Hi all. I spent the last week at Bouchercon in Calgary, Alberta. Bouchercon is the biggest mystery convention, and it draws the biggest names in the genre. Sara Paretsky. Louise Penny. S. A. Cosby. Mark Greaney. And many more. Panels began on Wednesday afternoon and continued through noon on Sunday, I had a blast!
The Anthony Awards were handed out on Saturday night. Tracy Clark won the Best Paperback Original/E-Book/Audiobook Original Novel category. Laurie L. Dove’s Mask of the Deer Woman won Best First Novel. Louise’s Penny’s The Black Wolf won Best Hardcover Novel. Other awards included Best Anthology or Collection, Best Critical or Nonfiction Work, Best Short Story, and Best Juvenile or YA. I had read many of the nominees and proved once again that I cannot “Pick ‘em“ as I only got one right.
The atmosphere was warm and supportive, which is the way with the mystery community. Such wonderful, friendly people. Not a sourpuss in the lot. :)
I had the pleasure of talking to Michael Rigg, one of the nicest folks. His book, Voices of the Elysian Fields, was nominated for Best First Novel. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend this book. Set in New Orleans, the book follows coroner Jonathan Gray as he investigates wrongdoings in the Crescent City. Really well written! I bought his second book, Shadow of the Frenchman, and I look forward to reading it soon.
If I haven’t mentioned it in a prior post, Sue Hincenbergs’ Retirement Plan is another great read. Lots of humor in this story about frustrated retirement-aged women who hire a hitman to kill off their husbands for the insurance money. Only to find the hitman becomes their moral compass. Hilarious book! Really a fun read!
As I mentioned, the convention was set in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The weather was nice the first few days. Then we had some mild snow. I attended with my daughter, Mandy. We were both impressed by the beauty of the city and the kindness of its people. The Canadians we met were friendly and warm-hearted. The folks at the airport were ever so helpful. And all the restaurants had great food and smiling service. If you are looking for a great vacation spot, Calgary might be it. Lots of white hats and sunshine!
Tom