting at the old country and found my new Ryan. I’m not the Albany Bouchercon and tried sibs four years ago. sure if this last to follow the discussion—matching year was particu- names to faces to jobs to reports, Some of the wonders of SinC are larly tremendous deciphering the TLA*s, steeling already so familiar I can’t remember or if it’s like this myself to ask for clarification every a time without them: chapter meet- every year in SinC, but either way I’m time I didn’t understand something. ings with Capitol Crimes and NorCal; feeling very lucky. *Three Letter Acronym the best of the Internet laid on like In the coming year, I’m hoping to rack a buffet in SinCLinks each month; Truly, if I had raised alternate hands up a great deal more learning when I people wearing feather boas to with each question I would now have should be teaching. The current pub- breakfast … Mrs. Obama’s arms. It’s a testament lishing summit on bricks and mortar to the wisdom, generosity and— Some of it’s still new enough for me bookstores has opened the back of a especially—patience of the rest of to feel humbled by good fortune, wardrobe into a whole new world for the board that I’m sort of tentatively mind you. In the last year, I’ve been me and I’m sure it will do the same confident-ish as I sit here typing, lucky enough to visit SinC Desert for you when we publish our findings. instead of being passed out, but still Sleuths to take part in their annual Next year’s publishing summit is no clenched, in a corner somewhere. WriteNow! workshop where I learned more than a twinkle in the eye as I’m writing, but I’m looking forward to it It’s a new experience for me, taking more than I taught by a mile. I made already. If I can get to Crimebake and up the reins like this. I’m the young- my first trip to the South for Killer Writers Police Academy (WPA)—well, est of four sisters in real life and, Nashville, where I once again learned it’ll be a year that (as Alex Marwood as all youngest children know, this more than I taught (and ate grits put it, perfectly) will warm my bones means I’ve never been put in charge which are 1) awesome and 2) not when I’m old. of anything. Never chosen a joint polenta). Then I hung out with the present for a parent, never decided a hands-down finest bunch of people So, thank you, Sisters and Misters. party menu, never got a window seat walking the earth—librarians and I’m delighted to be here, determined in the back of the car, never had a teachers—at PLA in Indianapolis. to do my best for this splendid orga- brand-new bike, and learned—while nization and resolved to make the I can thoroughly recommend any a teenager inclined toward black incomparable Laura DiSilverio glad of those three events to nourish a clothes—to wear a peach crinoline that she approached me. writer’s mind and refresh the spirit. with puff sleeves and lump it. Hmm, As well as traveling to actual meet- this paragraph has descended into I’ll still sit in the middle seat, though. ings, I’ve cyber-celebrated the life general whinging. It’s too late to change now, and work of Eleanor Taylor Bland, the Of course, the wonderful thing about three-decade partnership between With love, being the youngest of four sisters is Dorothy Cannell and Meg Ruley and Catriona 4 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ The Thin Red Line (SinC) & WPA by Martha Reed

very time I begin a new writing proj- driving and shooting simulators, ect, I search for authentic details that and active participation in two will help plant my story in the reader’s “Investigation of Felony Murder” brain. We all know how to take advan- teams. I had heard great things tage of the five senses—vision, hearing, about the WPA, but it was so smell, taste, and touch—because these much more than I expected. are the details that make the difference between Edescribing a firefighter in lackluster gear versus Getting Started one wearing a Globe FIT turnout suit with hori- I was fortunate to drive to Jamestown, NC zontal Scotchlite silver reflective stripes that pops with Annette Dashofy, Mary Sutton, and Susan right off the page. It’s the concussive BOOM when Thibadeau, three friends and fellow Pittsburgh Sibs. a SWAT team blows the door off a house during a hostage rescue, or that arcane legal loophole culled Friday morning started off with a bang. At 8:00 am, from a district attorney’s playbook that gives your we arrived at the Guilford Technical Community plot an unforeseen and memorable twist. The ques- College Public Safety campus and stepped off the tion is—where can we find these amazing details? bus smack into the middle of a staged emergency response. The scene represented a drunk driver I found my answer by attending Lee Lofland’s plowing into a crowd of people at a yard sale. As the Writers’ Police Academy (WPA) in September. Now first response units arrived, we frantically opened in its sixth year, the WPA is a hands-on, one-of-a- our notebooks and clicked our pens. The surprise kind experience that offers top caliber law enforce- here was how slowly and deliberately the EMS first ment panel discussions, EMS ride-alongs, responders set up the triage area. I learned that some paramedics are also deputy coroners who can call the death on site. Details, details! Surprise! Friday morning began with a wreck!

Panels The selection of panels and topics was so extensive that we had to pick and choose. Keeping an eye out for details that might shape a female protago- nist, I learned that women make up only 12% of the total law enforcement base in the “Women and Law Enforcement” session given by Sgt. Catherine Netter of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. And that the 12% total includes officers, records clerks, and dispatchers!

5 inSinC December 2014- ¡ ¡ Secret Service Special Agent Mike Roche led a panel titled “Romance Behind the Badge.” He outlined the ways in which romance can blossom between officers when they are trapped in the same space—such as a patrol car or a stake out—for a length of time; and, that first responders such as cops and nurses make good mates because they understand the stresses of the job like shift work or missing family events or holidays. He also gave the first hint of just how unwavering the “thin blue line” is when he shared insider cop slang like “badge bunnies” or “waffle queens” for those police Personal safety anyone? groupies who hang out at Denny’s looking for love. I also enjoyed searching for details useful in charac- Long-time inSinC contributor and forensic psy- ter building during “Cop Culture: Why Good Cops chologist Dr. Katherine Ramsland presented two Go Bad,” presented by Thibodaux LA Chief of Police standing-room-only sessions on researching exotic Scott Silverii, PhD. He explained how fresh acad- crimes, unnerving perversions, and paraphilias emy recruits struggle to adjust their thinking, and in a session that felt very similar to watching a their behavior in order to fit into cop culture and “Bones” episode. Dr. Ramsland also presented eventually join the club to become “blue”. He also “Murder Typology: Varieties of Multiple Murder” mentioned that the “thin blue line” is composed which focused on methods, motives, and the primarily of white, high school educated/GED or criminal state of mind. She teamed up with retired associates degree, lower income, blue-collar guys Special Agent-in-Charge/Commander and Forensic with a military background. Science Officer Dave Pauly for “Equivocal Death Investigations: Manners, Causes, and Mechanisms” Later, Alison Hutchins, forensic crime scene super- and “Cold Cases: Hits and Misses,” where they visor for the City of Durham NC, explained during shared the chilling statistic that over 180,000 cold “Crime Scene Processing” that the crime scene case murders in the US since 1989 remain unre- investigator (CSI) field is represented predomi- solved, that only a dozen cold cases a year do get nantly by women with masters degrees who do not solved, and that dozens more get pumped into the necessarily need to be sworn officers. system each year. Over a delicious Eastern North Carolina BBQ lunch, I had to rethink how that particular gender dynamic impacted my current plot. Additionally, my CSI is now properly kitted out in a one-use Tyvex suit with a hair net and blue nitrile gloves, and she knows to put DNA evidence in a paper bag since a plastic evidence bag will degrade the DNA. FBI Academy-trained forensic artist Robin Burcell shared police sketches from her case portfolio to illustrate “Forensic Art and Witness Recall.” She emphasized developing active listening skills, and Katherine Ramsland is recognized by Lee Lofland for her continued service to WPA.

6 inSinC December 2014 - ¡ ¡ explained that because memory is fragile and the Local Sibs gener- victim may be traumatized, an artist/interviewer ously donated must talk the witness back an hour or more to their time to establish a “safe time” and then, using all five support the senses, carefully bring the witness forward to the program and event while sifting for details. covered registra- tion, the lotteries New York Times best-selling author Lisa Gardner and raffles, special taught a special Friday afternoon session, “From class scheduling, Fact to Fiction: How To Turn Chilling Research into a Thrilling Novel.” On Saturday former the silent auction deputy district attorney and Professor of Law at items and baskets, Hofstra Law School Alafair Burke offered Fourth and helped make Amendment insight with “Prosecutors, Judges, and the event a suc- Investigators” including the fact that asking a judge cess. Volunteers for a warrant can take as little time as two-and-a- included Upstate half minutes. SC chapter siblings Linda Lovely, chapter president Howard Lewis, Ellis Vidler, Polly Iyer, Robin Weaver, and Ashantay Peters. WPA makes a donation each SinC and the WPA SinC was a core WPA event sponsor, subsidizing year to the Criminal Justice Foundation to provide $155 of a sibling’s $290 registration fee through financial support for specialty training areas. Last an educational event grant. SinC hosted a cock- year, WPA donated $16,000 toward the ongoing tail reception Friday evening and donated a large effort. basket for the silent auction. Saturday’s banquet In case all of this sounds too academic to be any featured an interview with best-selling author fun, ATF Special Agent Rick McMahan sprang a Michael Connelly. WPA had 277 registered attend- surprise romance writer cover art presentation at ees, 90% of them SinC members. This was self- Saturday’s banquet that delighted the entire audi- evident at Saturday’s banquet during a sibling show ence, red- and blue-lines alike. His presentation of hands when I overheard one wag, who must have perfectly illustrated the cop sense of camarade- had enough of the prevailing thin blue line T-factor rie and humor as he presented the thin blue line (i.e., testosterone), announce: “Take that. We are faculty members with new nicknames like “Captain the “thin red line,” we band of Sisters.” Honey Buns” and “The Doctor of Love.” Retaliation has been pledged for next year’s WPA. You don’t want to miss it! 2

Martha Reed is a member of the Mary Roberts Rinehart Pittsburgh chapter of Sisters in Crime. She currently serves as the Chapter Liaison for SinC and revels in developing new relationships among the more than 50 chapters. Martha is the author of the IPPY award-winning John and Sarah Jarad Nantucket Mystery series, The Choking Game and The Nature The SinC reception offered time to share experiences. of the Grave.

7 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Central Virginia sinc-centralva.wix.com/sinc-centralva ews r N te p he Central Virginia chapter has a gorgeous a

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new website, courtesy of our multi-talented C web mistress, Capri Smith. Check it out! TOur chapter rented a table at the SIBA 2014 conference in Norfolk in September and staffed it with a dozen chapter members over three days, all of whom promoted their own books and the chap- ter’s anthology. 2 Norcal www.sincnorcal.org/wp/

ur chapter has been busy! Our latest event was a well- attended party on September Central Virginia chapter members enjoyed promoting their books at SIBA 2014 in Norfolk. 13, celebrating three of our Omembers. Rhys Bowen, Priscilla Royal, and Camille Minichino are not only long-time authors but serve as mentors and role models for crime fiction writers. They did some informal Q&A, told funny stories, and mingled with other members and guests. Chapter president Susan Shea served as the event’s mistress of ceremonies. 2

Norcal members Rhys Bowen, Priscilla Royal, and Camille Minichino, with chapter president and the event’s M.C, Susan Shea

8 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Deadly Holidays: deadly fun!

Chesapeake Chapter uthors with stories in www.chessiechapter.org the book are Donna ixing mystery Andrews, Tim Bentler- authors and Jungr, Shaun Taylor ABevins, Carla Coupe, E. B. Davis, holidays can be deadly. Barb Goffman, Clyde Linsley, Linda Lombardi, Debbi Mack, Members and Rosemary and Larry Mild, Meg friends of the Opperman, Shari Randall, Art MChesapeake Chapter learned Taylor, and Cathy Wiley. that firsthand at the October 11 launch party for Chesapeake The book was edited by Donna Crimes: Homicidal Holidays. Eight Andrews, Barb Goffman, and authors with stories in the new Marcia Talley. Stories were anthology spoke about the plots blindly chosen by Christina and motivations for their sto- Freeburn, John Gilstrap, and Alan ries, which are set on holidays Orloff, meaning they didn’t know throughout the year. who wrote each submission. The cover photograph was taken by Clyde Linsley revealed that Robin Templeton. Stacey Logan Charles Dickens’ Sydney Carton designed the cover in con- And Cathy Wiley, wonderfully was the spark behind his story junction with the designers at dressed in pirate gear in honor of idea. Meg Opperman shared that Wildside Press. Eleanor Cawood her Talk-Like-A-Pirate-Day story, she wrote her story in one sitting, Jones documented our event in gave everyone a little scare—and which she’d never done before. photos. smiles—when she pulled out a 2 cutlass and demanded all lubbers in the audience buy the book or face the consequences. This new anthology, published on October 7 by Wildside Press in trade paperback and e-book format, features five stories involving Halloween, four with Christmas, and one story each involving Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Talk Like A Pirate Day. Arrr. Clyde Linsley and Carla Coupe signed Cathy Wiley’s threat worked! copies for each other.

9 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter DesertSleuths.com

ith 28 new members so far in 2014, the and tips on marketing. For October, member Donis Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter Casey talked about her newly released novel in the Membership committee has a new sys- Alafair Tucker mystery series and shared insights tem in place with email letters sent to on producing powerful dialogue. We will conclude Wwelcome new members, renewing members and to our year of speakers and programs with a panel follow-up on non-renewals. We have a heightened discussion on “What an Editor or Publisher Looks focus on member writing/publishing activities and For in a Manuscript,” with a panel of Deborah J. achievements via the Member News section in our Ledford, Susan Budavari and Sally Smith, moder- newly designed monthly newsletter, “The Savvy ated by Merle McCann. Sleuth,” and with shout-outs at monthly meetings. Communications Programs Our chapter has a strong Summer in Phoenix never presence on Facebook. slows down the Desert Members regularly share Sleuths chapter. In June, new their author appearances, member Bob Dukelow, Army blog posts, and thoughts Counterintelligence and about writing and life. Espionage, provided insights We create events for the to the world of spies. In July, monthly chapter meetings it was another great tradi- and various workshops. This tional round table discussion encourages members to sign pertaining to all the chal- Desert Sleuths Chapter President Laurie Fagen at the up and commit to attend- lenges encountered in writ- WriteNow! 2014 conference with Tim Hallinan, Catriona ing. In 2014, we began send- ing. McPherson, Mark Sullivan and Graham Brown ing email blasts to spotlight items that pop up between Annual Conference the monthly newsletters. In August, we presented another very fine Desert Members enjoy quick reminders about seminars, Sleuth WriteNow! 2014 Conference. Four nationally book fairs, and writing contests. known authors brought their expertise—Catriona McPherson, Tim Hallinan, Mark Sullivan and Special Events Graham Brown. They gave graciously of their time The Desert Sleuths Chapter is preparing to serve at a Friday night social as well as during the day- members by offering educational, networking and long conference. book-signing opportunities at the 2015 Tucson Festival of Books. We also will work to attract new With the arrival of fall, we heard from Judith members by offering book-signing opportunities to Starkston regarding her new novel, Hand of Fire, national SinC authors at our booth. 2

10 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Sisters in Crime New York/TriState www.nysinc.org

oison was on the menu at the September 17 Field Trip Sisters in Crime meeting when Dr. Mark Sid- Last July, in preparation for Dr. Siddall’s pre- dall, curator of the recent Power of Poison sentation, chapter member Roz Siegel arranged exhibit at the American Museum of Natural a private tour of the Natural History Museum’s PHistory in Manhattan, treated the group to a lively Power of Poison exhibit for a group of SinC mem- and informative presentation on the toxins and bers. We were guided by museum volunteers David venoms found in nature. Dreiblatt and Robert Ceisler, both of whom were generous with their time and their answers to our Poison has been part of the human conversation many questions. throughout history, and Dr. Siddall led us through many of the facts and myths that have surrounded One section of the exhibit was devoted to literary its various forms. crimes that have fascinated readers over the years, including Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll (whose Mad • Fact Hatter character was based in truth) and Agatha Columbian Golden Poison frogs, tiny colorful Christie, who, as one of our guides pointed out, creatures that inhabit the Choco rain forest, look never met a poison she didn’t like. harmless, but their skin secretions are among the most toxic substances on earth. The skin of just A few days after our September meeting, the chapter one frog contains enough poison to kill a half participated in the Brooklyn Book Festival. First held dozen adult humans. Indigenous people of the in 2006, the festival is New York City’s largest free area used to wipe their darts on the frogs’ skin, literary event. This year’s festival was held at Brooklyn creating lethal weapons that led to the creatures’ Borough Hall and Plaza on Sunday, September 21. popular name, “dart frogs.” Sisters in Crime NY/TriState was there! • Myth With the aid of a grant Cleopatra is said to have committed suicide by from SinC National, the allowing herself to be bitten by an asp, but it is chapter rented a booth more likely that she drank a mixture of poisons, for the day-long festival. probably including hemlock. Twelve chapter members Many substances thought to be harmless have signed up for two-hour turned out to be toxic. The Chinese Emperor Chen slots at the booth to sell was fascinated with mercury and thought this and sign their own books. Three members shared remarkable liquid metal would enable him to live each slot, and chapter board members, officers, and forever. He drank it daily and died at forty-eight. volunteers were also in attendance. In addition, But toxins can also cure. Taxol is an effective cancer anthology coordinator Clare Toohey was on hand medicine extracted from the bark of the yew tree, all day to manage sales of the new chapter anthol- though the tree’s needles can be lethal if eaten. ogy, Family Matters: Murder New York Style, contain- ing short stories by twenty chapter members. Clare Dr. Siddall’s book, Poison. Sinister Species with also distributed promotional material for the newly Deadly Consequences, is a virtual encyclopedia of reissued digital versions of the chapter’s previous “things that sting, things that bite, and things that two anthologies. A printed booklet listing books shouldn’t be touched or eaten,” providing a valu- in print for all SinC NY/TriState members was also able reference for mystery writers. available. 2 11 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Low Country Chapter www.facebook.com/LowCountrySistersinCrime

ow Country Sisters in Crime in Savannah, Georgia, bestowed its first honorary life- time chapter membership to thriller author Lee Child. President Tina Whittle and Vice LPresident of Program Donna Kortes made this special presentation during his September 11 speaking engagement at the historic Lucas The- atre, an event sponsored by the Savannah Book Festival. 2

Vice President of Programs Donna Kortes and President Tina Whittle were happy to name Lee Child as their chapter’s first honorary lifetime member. SinC New England www.sincne.org

isters in Crime New England had a terrific Our chapter offers two online classes a year. In fall event on October 11 at the Concord Inn August Susan Meir taught the very well received in Concord MA. Our string of sunny fall days “Can This Manuscript Be Saved?” We are finalizing was broken that morning, but the hearty New the details for our February online class and get- SEnglanders decided to take the walking tour of the ting the 2015 proposed calendar ready for our next Sleepy Hollow Cemetery despite the rain. Tea and board meeting. coffee were waiting back at the Inn, where we held On October 25 we had a booth at the Boston Book a brief chapter meeting, which concluded with Festival. Our panel was also selected this year— everyone introducing themselves, and updating “Whydunnit” took place that morning. The panel/ us on their work in progress. Conversation dur- game featured nine members and was moderated ing the buffet lunch was lively as always when we by Julie Hennrikus, 2014 SinCNE president. Look get together? The day concluded with an histori- for updates on our Facebook page! cal mysteries panel moderated by Leslie Wheeler featuring authors M.E.Kemp, Ben and Beth Oak, In November, SinCNE and MWA-NE co-hosted the Tempa Pagel, and Sarah Smith who shared their New England Crime Bake, with Guest of Honor secrets for melding the past with the tastes of con- Craig Johnson. We were glad to welcome Laura temporary readers. DiSilverio to the conference this year as well. 2

12 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Ladies of Intrigue 2015

ne good turnout deserves another, which is why Sisters in Crime Orange County will once again sponsor Ladies of Intrigue, a day- long event spotlighting women mystery writers. OThe chapter is currently scouting for panelists and moderators for the 2015 gathering, to be held on Saturday, October 3, in Huntington Beach. “We’d like to hear from authors interested in participat- ing. There will be a platform to discuss topics— RIP Valerie Malmont still to be determined­­—pertinent to mysteries. And, hopefully, the authors will sell some books,” says president Gayle Carline, who officiated over he Chesapeake Chapter regrets the inaugural event. Our March 2014 event drew to inform our membership one-hundred-plus avid mystery lovers who met that author Valerie Malmont and heard from a dozen local and internationally died on Friday, November 14. known authors. T“She was a chapter member until just a few years ago,” reported Marcia Talley. The featured speakers were Rhys Bowen and Cara “When I first joined Sisters in Crime, Black. Among the 2014 author-participants were Valerie was always there with support Jan Burke, Naomi Hirahara, Sheila Lowe and Jeri and a friendly smile. She will be greatly Westerson. missed.” Valerie was living at the Gettys- Ladies of Intrigue was the brainchild of past presi- burg Lutheran Nursing and Retirement dent Aileen Baron, who wanted an event to cor- Village. respond to the long-running Southern California- Valerie published five Tori Miracle based Men of Mystery. mysteries and a number of short sto- Like the debut gathering, the second annual event ries. Prior to becoming an author, she will be held at Hotel Huntington Beach, and is spent her career at the University of anticipated to include a luncheon, raffle baskets Washington, as children’s librarian at and author signings. the Arlington public library, and as head librarian at Taipei Air Station in Taiwan Women authors who would like to be considered Headquarters Support Activity. for the event are invited to contact Carline at [email protected]. 2

13 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Not Her Mama’s Book Club! by Tina Whittle

hen my daughter first Making It Happen started reading mys- My daughter’s school made class- teries back in middle room space available to us twice school, I hid my glee as a month. We picked up support much as I could. She has from my publisher, Poisoned Pen always been suspicious Press, which donated new releases of parental approval, which she associates with from its YA Imprint, The Poisoned WBrussels sprouts, and I didn’t want my beloved Pencil—their debut publication was our first whodunits to fall into the boring-but-nutritious read, the science mystery Death Spiral from SinC category. member Janie Chodosh. I shouldn’t have worried—she’s got my DNA, We solicited contributions directly from Low after all. Kaley’s a teenager now, still reading mys- Country SinC members themselves (up next on teries, only now they’re of the YA variety. So when our slate is Broken, the debut YA thriller by C. J. I—the newly elected president of the newly Lyons). Members who don’t write YA contribute formed Low Country Sisters in Crime chapter— in other ways, by providing bookmarks or other was discussing possible projects with my fellow literary swag. Our chapter picks up the tab for a officers, I remembered my daughter’s TBR stack pizza and some soft drinks, and provides a facilita- and proposed sponsoring a YA Mystery Book tor—in this case, me. Club for her school. I saw the club as a way to provide quality reading materials to a financially During my first meeting with the students (who struggling school and, in the process, demon- seemed stunned at the good fortune of receiv- strate that the crime fiction genre is worthy of ing an absolutely free book of their very own) scholastic attention. I quickly figured out that this book club wasn’t going to work like the wine-and-cheese discus- Our chapter decided this project would be a sion sessions of my previous experience. There good start for us because it addressed the first was much more laughter and movement, for one goal in the Sisters in Crime Strategic Plan— thing—I could barely keep them in their seats. attracting and retaining members younger than There was also much free association in the dis- 40 by reaching young aspiring writers. I knew my cussion, which ricocheted from the material we daughter and her classmates well—I’d taught a were reading to video games to anime with star- Mystery Appreciation course at her school for tling velocity, and yet managed to stay on topic nine weeks—so I knew I’d be reaching students (with the help of some ever-so-subtle steering who were both avid readers and writers. And I from me). knew that I would be sharing the Sisters in Crime mission—to promote the ongoing advancement, The Club recognition, and professional development of Our club currently has between five and ten regu- women crime writers—through not only our lar members, and we’re expanding to include choice of reading material, but also through our interested students at other area schools. I’ve discussions of how crime writing is a field open had to adapt my ideas about what a book club to all, regardless of gender.

14 inSinC December 2014- ¡ ¡ for teens would be like (that’s the great thing highlight the sentences that resonate with them about teenagers—they will set your old fogey for reading over and over again. Print books attitudes on fire and watch them burn), because become their creative partners in this process. when teens fall for a book, they fall hard. As my daughter Kaley says, “The people you find read- Choose sponsors who can provide the support ing YA mysteries are some of the most imagina- • you need, and make sure they understand what tive, creative, original people you will ever meet. you are—and are not—providing in return. And the books we read can inspire us, they can My daughter’s school, Charter Conservatory for change the way we think, and they Liberal Arts and Technology, can make us cry at three a.m. and is a public charter school with curse whatever ungodly force blessed a constructionist educational these characters, these people, into philosophy that complements our existence.” SinC’s mission of parity, diver- sity, and gender equality. The You Can Make It Happen school supports that our book I can tell you this much—it is a plea- club deals with some tough sure and a privilege to be with teen issues in our reading, includ- readers on those paths to discovery. ing sudden violent death, drug And I am happy to share a few of the addiction, child abuse, men- things I’ve learned along the way if tal illness, and other serious you or your chapter is interested in topics—not all schools will be starting a similar club. comfortable with such literary explorations. Think outside the covers. Teens • are savvy tech users, which makes Kaley Whittle, tenth grader and Sisters in We also make one thing very e-books an excellent option for Crime member, enjoys the latest crime fiction clear to publishers and authors YA groups. My daughter reads on selection in the YA Mystery Book Club sponsored by Low Country Sisters in Crime. who share books with us: we her phone, her laptop, and her read all the books that come to e-reader—and she utilizes many of the tools us, but that doesn’t mean we discuss them all, on those aps and programs (such as note-tak- or review them all. When we do review books, ing or highlighting) to get the most from her however, we offer scrupulously honest book reading experience. reviews (try getting anything less from a teen Don’t be surprised if they prefer print—teens reader!). • develop relationships with books; the paper and Use those networks. Teens are social creatures; cover as tangible to them as the flesh and blood • not only do they form personal connections of their best friends. As Kaley explains, “Some with the characters in a book, they also con- books get so deep within you, matter so much nect with authors. Facebook and Twitter are to you, that you want to know and share them the workhorses of the social network world, as a thing you can hold in your hands.” Teen but Instagram and Tumblr and You Tube are readers enjoy being able to make notes in the even more popular with teens. Our group has margins, etch drawings in the front matter, and a blog—ccatmystery.blogspot.com—

15 inSinC December 2014- ¡ ¡ which we use as the main platform through which we share book reviews on Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon. We also use Google Hangout to set up Q&A sessions with writers willing to spend a half hour or so talking with our book club. Encourage the students to share their own • work. Leave the formal critique sessions to formal writers’ groups, but do make room for club members to read their own writing. Our group is filled with creative writers across several genres who publish regularly on fan fiction sites and on personal blogs—they write discovered the guilty party—me). This year mystery, romance, science fiction and fantasy we’re planning a tour of our local police sta- and creative non-fiction—but connecting tion, inviting a local prosecuting attorney to with an F2F audience (that means face to face, be a speaker, and—fingers crossed—raising I’m told) really enlivens their understanding money to attend Bouchercon in 2015 (we’re of audience and purpose. Plus, it allows them proposing a panel on YA mysteries with actual to consider their own work as a reviewer/ YA readers sharing what they look for in a responder, not just a creator. good read). Plan activities that explore the “mystery” • component of the book club outside the read- Make It Happen ing room. We sometimes end meetings with So if you or your chapter is looking for a way a game of Clue or compete to see who can to serve your local community, I highly recom- solve an online mystery first. I once staged a mend talking up a teen acquaintance and asking mock crime scene for them to investigate (they about the possibility of starting a YA mystery found every single clue I planted and quickly book club in his or her school. Getting a group of interested students in a willing school is the first step—after that, use your chapter resources to find publishers and/or authors willing to contribute books and SinC members willing to contribute time and pizza money. And then hold onto your hat because working with teens is like reading an edge-of-your-seat thriller—you never know what’s around the next corner. Something to Share? 2 If your chapter has an activity you’d like to feature in an article for Tina Whittle’s Tai Randolph/Trey Seaver mysteries — fea- inSinC, please email Molly Weston turing intrepid gun shop owner Tai and her corporate secu- at [email protected]. We’re rity agent partner Trey — have garnered starred reviews in Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Library Journal. The always interested in innovations, fourth book, Deeper Than the Grave, is available now from ideas, and community interactions. Poisoned Pen Press. You can find the author online at her

16 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Bloody Murder? Bloody Marvellous! by Catriona McPherson

hortly before Bouchercon 2014: Murder we were not requesting a program change at such at the Beach kicked off in Long Beach in a late date; however, Bouchercon did in fact free up November, a storm blew up. Some of you an hour of the Men of Mystery event to be used for will have felt the turbulence. a corresponding inclusive panel. Here’s a potted history. A long-estab- An informal committee formed, headed by Jamie lished Orange County event called Men Freveletti, to try to pull together a panel in a mat- Sof Mystery (itself a sister event to the OC Festival ter of days. And so Bloody Murder: Voices from the of Women writers) organized by the Raven-award- Margins was born. Sara Paretsky, our glorious found- winning Joan Hansen, was brought under the ing mother and Charlaine Harris, also rather splen- Bouchercon umbrella in a reduced form, for this did, presided, and roughly forty-five authors, men year only, to avoid a date clash. and women, took a min- ute each to speak about Many members of SinC and MWA, mostly women a writer they loved, who but some men, objected to the inclusion of a deserves a wider audi- double-length, sixty-five-strong, male-only session. ence. There were debut Some of the objections arose from misunderstand- authors with small presses, departed authors who ing—Was the event a free breakfast? No Was the event have been forgotten, authors marginalized for any sponsored? No— while some arose from the undis- of a number of reasons—this was an eclectic list of puted fact that women were excluded from taking exciting writers. Eleanor Taylor Bland got a ripple part. To my knowledge, no one ascribed malicious of recognition; Carolyn Keene a burst of applause; intent to anyone involved in Men of Mystery or Chester Himes’ name had everyone scribbling and Bouchercon, but many recognized that the result wondering about spelling. (The full list of recom- was troubling. mendations is on the SinC website.) SinC (and MWA) wrote to Bouchercon to register It was an inspiring hour. MWA provided free their members’ disquiet, while making clear that Bloody Marys. Jessie Chandler (author of the Shay Women Kill at Mysteries—well, yeah! O’Hanlon capers) made a batch of T-shirts and sold them, raising $500 for WriteGirl!, one of this year’s Bouchercon charities, and—perhaps best of all—the “Men of Mystery” were leaving the room as the “Murderous Women” (and fellow travelers) were arriving and we all got a chance to say hi, catch up with one another, and remember that we’re all one big, dysfunctional, over-imaginative, but ultimately happy family. The sign-up for Men of Mystery 2015 is healthy and talks have begun hoping to make Bloody Murder part of the Raleigh Bouchercon. 2

17 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Writer’s Bane: Talking About Yourself by Laura Brennan

or many of us, writing 80,000 words is easier than saying 25 of them—particu- lar when the conversation is about you and your work. Jodi is a travel writer, but when But you have to be able to talk about people ask what she does, she yourself as a writer, not just at confer- F doesn’t give her job title and she certainly ences or with potential agents, but with friends, doesn’t say she blogs. Instead, she gives them family—everyone you meet. a window into her passion: “I eat soup.” Every It’s the holidays. You’re at a family gathering or country, she has discovered, has their own com- a business party when suddenly you hear the fort soup. She connects to new-found friends dreaded question: “So, what do you do?” and cultures by tasting their soups. Her logline, what she says about herself to open a conversa- You could answer, “I’m a writer.” But if you do, tion, captures her passion and you can bet it they will either say, “Have you written anything launches some great discussions. I’ve read?” (The answer is usually “no”), or they will look confused and quickly move on to a new topic. Every so often, you’ll luck into another So what is your passion? writer, but for the most part you will be talking I don’t recommend blurting out, “I like to kill to people who don’t understand the writing life people,” unless you’re at a Sisters In Crime and have no idea what questions to ask. event (or you enjoy seeing strangers back away in terror). But you could say something like, Give them (and yourself) a break. Answering “I write cozy mysteries about a woman who “what do you do?” with a job title—even when starts over teaching on a Native American your job is as fabulous as writing—puts them Reservation.” Or perhaps you love to create on the spot. What you really want is to open mystery puzzles for others to have fun solving. up with something engaging and fun that will Or maybe you recast Shakespeare’s tragedies spark an interesting conversation. as modern noir out of your love of the Bard. Something like, “I eat soup.” But whatever you do, it is unique to you. The problem with simply saying you’re a writer—or This is a wonderful opening gambit—not even that you write mysteries—is that it’s too mine, although I wish it were. It belongs generic. You don’t give enough information for to Jodi Ettenberg of LegalNomads.com. the other person to connect. - 18 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Paradoxically, revealing a bit more of yourself Is there a theme that runs through your can also put you more at ease. When all you say 8 work? Are you fascinated by dysfunctional is your job title, you leave a lot to chance. Will families or Machiavellian politics or how the other person know what that means? Will people justify evil? they care? When you open with something spe- Why do you write what you do? What is your cific and interesting, you pretty much guarantee 8  their eyes will light up and they’ll say, “Tell me connection to the material? more!” Suddenly, you’ve launched a conversa- Now you can answer “What do you do?” with tion into an area you know well and love deeply. the genre and setting (“I write historical mys- Maria Alexander, whose teries set in Germany during WWI”), genre and first novel, Mr. Wicker, came heroine (“I write police procedurals about an out this fall from Raw Dog autistic medical examiner”) or even just the Screaming Press, goes one theme (“I write about flawed people in terrible step further. “As much as situations who ultimately find forgiveness and I love talking about writ- grace.”) You follow up with your own connec- ing, I really like to show tion—why you’re passionate about your work. how it makes me a whole When you genuinely share your passion, you person,” she says. “My put the other person at ease and give them writing is part of what permission to share their passion as well. You was once known as bun may not just find a new fan, you may also make bu ryo do, or “The Art of a friend. Pen and Sword,” a concept 2 of wholeness practiced by the Samurai.” Maria, who practices Japanese swordsmanship, created business cards to feature her personal logo: her initials formed with a pen and a katana. The card reads: “Author. Snarker. Samurai-in- Training.” Does it spark a fun conversation? Every time. When crafting your own logline, ask yourself: What is your genre? Police procedural, 8 capers, romantic suspense? Be specific. What’s the setting? Victorian England, the 8 Deep South, Paris during the Resistance? As a Hollywood writer, Laura has created, critiqued, and listened to hundreds of pitches. She likes to introduce Who is your hero/ine? Not their name, but herself as a Goddess, but likes it even more when 8 the single most important thing about them. her friends introduce her as one. Find out more at PitchingPerfectly.com. An avid knitter, a brilliant physicist, a dog?

19 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Your Inner Lie Discloser by Katherine Ramsland, PhD

eing wordsmiths, of a needle in or near him, the we’re hyper-aware police opened an investigation. of language, but it takes an expert Hunter had two roommates: with a mathematical Mannino, a med student at The bent to study the University of North Carolina at elemental aspects of our individ- Chapel Hill, and Garry Walston, Bual differences. Having attended a landscape architect. Mannino a conference on forensic psy- had access to Lidocaine. When cholinguistics, I learned some questioned, Mannino admitted Carole Chaski, president of ALIAS things that could benefit writers he’d given Hunter Lidocaine for Technology and founder of the of crime and mystery. Let’s start migraine headaches. He added Institute of Linguistic Evidence, with the case that brought this that Hunter had recently dis- Inc. (ILE), a nonprofit agency that skill into the courts. covered he was HIV-positive. supports research on the validity Mannino suggested Hunter had and reliability of language-based Michael Hunter, a computer used the Lidocaine to end his life. author identification. student at North Carolina State Mannino even supplied police University, was found dead in with a printout from a computer She explained that she makes a his bed. His roommate, Joseph disc that contained suicide notes detailed analysis of the content of Mannino, called 911. An autopsy to Hunter’s friends and relatives. a questioned document to com- indicated that Hunter had died pare what was written to what a from a mixture of drugs, including The other roommate, however, suspect generally writes and/or Lidocaine, an anesthetic. When Walston, revealed that Mannino reads. The basic premise is that the pathologist found an injection and Hunter had been fighting, no two people use language in mark on his arm, with no sign and Mannino was supposed to precisely the same way. The pat- move out. But then Hunter was tern of unique differences, along found dead. with repetition of those traits throughout his or her writing, The suicide notes were key. Had provide internal evidence that Hunter written them? Without links a person to a questioned actual handwriting for compari- document. This evidence won’t son, who could make a deter- stand alone, but it can contribute mination from just content to an investigation. analysis? When examining a sample, such The workshop I attended as the alleged suicide notes, was sponsored by TALE, The forensic linguists look at samples Association for Linguistic of the subject’s other writings Evidence. Its organizer was Dr.

20 inSinC December 2014- ¡ ¡ Killer Nashville Update by Laura DiSilverio

n an August weekend in Nash- tiqued by one of the presenters, as well. It was an ville, four Sisters in Crime mem- afternoon of learning and hilarity, of connecting bers (Laura DiSilverio, Catriona and ah-has! McPherson, Hank Phillippi Ryan and Cathy Pickens) gathered SinC also sponsored a reception at Killer Nashville; to offer a new workshop for the it was wonderful to drink a glass of wine and have attendees of Killer Nashville. We called it Great a nosh with so many SinC members, and introduce OBeginnings, and broke it into four segments: dis- others to our splendid organization. The feedback secting effective openings of published novels was universally positive and the board of director is to see what works, critiquing attendees’ opening considering the possibility of offering other SinC paragraphs in small groups, discussing things to workshops in conjunction with writer conferences. consider when beginning a series, and a panel dis- If this is a SinC educational benefit you might take advantage of, or you have a conference to suggest cussion with the presenters. we work with, please contact Laura DiSilverio at We gave four lucky winners drawn at random the [email protected]. opportunity to have their first three chapters cri-

Inner Lie - continued or —with unknown subjects— users have access. She applies found in the suicide notes, so they search text databases that cross-validated syntactic analysis. Chaski concluded that he hadn’t could contain similar language written them; however, there was habits. The language used in the That is, a questioned document is reason to believe that Mannino sample can help establish the analyzed for the distinct syntactic writer’s age, gender, ethnicity, patterns —the unconscious way might have. The notes resem- level of education, professional in which a person automatically bled his linguistic habits. A test training, and ideology. combines nouns, verbs, adverbs also showed that Hunter was not and prepositions—and each is HIV positive, as Mannino had The key items are vocabulary, counted statistically. spelling, grammar, syntax, and claimed. Mannino was arrested, punctuation habits. Other kinds With a program of her design, and during his trial he admitted of textual evidence might include Chaski has tested hundreds of that he’d written the notes. He linguistic variables with several borrowed or influential source was found guilty of involuntary material, document formatting, statistical procedures, achieving manslaughter. and the physical document itself. up to 95% accuracy from blind 2 samples. Chaski relies on a standard sta- tistical test on which to base her So, for the Hunter case (an early Dr. Katherine Ramsland is a professor expert opinion. She is known for one for her), she applied her pro- of forensic psychology, has published her approach to what has been gram to samples of both Hunter’s fifty-three books and more than one called “the keyboard dilemma,” and Mannino’s writing and to the thousand articles, and writes a blog i.e., the difficulty with identifying alleged suicide notes. None of for Psychology Today. Her recent books authorship of documents written Hunter’s known exemplars exhib- include The Murder Game (Michigan with a keyboard to which multiple ited certain key syntactical items true crime) and Haunted Crime Scenes.

21 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Getting the Facts Straight by Leslie Budewitz

What are the duties of a personal representative?

personal repre- organize documents that may be sentative (“PR”— hard to find or which have been sometimes called left in disarray, and understand an executor or financial matters and make deci- administrator) is sions. Hard feelings sometimes medical bills, utilities, and other the person legally arise when a family member expenses; and provide for the appointed to settle an estate. PR makes decisions that seem immediate needs of dependents. AAlthough a testator may name a unfair to other relatives, who She’ll need to carry out specific PR, the judge ultimately makes may not understand that the PR bequests made in the will, mak- the appointment. If the named is required to enforce the terms ing sure Stacy gets Grandma’s PR and alternate are unable or of the will and follow the law, wedding ring and Sarah gets the unwilling to serve, or if no will whether or not the results seem ruby necklace; that $5,000 goes was left, state law may specify fair. to the local Humane Society to the order of priority for appoint- build a new cathouse; and that Choose the responsible busi- ment, e.g., the spouse, the parent money left to be spent on a party. nessman son or the detail-loving of any minor children, an adult She’ll also need to deal with per- paralegal daughter over the drug- child, a parent, or a sibling. sonal property not addressed in addicted spendthrift, even if he the will. was once a CPA—that is, unless Who to Choose you are looking to set up family Minimum requirements vary by conflict. Be sure the PR agrees in Other Duties state, but minors and felons may advance to serve to avoid prob- If the testator owned a home not serve. PRs must have suffi- lems later, unless those problems or other real estate, getting it cient mental and physical capac- will further your story. cleaned out and sold can take a ity. Some states require residency, lot of time. The PR becomes the others don’t. Banks and trust temporary overseer of businesses What’s Involved? companies may be appointed the testator owned, and may need In essence, an estate is a legal if authorized in that state. to make arrangements for their entity and the PR runs it. The Attorneys often serve as PRs. sale or transfer, while supervising estate is responsible for all the their continued operation. If your character leaves a will, he decedent’s financial and legal should name as PR someone able obligations. The PR locates the A major part of the PR’s respon- to handle legal and financial mat- will and other important docu- sibilities is to ensure that taxes ters fairly and efficiently. The PR ments, like bank records and are properly paid. She’ll prob- must protect the beneficiaries’ insurance policies. She may open ably work with an accountant interests, resolve any conflicts, a checking account to pay final and estate lawyer. She may

22 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ - SinC t Bouchercon

Law & Fiction - continued also need to bring or continue initial determination whether for additional services, such as litigation on behalf of the estate. to accept or deny claims against running a business. If the PR is a Particulars depend on state law. the estate, and responding to any beneficiary, she may be better off For example, if the decedent was legal challenges to the will. declining payment and avoiding killed in an auto accident, the PR income tax. 2 may file a wrongful death action All This for Free? on behalf of the decedent and a Adapted from Books, Crooks & Wills should specify how the PR Counselors: How to Write Accurately About survival action on behalf of the is to be paid, e.g., make a bequest Criminal Law and Courtroom Procedure, heirs. If the decedent was already in lieu of payment, or refer to the by Leslie Budewitz, winner of the 2011 party to a lawsuit, the estate is Agatha Award for Best Nonfiction. institution’s standard fee sched- substituted as a party and the PR Leslie’s mystery, Death al Dente (Berkley ule for banks or trust companies. makes the necessary decisions. Prime Crime) won the 2013 Agatha If no provision is made, state Award for Best First Novel, making her The PR also handles the statu- law governs payment. It may be the first author to win Agatha Awards tory obligations of probate while a percentage of the value of the for fiction and nonfiction. For more help getting the law right in your stories, visit estate, an hourly rate, or some working with the estate lawyer, Leslie’s website, www.LawandFiction. such as publishing notices to other “reasonable fee” set by the com and blog, www.LawandFiction. potential creditors, making the court. A PR may be paid extra com/blog.

23 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Writes of Passage Adventures on the Writer’s Journey Update by Hank Phillippi Ryan hat do you do when ies and bookstores and online you’re having a bad everywhere. (If you’re looking for writing day? We all have a perfect holiday gift for a writer them, right? The days friend…well, just saying.) when the words won’t come, the days you can’t We’re using social media to intro- come up with the right word, let alone one good duce Writes of Passage. Each day idea. The days you get rejected, or criticized, and our #60Secrets is revealing one begin to wonder if to wonder whole book thing gem, one moment of discovery. We’re hoping you was a mistake. You know. The writer’s journey is not love them, and re-tweet, and share, and let everyone always easy. know about Writes of Passage—once a day, one essay a day, a brilliant line or realization. Sixty Secrets. WAnd that’s why Writes of Passage was created—it’s the newest Sisters in Crime publication. (I was asked to If you’re not following #60Secrets on Twitter and be the editor, and Elaine Will Sparber was a wonder- Facebook, of course, start now! And just check the ful partner.) hash tag for the ones you missed. Like from Hallie So bad writing day? Somewhere, in Writes of Passage, Ephron, “I’ve written nine novels, and in everyone, in the fifty-eight essays from your sisters in crime, I I’ve gotten good and truly stuck at least once.” promise you there’s one that will speak precisely to From Sandra Parshall, “I wish someone had told me your writing turmoil. long ago, before I was published, to ditch the “wan- We asked some Sister authors to contribute—from nabe” label. From Catriona McPherson, “I spent the the newest of newbies to the very most experienced first 35 years of my life being told I think too much. and successful. As editor, I asked each author: What From Laurie King,”I wrote a book and found a family.” can you share? Social media guru Sarah Glass created beautiful Tell me a personal story, I said. Something that hap- graphics for the Writes quotations, each using the pened to you. Something you learned from. A path gorgeous origami crane from our elegant Henery you took, or didn’t, or a decision that’s haunted you. Press cover. And every day a new Tell me something wonderful or quotation is posted across social tragic, a success or a failure, a land- media. We’re hoping you love mark in your journey. them, and re-tweet, and share, and And the essays came in. Look at let everyone know about Writes of the lineup of authors! Amazing. Passage. Generous and revealing. Sisters, I am so thrilled with this! Our partnership with Henery Press I am hoping at the next Malice has produced a beautiful treasure of Domestic we can get copies signed a book—hardcover, paperback and by everyone! Sometimes the uni- digital—and it’s available in librar- verse just works. 2 24 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award by Frankie Y. Bailey

n 2005, Eleanor Taylor Bland each us. Although she herself was persistence, and hard work—is served as the editor of an achieving success as a crime writer, ready to take the next big step in anthology, Shades of Black: Eleanor believed that we all do best her career by becoming a pub- Crime and Mystery Sto- when we support and encourage lished crime fiction writer. ries by African American other writers. In that spirit, Libby Sisters in Crime is pleased to pres- Authors. In her introduction, Hellman and Mary Harris proposed ent the Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Eleanor made this observation using the funds that remained in Fiction Writers of Color Award to Iabout what African American an account that her friends had Maria Kelson. As Maria Melendez, writers bring to crime fiction, “We established for Eleanor during her Maria brings to crime writing the write about things common to last illness to support an emerging skills she has honed as a poet, with everyone, and things uniquely our writer of color. They approached two collections published by the own. . . . We give visibility, context, Sisters in Crime—Eleanor had University of Arizona Press. As a and dimension to issues, dilem- been a Sister from the early days of freelance writer, her feature essays mas, and society that are often the organization—about adminis- have appeared in Ms. Magazine, invisible to others.” trating the award. Sojourns, and elsewhere. Maria Over the course of a thirteen-book Over the course of sev- teaches literature series, Eleanor brought readers eral months, a commit- and writing at Pueblo into the world of police detec- tee of three received Community College in tive Marti MacAlister, a widowed and read the submis- Pueblo, Colorado, but mother who had moved her chil- sions by applicants for she is a San Francisco dren from Chicago to the small the $1,500 grant (to be Bay Area native. Her town of Lincoln Prairie, Illinois. The used for education and novel—combining primacy that MacAlister gave to career-building activities “elements of feminist relationships with relatives, friends, fiction and noir”— that will move the recipi- colleagues and their families, and is set in Humboldt ent toward publication). even the strangers who entered County in Northern The committee was ably the fold illustrated Eleanor’s other California. chaired by Dr. Norlisha observation about the importance (“Tish”) Crawford, Director of the Sisters in Crime offers our con- of the extended family in the works African American Studies Program, gratulations to Maria Kelson, our of African American crime writers. English Department at University thanks to the award committee, In that tradition of the extended of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. Tish was and our gratitude to Eleanor Taylor family, Eleanor reached out to joined by two committee members, Bland, one of the women who other writers of color, encouraging talented crime fiction writers, Gary taught us the power of sisterhood. us to build relationships with each Phillips and Gigi Pandian. After SinC would like to continue to other. One of the task that she took reviewing the applications that expand the diversity and multicul- on was compiling a list of crime included a resume and a writing turalism of our membership, please writers of color—a directory that sample, the committee selected a let us know if you have ideas and we could use to stay in contact with recipient who—by virtue of talent, suggestions. 2 25 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ We Love Libraries! by Andrea Smith

idwives, murder, witch- South Carolina craft, and young sleuths Elysabeth Eldering, secretary of the SinC Greenville, South visited two summer win- Carolina chapter, happily made ners of Sisters in Crime’s the four-hour drive from her home We Love Libraries pro- in Greenwood, South Carolina, to gram. present the Barnwell Library with its We Love Libraries grant. Elysabeth is the award- MIn Ohio winning author of the Kelly Watson young adult Sam Thomas, a member of the Northeast Ohio paranormal mystery series, which include Finally SinC chapter, presented The Cortland Branch of Home and Times of Time. Kelly, the protagonist, is the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library in a middle-schooler who solves crimes. Elysabeth is Cortland, Ohio, with the $1,000 grant check in also the author of the Junior Geography Detective conjunction with his program “Midwives, Murder Squad 50-state mystery series. and Witchcraft: Fact and Fiction in Renaissance Barnwell Library Manager Kim Hatfield called England.” receiving the grant thrilling and an unexpected Twenty people gathered to hear Sam speak about treat. “It’s an honor to be chosen by such a worthy organization that recognizes women crime writ- his research for his Midwives Mystery Series. ers,” Hatfield said. “We strive to have a good rep- Books in the series include The Harlot’s Tale and resentation of women writers in all genres in our The Midwife’s Tale. The third book in the series, The collection, but especially women crime writers. Witch Hunter’s Tale will be published in 2015. Sam This grant will go toward purchasing books where spoke about the themes he writes about, and with they’re most needed in our library and hopefully a Ph.D. in history with a focus on Reformation include many crime novels authored by women.” England, he knows the subject well. Elysabeth explained why Karen Murphy, Cortland Branch We Love Libraries is a crit- Library Manager, says since the ical part of SinC’s focus: event she’s been busy putting “Our We Love Libraries together the library’s order for program is important new adult fiction. “We’ll also put because libraries offer a book plate inside the front books to patrons that they cover of each book to indicate can’t afford to purchase or it was purchased through the that they might not pick Sisters in Crime grant,” she said. up on their own. As an author, it’s important to Cortland Branch Library Manager Karen Murphy proudly have a good rapport with displays the SinC grant check Sam Thomas delivered. the libraries to make

26 inSinC December 2014- ¡ ¡ Beth’s Bits by Beth Wasson Renewal Time! SinC will send renewal notices by either e-mail or US mail. We encourage renewal on www. sistersincrime.org, but will accept checks. There has been no increase in dues for 2015 and the same options are available. If you send a check we will process your renewal and send you a receipt. Send checks to: Sisters in Crime, PO Box 442124, Lawrence, KS 66044. The renewal deadline is January 31, 2015. Malice Domestic SinC Breakfast An active paid-up Sisters in Crime, Inc. member It’s time to register for the annual Sisters in Crime does not have a business interest in promoting the Breakfast at Malice Domestic. The breakfast will purposes of Sisters in Crime, Inc. This includes, but be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 7:30 am at the is not limited to, fans and readers. Dues for active Hyatt Regency, Bethesda MD. The room name will members are Annual $35, 2-Year $70, Lifetime be sent to you at a later date. The full breakfast $350. A professional paid-up Sisters in Crime, will cost $20 to all SinC members. Register online Inc. member is one of the following: An author and pay by MC or Visa or send a check to: Sisters pursuing a career in mystery writing, a bookseller, in Crime, PO Box 442124, Lawrence, KS 66044 to a publisher, a librarian, an editor, or one who has arrive on or before April 24, 2015. We will send you a business interest in promoting the purposes of a receipt by e-mail. Sisters in Crime, Inc. Professional dues are Annual 2 $40, 2-Year $80, Lifetime $400.

Libaries - continued our books available to all people. We need readers, and libraries are the most prominent place to find readers from all walks of life.” This is exactly why SinC is gearing up to help more libraries add to their collection in 2015. It will be our fifth year of providing our library partners vital support to put more books in readers’ hands. 2

Storyteller Andrea Smith writes mystery and romantic sus- pense featuring strong, resourceful women protagonists. Barnwell Library staff Kim Hatfield, Hope Sims, and Mary Jo Her police detectives and sleuths have appeared in several Dawson were on hand to receive the We Love Libraries grant short story anthologies. A Chicago native, Smith now lives in from Elysabeth Eldering (r). Indianapolis.

27 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ Awards 1 Nominations

by Gay Toltl Kinman

Jolie Charbonneau’s The Testing G. M. Mailliet’s Pagan Spring was Laurie Stevens’ Deep Into Dusk won the Anthony Award for a finalist for the 2014 Killer was a semi-finalist for the Best Children or Y.A. book. Nashville Silver Falchion For 2014 Kindle Book Awards for Mystery/Thriller. Matt Coyle’s Yesterday’s Echo won Best Traditional Mystery Art Taylor’s “The Care and the Anthony for Best First Leila Monaghan’s Undeath and the Feeding of Houseplants” in Novel. Detective was a finalist in the Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine 2014 Killer Nashville Silver Nancy Demarco’s Saving Gracie won the Macavity for Best Falchion award for Multi- was the winner in the Mystery/ Mystery Short Story. Author anthology. Jess Faraday, Thriller category of t Maggie Toussaint’s Dime If I Know editor, and Gay Toltl Kinman, a was a finalist for the 2014 Killer the 2014 Kindle Book Awards. short story contributor. Nashville Silver Falchion Award Naomi Hirahara’s Murder on Diane Piron-Gelman’s (writing for Best Traditional Mystery. Bamboo Lane won the Southern as D. M. Pirrone) Shall We Not E. F. Watkins’ Dark Music won California Independent Revenge) was nominated for the the David Award for Hex and Bookseller’s T. Jefferson Parker 2014 Kirkus Fiction Prize. her Death & Rock ‘N’ Roll was Mystery Award. Cindy Sample’s Dying for a Daiquiri a semi-finalist in the Horror/ William Kent Krueger’s Ordinary was a finalist for the 2014 Killer Suspense category of the 2014 Grace won the Anthony for Best Nashville Silver Falchion Award Kindle Book Awards. Novel, and the Macavity Award for Best Traditional Mystery. For inclusion in this column, for Best Mystery Novel. Terry Shames’ A Killing at Cotton please send SinC members’ award Catriona Mcpherson’s As She Left Hill won the Macavity for Best information to GayKinman@ It won the Anthony Award. First Mystery. GayKinman.com.

Grant Extension

he deadline for submission to the William dance at a writers’ conference, mystery convention F. Deeck Malice Domestic Grants Pro- or other opportunity to help refine one’s craft or gram for Unpublished Writers has been network with other writers and professionals in the extended to December 15, 2014. Tradi- world of publishing. The winner will also receive a Ttional mystery novels-in-progress—for children, comprehensive registration to Malice Domestic 27 young adults or adults—or a book of non-fiction (May 1–3, 2015), including a two-night stay at the on a topic relative to the traditional mystery genre convention hotel. For additional information go to may be chosen for a grant of $1,500 for atten- www.malicedomestic.org. 2 28 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ 2015 Ladies of Intrigue Love Is Murder XV Huntington Beach CA • Oct. 3 Chicago IL • Feb. 6–8 See p. 13 for details Anne Perry, Zoe Sharp, Denise Swanson, and Robert Goldsborough headline the Bouchercon 2015 mystery writers and readers conference Raleigh NC • Oct. 8–11 (formerly known as Dark and Stormy “Murder Under the Oaks” will feature Nights). www.LoveIsMurder.net Margaret Maron, Kathy Reichs, Tom Murder in the Magic City Franklin, Zoe Sharp, S. Allan Guthrie, Birmingham AL • Feb. 7 EVENTS Sean Doolittle, Lori Armstrong, Sarah GoH Hank Phillippi Ryan and Shaber, and Ron Rash. Craig Johnson www.MurderIn Bouchercon2015.org TheMagicCity2014.com Bloody Words IV Kentucky Writers’ 2016 Halifax NS • June 4–7 Conference & Southern Planning is underway for Stormy Weather! Bouchercon Kentucky Book Festival International GoH Dr. D. P. Lyle. New Orleans LA • Sep. 15–18 Bowling Green KY • Apr. 17–18 www.BloodyWords.com/2015 “Blood on the Bayou—Down in New Special Guest Diana Gabaldon will Orleans” will feature Harlan Coben headline the event. SoKyBookFest.org California Crime Writers as GoH, Mo Hayder as international Conference Authors Combat Academy GoH, Julie Smith as local legend, Jon Culver City CA • June 6-7 and Ruth Jordan as fan GoH, and Nashville TN • Apr. 17–19 Bi-annual conference hosted by SinC The annual convention of authors and Harley Jane Kozak as toastmaster. David Los Angeles and MWA SoCal will feature experts so writers can learn from the Morrell will be the lifetime achievement Charlaine Harris and Anne Perry. best how to write amazing fight scenes. award recipient. [email protected], www.AuthorsCombatAcademy.com www.Bouchercon2016.com www.facebook.com/CaliforniaCrime WritersConference Left Coast Crime 2015 Writing 2017 Workshop Historical Novel Society Bouchercon Portland OR • Mar. 11 Denver CO • June 26–28 Instruction on writing mystery/sus- Explore new time periods, learn about Toronto ON • Oct. 12–15 pense/thrillers by NYT Bestselling weaponry, improve your craft, explore “Passport to Murder” will feature Louise Authors April Henry and Robert Dugoni publishing opportunities. GoH Karen Penny, Canadian GoH; Megan Abbott, leftcoastcrime.org/2015/Writing Cushman and Chris (C. C.) Humphreys. American GoH; Christopher Brookmyre, Workshop HNS-Conference.org international GoH; Chris Grabenstein as B’Con 4Kids GoH, Margaret Cannon Left Coast Crime 2015 Deadky Ink Portland OR • Mar. 12–15 as fan GoH, and Twist Phelan and Gary New Brunswick NJ • Aug. 7–9 Phillips as toastmasters. Website TBA. “Crimelandia” explores noir, cozy, Mystery conference and academy will thriller, historical, graphic novels, feature Donald Bain and René Paley- and more. GoH Timothy Hallinan and Bain as GoH, Donna Andrews as toast- 2018 Chelsea Cain, toastmaster Gar Anthony master, and Les Blatt as fan GoH. Bouchercon Haywood leftcoastcrime.org/2015 www.DeadlyInk2015.org St. Petersburg FL • Sep. 13–16 Triangle Area Frelancers Four Corners Writers Workshop The conference will feature Karin Raleigh NC • May 2 Gallup NM • Oct. 2–4 Slaughter, Sean Chercover, Sara Blaedel, David Morrell will be the keynote Readings and workshops by members of Mark Billingham, Lisa Unger, Tim presenter at the conference for fiction, the national writing community, includ- Dorsey, Ian Rankin, Judy Bobalik, Ayo non-fiction, and screen writers. ing publishers and literary agents. Onatade, and, as ghost of honor John D. www.TriangleAreaFreelancers.org www.Gallup.UNM.edu/fourcorners MacDonald. bouchercon2018.com

29 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ July J. J. Hensley, Measure Twice, Assent Judy Alter, Deception in Strange Places, Publishing, P, E Turquoise Morning Press, P, E y Norma Huss, Cherish, Amazon, P, E D. D. Ayres, Necessary Force, St. Martins Gin Jones, A Denial of Death, Gemma Press, E Docket Halliday Publishing, P, E Rachel Bukey, Leap of Faith, Rat City Carol Kilgore, Secrets of Honor, Amazon, Publishing, P P, E Bobbi A. Chukran, Dye, Dyeing, Dead, Gay Toltl Kinman, Death in..., Mysterious Limestone Ledge Publishing, P, E Nancy Martin, A Little Night Murder, Women, P Lesley A. Diehl, Dead in the Water, Camel Penguin/NAL, P, E Sherry Knowlton, Dead of Autumn, Press, P Becky Michael, “Extreme Weather Sunbury Press, P Helen Ginger, Dismembering the Past, Mysteries,”Mystery Readers Bette Golden Lamb & J. J. Lamb, Bone High Canyon Books, P International/Mystery Readers Journal, P, E of Contention, Two Black Sheep Marni Graff, The Scarlet Wench, Bridle Productions, P Path Press, P, E Anne Nash (Sylvia A. Nash), “Mind Waves, A Short Story,” CreateSpace, P Lynne Lederman, “You Always Hurt the Thonie Hevron, Intent to Hold, Oak Tree One You Love,” Glenmere, P, E Press, P Jayne Ormerod, Blond Faith, a Blonds at the Beach Mystery, Bay Breeze Steve Liskow, The Kids Are All Right, Create Marion Moore Hill, Cook the Books, Publishing Group, P, E Space, P, E Crispin Books, P, E Barbara Pearson-Rac, On Track—A Diana Bernadette Pajer, The Edison Effect, Amnon Kabatchnik, Blood on the Stage, Jeffries, Amazon, P Poisoned Pen Press, P 480 B. C. to 1600, A. D. Rowman & Littlefield, P D. M. Pirrone, Shall We Not Revenge, Cathy Perkins, Cypher, Red Mountain Allium Press of Chicago, P Arlene Kay, Mantrap, Belle Books, P Publishing, P Linda Style, The Taken, LMS Press, E B. V. Lawson, Played to Death, Crimetime Leigh Perry, The Skeleton Takes a Bow, Press, P, E Susan Sundwall, The Super Bar Incident, Berkley Prime Crime, P, E, A Mainly Murder Press, P, E Sandy Semerad, A Message in the Roses, Stephanie Queen, The Beachcombers, Books We Love, Ltd., P, E September Stephanie Queen, E Judy Penz Sheluk, The Hanged Man’s Janet Cantrell, Fat Cat at Large, Berkley R. V. Reyes, “Ossie Piñero PI Short Noose, Barking Rain Press, P Prime Crime, P Stories,” Draft 2 Digital & Amazon, E Nancy G. West, Fit to Be Dead, Aggie Lisa Carter, Under a Turquoise Sky, Linda Style, The Silent, LMS Press, E Mundeen Mystery #1, Henery Press, Abingdon Press, P Lea Wait, Shadows on a Maine Christmas: P, E Vannetta Chapman, Hidden, Vannetta An Antique Print Mystery, Perseverance Chapman P, E August Press, P D. D. Ayres, Irresistible Force, St. Martins C. Hope Clark, Murder on Edisto, Bell Nancy G. West, Dang Near Dead, Aggie PreÍss, P Bridge Books, P Mundeen Mystery #2,Henery Press, P, E Dori Hillestad Butler, “The Haunted Sheila Connolly, Seeing the Dead, Beyond Lois Winston (ed.), Bake, Love, Write: 105 Library series,”Grosset & Dunlap, P the Page Publishing, E Authors Share Dessert Recipes and Advice Erika Chase, Book Fair and Foul, Berkley Jill Downie, Blood Will Out, Dundurn on Love and Writing, CreateSpace, P, E Press, Toronto, P, E Prime Crime, P, E October Mary Anne Edwards, A Good Girl, Sellem Veronica Helen Hart, Swimming Corpse, Cathy Ace, The Corpse with the Platinum Books, P, E Champagne Book Group, E Hair, TouchWood Editions, P Sharon Ervin, Jingo Street, Oak Tree Press, Carol Henry, Rio Connection, The Wild Judy Alter, The Perfect Coed, Alter Ego P Rose Press, P, E Publishing, P, E Lisa King, Vulture au Vin, The Permanent Kate Clark Flora, Death Dealer, New Horizon Press Books, P, E Sheila Connolly, Picked to Die, Berkley Press, P Prime Crime and “Under the Hill,” Lizz Lund, Christmas Bizarre, CreateSpace, Richard Godwin, Meaningful Beyond the Page Publishing P, E Conversations, Noir Nation, P, E Waverly Curtis, “A Chihuahua in Every Libby Fischer Hellmann, Nobody’s Child, Sharon Marchisello, Going Home, Stocking,”Kensington, E Sunbury Press, P, E The Red Herrings Press, P

30 inSinC December 2014-

¡ ¡ Diane Fanning, Under Cover of the Night: Karen McCullough, The Detective’s L.J. Sellers, The Trap (An Agent Dallas A True Story of Sex, Greed, and Murder Dilemma, Kensington, P, EPaul D. Thriller), Spellbinder Press, P, E, A Berkley Books, P, E, A Marks, “Howling at the Moon,”Ellery January 2015 Kate Flora, And Grant You Peace, Five Star/ Queen Mystery Magazine, P, E Cengage, P, E M. E. May, Purged,M & B Literary Creations, P, E Jane Cleland, “Booked for Death,” Alfred Barb Goffman, “The Shadow Knows,” Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, P, E Wildside Press, P, E and “It’s A Trap!” B. B. Oak, Thoreau on Wolf Hill, Barb Goffman, “A Year Without Santa Untreed Reads Publishing, P, E Kensington, P Claus?” Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Debra H. Goldstein, “Thanksgiving Nanci Rathbun, Cash Kills—An Angelina Magazine, PE in Moderation,”Untreed Reads, P, E Bonaparte Mystery, Cozy Cat Press, P Susannah Hardy, Feta Attraction, Berkley and “Hot and Cold,”King’s River Life Cindy Sample, Dying for a Dude, Cindy Prime Crime (Penguin), P, E Magazine, E Sample Books, P, E Alice Loweecey, Nun Too Soon, Henery Barbara Gregorich, Guide to Writing the Patricia Stoltey, Dead Wrong, Five Star Press Mystery Novel: Lots of Examples, Plus Publishing, P Dead Bodies, CreateSpace, P, E Lea Wait, Twisted Threads: A Mainely Pamela Triolo, The Impostor: A Medical Needlepoint Mystery, Kensington, P Lois Lavrisa, Murderous Muffins, Sunlake Mystery, Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, Press, E P, E February 2015 A. C. Mason, Deadly Bayou, Wings ePress, Diane Vallere, Suede to Rest, Berkley M. Evonne Dobson, Chaos Theory, P, E Prime Crime, P, E Poisoned Pencil, P, E Helen Macie Osterman, Danger By Design, Tina Whittle, Deeper Than the Grave, March 2015 Oak Tree Press, P Poisoned Pen Press, P Connie Archer, Ladle to the Grave, G. M. Malliet, A Demon Summer, Minotaur, Patricia Wynn, Acts of Faith, Pemberley Penguin/Random House, P, E P, E, A Press, P Nancy G. West, Smart, But Dead, Henery Press, P, E Marilyn Meredith, River Spirits, December Mundania Press, P Lucy Burdette, Death with all the June 2015 Carole Price, Sour Grapes, Five Star/ Trimmings, NAL/Signet, P, E Betsy Ashton, Uncharted Territory, Koehler Cengage, P Nichole Christoff, The Kill List: A Jamie Books, E Hank Phillippi Ryan, Truth Be Told, Forge Sinclair Novel, Random House’s, Alibi, E July 2015 Books, P Jane Cleland, Blood Rubies, Minotaur, P Kathleen Delaney, Purebred Dead, Severn Susan Santangelo, Funerals Can Be Murder, Cleo Coyle, Once Upon a Grind House, P, E Suspense Publishing, P (Coffeehouse Mystery #14), Penguin Jeffrey Siger, Sons of Sparta, Poisoned Pen Random House, P, E, A “The Docket” is designed Press, P Waverly Curtis, The Chihuahua Always Sniffs Twice, Kensington, P, E to announce SinC Janis Thornton, Dust Bunnies and Dead members’ recent publications. Bodies, PageSpring Publishing, P, E S.L. Ellis, Lane Changes, A P.I. Cassie Cruise Novel, Black Opal Books, P, E November • Titles whose issue date is Tace Baker (aka Edith Maxwell), Bluffing Barbara Graham, Murder by Gravity: The older than six months from is Murder, Barking Rain Press, P, E Coffin Quilt, Five Star/Cengage, P inSinC publication date Sally Carpenter, The Cunning Cruise Ship Toni L.P. Kelner, Dead But Not Forgotten, (October 2015 for the March Caper, Cozy Cat Press, P Ace Books, P, E, A issue) cannot be included in Kait Carson, Death By Blue Water, Henery Alison McMahan, The Saffron Crocus, The Docket. Press, P, E Black Opal Books, P, E, A Maya Corrigan, By Cook or by Crook, Carolyn Mulford, Show Me the Gold, Five • Titles entered without a Kensington Books, P, E Star/Gale, Cengage, P publication date cannot be included. Diane Fanning, Scandal in the Secret City, Leigh Perry, The Real Santa Claus, Ace Severn House, P Books, P, E, A Penny Clover Petersen, Roses and Enter your information Kristen Houghton, For I Have Sinned Daisies and Death, Oh My, Intrigue at sistersincrime.site-ym. A Cate Harlow Private Investigation, Publishing, P com/?page=DocketFormBook Koehler Books Publishing, P

31 inSinC December 2014 ¡ ¡ PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PO Box 442124 PAID Lawrence KS 66044 BLACKSBURG, VA www.SistersInCrime.org PERMIT NO. 158

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Happy Holidays!