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.

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.

Hope you'll join us! Can't wait to see you and to listen to these three grace us with their work.

It’s going to be a fun afternoon filled with book signings, great conversation, and holiday shopping! I hope to see you there!

In this talk, I’ll explore how building complex, fully realized characters is the best way to avoid slipping into stereotypes. I’ll discuss the importance of telling counter-narratives and strategies for handling secondary characters, who are essential to the plot but often fall back on clichés as shortcuts. I’ll also cover the need to understand power dynamics when writing across differences, the role of sensitivity readers, and the critical importance of thorough research.

Ever wonder why the most unlikeable characters are often the hardest to forget? Join me on November 19 at the James River Writers' Writing Show, where I'll be joined by Alma Katsu and Harry Szabo, with Karen A. Chase as our moderator, to reveal how to create flawed, messy, and morally complex characters who captivate readers. Don’t miss this chance to transform your writing!

Don't miss this chance to chat with us, get your books signed, and enjoy an afternoon. We look forward to seeing you there!

So excited to be reading (virtually) with this line up of wonderful writers at the Publishing Triangle’s Outspoken Reading Series.

Looking forward to meeting these esteemed fellow alums and to seeing old friends.

Hope you can make it!

I'm so excited to speak at the James River Writers conference this weekend. 😊

I’m traveling to Nebraska this week! So thrilled to read from The Savage Kind and my new book Hall of Mirrors this Wednesday!

I’m so thrilled to be included in this wonderful event to support Nashville Public Library at Bouchercon and bring awareness to the deeply troubling banning of books in our country.

Tune in on August 13th at 12:30 pm ET to hear Hannah read the first chapter of Hall of Mirrors. Don't miss out!

I'm excited to "go deep" on pacing in fiction and share some strategies. Pacing is so much more than just having a lot of stuff going on in your plot.

I’m thrilled to present two sessions at the Writers & Readers Day at the Virginia Highlands Festival in the Southwest VA Higher Education Center on July 26th.

What: Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith.

When: Saturday July 13th at 2pm ET/1pm CT/noon pm MT/11am PT

Who: Our panelists for this event include Susan Hammerman (moderator), Yasmin Angoe, John Copenhaver, Stephanie Gayle, Kelly Oliver, and Lori Rader-Day.

To register, go to: https://www.sistersincrime.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1808992&group=

Shawn and I will read and chat about all things noir and crime fiction. Don’t miss it! Sponsored by Shelf Life Books.

Drop by and say hi if you’re in the area!

Mark your calendars. I'm part of an amazing group of writers for this one—S.A. Cosby, Robert Creekmore, James Grady, Vera Kurian, Eliza Nellums, K.T. Nguyen, and the host with the most, Ed Aymar. We'll be at the Looking Glass Lounge and reading dark (and at times funny) sh*t. 😂 Join us, won't you?

Join Alma Katsu and me at WordPlay as we discuss our most recent works, our publishing journeys, and the joys and challenges of writing thrillers.

The June 21 event at WordPlay is free; no registration required. Copies of both authors’ newest books and backlist titles will be available for purchase and signing. A portion of all book sales during the event will support Lost River Pride. For more information, email info@wordplaywv.com. WordPlay is located at 50 West Main Street, Wardensville WV.

We’ll be celebrating of the paperback release of Kim's Happiness Falls and, of course, Hall of Mirrors. Click here for more details.

Come see James Polchin and me for a joint launch and discussion. Click here for more details.

I’d love to see you there! Sign in to Facebook or YouTube here.