Thursday, September 12, 2013

Bouchercon 2013: Stalking My Favorite Authors

Kim Hammond's book shelf of signed novels


Our guest post today is from Kim Hammond about her thoughts as she packs for Bouchercon, the world's largest mystery convention. The year guests of honor include Tess Gerritsen, Sue Grafton and Anne Perry.  The festivities are in Albany, NY. 




That’s right, I am heading to the Empire State for the 2013 Bouchercon, New York State of Crime. I have been looking forward to this for a year now. One of the main reasons is that I was involved with the planning/running of the 2012 event in Cleveland, which means I didn’t get to sit in on any panels to hear my favorite authors. This year I am merely a fan and that’s enough for me.






The first author I am excited about meeting is Tess Gerritsen.
I love Rizzoli and Isles, both the books and the television series, and because Tess is the American Guest of Honor, there will be plenty of time to hear her speak. I am looking forward to getting a book signed to add to my mounting collection of autographed books.





Toastmaster Steven Hamilton has had me as a fan for years. His Alex McKnight series is a favorite for a lot of people. His description of Michigan’s UP (Upper Peninsula) makes me cold just reading about it. 

I  had the opportunity to meet Harlan Coben  at the Bouchercon in Indianapolis and I am looking forward to seeing him again. My friend Deb loves his books and thinks he's is very funny in person. 

I am also excited to see some author friends. Award winning author Hank Phillippi Ryan, who is the President of National Sisters in Crime (SinC) will be there just a week after the launch of her new book, The Wrong Girl. In her spare time Hank is an investigative reporter in Boston and she has some of the best stake-out stories I’ve ever heard (and believe it or not, I have heard many).



Daniel Palmer is an author that you should keep your eye on. He has published three stand-alone thrillers and each book keeps getting better. I am impatiently awaiting his fourth to be out in 2014. He’s charismatic and funny so don’t be shy about going up and saying hello. You may get to hear a story about famous dad/author Michael Palmer, or if we’re lucky, he belt out a tune of his harmonica.



Newly published cozy author Shelley Costa just started a fabulous series involving an Italian family owned restaurant outside of Philadelphia. Her first book, released in June, is called You Cannoli Die Once. She is witty and charming and it comes through in her book.


Watch for me reporting live from Bouchercon starting Thursday, September 17th here on the blog and on Mystery Playground’s Facebook page. I’ll try and make it feel like you’re right there with me.

2 comments:

  1. What a great list. You will be very busy. Sounds like it will be a fun conference.

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  2. I'm very jealous, but still hope it's a great conference. It sure has enough great authors!

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