A Lively Discussion of Colorful Characters in Current Crime Fiction

See you there!

Cocktails and readings by contributors and local writers honoring their favorite queer crime authors. See you there!

Join me at Jackie Lee’s for a celebration of Crime Ink: Iconic—a new anthology of queer crime fiction that I co-edited.

Hannah Grieco will interview me, along with contributors Cheryl Head and Diana DiGiangi, as we read from our stories and discuss reimagining queer icons through crime fiction.

We’ll also hear from some of DC’s finest writers—K.T. Nguyen, Alex Finlay, Aggie Blum Thompson, Sarah Pekkanen, and E.A. Aymar—who will share and discuss queer authors who’ve influenced their own work.

During these insane times, it's been wonderful to find solace in celebrating and discussing these wonderful stories. Thanks to Al for having us on!

I’m excited to be joined by KT Nguyen, Katharine Schellman, LynDee Walker, and I.S. Berry. Together we’ll explore what makes modern mysteries more than just whodunits—how they interrogate power, challenge tropes, and ask bigger questions about justice.

Expect lively conversation, book signings, and community. Hope to see you there!

Excited to lead Inside the Character: Techniques for Writing Thought & Emotion in Fiction at the James River Writers Conference, Oct 3rd.

We’ll explore how fiction takes us deep into a character’s mind—their thoughts, feelings, and desires.

Swing by Bibliophile Candle Co. at 6:30 PM next Thursday (Oct 2nd) to hear fabulous contributors, Kristen Lepionka, Jeff Marks, and Meredith Doench chat about their stories, Crime Ink: Iconic, and the broader creative endeavor of the anthology!

New York friends, mark your calendars and drop by the Bureau of General Services-Queer Division and celebrate the launch of Crime Ink: Iconic with us!

I’ll be celebrating CRIME INK: ICONIC, the new queer crime fiction anthology I co-edited! With me: Cheryl A. Head (Times Undoing) + Diana Digangi (Last Chance Chicago).

Why this book? Because in 2023, 517 crime stories appeared in anthologies—and fewer than 1% were by LGBTQ+ writers. CRIME INK: ICONIC is our answer: 20+ sharp, surprising stories inspired by queer icons like James Baldwin, Oscar Wilde, Candy Darling, Laverne Cox, and Dolly Parton.

Join us for a lively discussion + book signing as we celebrate the power of queer voices in crime fiction. Hope to see you there!

Sponsored by MWA Midwest, tune in for a powerhouse panel featuring JM Redmann, Robyn Gigl, Anne Laughlin, Kristen Lepionka, Meredith Doench, Salem West (editor), and me (editor & contributor)—all moderated by the fabulous Joshua Moehling.

Why this book? Why this discussion? Because in 2023, 517 crime stories appeared in anthologies—and fewer than 1% were by LGBTQ+ writers. CRIME INK: ICONIC is our answer: 20+ sharp, surprising stories inspired by queer icons like James Baldwin, Oscar Wilde, Candy Darling, Laverne Cox, and Dolly Parton.

Mark your calendars! On Tuesday, Sept 17 at 7:00 PM, Harvard Book Store is hosting three fabulous writers—Kelly J. Ford, Margot Douaihy, and Stephanie Gayle—for a discussion of CRIME INK: ICONIC, the queer crime fiction anthology I co-edited with Salem West.

This book is close to my heart because it answers a real gap: in 2023, 517 stories appeared in crime anthologies, but fewer than 1% were by LGBTQ+ authors. CRIME INK: ICONIC brings together 20+ bold, surprising stories inspired by queer icons like James Baldwin, Oscar Wilde, Dolly Parton, Laverne Cox, and more.

If you’re in Boston, don’t miss this event—it’s going to be a great night of crime, community, and celebration.

Hey, Chicago, don't miss this—tomorrow night (9/11) ... Hear from these fabulous contributors to Crime Ink: Iconic.

So excited to celebrate at the Underrepresented Authors Reception at Bouchercon 2025, now starting at 9:30 PM (not 9:15 as earlier posted)! 🎉

Join us Sept. 5 in the Bissonett Ballroom for a cash bar, dessert, bingo, prizes, book giveaways, and an evening honoring diverse voices in crime fiction.

It's going to be a party to remember!

This isn’t your average book club—it's a deep dive into one of the most talked-about true crime books ever, with a sharp focus on what it can teach us as both readers and writers.

Susan Hammerman will moderate a lively panel discussion featuring Alex Segura, Lori Rader-Day, Daniel Stashower, Anne Choi, and me. We’ll explore In Cold Blood through the lens of craft and storytelling—and then open things up for breakout discussion groups where you can join in.

It’s going to be smart, fun, and worth your time. Hope to see you there.

This Friday!! 🔥 Join me for a book signing to celebrate the opening of the new Barnes & Noble on July 11th at 5 PM! It's great to see new bookstores opening! See you there!

Richmond mystery readers! I'm so looking forward to chatting with Katherine Schellman tomorrow (June 24th, 6 PM) at the marvelous Fountain Bookstore. We'll be discussing her latest book, Last Dance Before Dawn, as well as 1920s NYC, speakeasy life, and writing queer characters. See you there!

I don’t know about you, but I need to get my mind off all the sad/bad things for a little while—which is why I’m so excited to join these superb writers and our excellent host for Noir at the Bookstoire this Thursday. Join us at the store!

What do Stephen Sondheim and crime fiction have in common?

Turns out… quite a lot. Murderous barbers, killer wolves, presidential assassins—it’s all there in the lyrics. So when Josh Pachter invited me (alongside a crew of brilliant writers) to contribute to Every Day a Little Death, a collection of crime stories inspired by Sondheim’s songs, I said yes immediately.

Now we’re gathering to talk about it. Join me, Josh, Lisa Nanni-Messegee, Marcia Talley, and Kristopher Zgorski for a lively discussion about the intersection of music, mayhem, and murder.

Because sometimes the best stories start with a show tune—and end with a body.

I had a great time chatting with the brilliant John Parker. We covered everything from crime fiction favorites to the worst advice I’ve ever gotten—and yes, there’s a celebrity crush reveal in there too.

Hey Richmond friends! I’d love for you to join me on Wednesday, April 9 at 6 PM at the Libbie Mill Library for a discussion of my latest novel, Hall of Mirrors, and my writing process. I’ll be talking about the book, answering questions, and signing copies. Come say hi!

I'm incredibly proud to contribute to this project. The Crime Writers for Trans Rights Auction features an array of amazing items and services up for bid—all supporting a vital cause. Offerings range from signed books and original art to manuscript critiques and author book group visits. Bidding opens Wednesday, March 26, 2025—be sure to check it out!

If you’re in town, check us out!

This is your chance to get an insider’s look at mystery writing, share your passion, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Don’t forget to RSVP by adding the event product to your cart. I can’t wait to see you there and uncover some secrets together!

I’ll be signing books alongside the incredible Cheryl L. Reed, and we’d love for you to stop by! Come grab your next great mystery read, chat crime fiction with us, and get your books signed.