Malice Domestic 2013!

All over the internet, pictures from the 25th Annual Malice Domestic Fan Conference are popping up, and naturally I had to make sure I was as with-it as everybody else. Here is my pictorial blog about the past 4 days. Had I taken pictures this morning, they might have included me getting all the way through the wrong security line at the airport, simply because I was too tired to realize gate number 8 did not fall between 22 and 30. This is what happens when west coasties are forced to operate on east coast time. But now I'm home, so on to the fun stuff (in no particular order, because it was ALL FUN!):

Authors Wendy Tyson and Susan M. Boyer looking fresh in orange. The color of the conference!

Susan M. Boyer wins the Agatha for best first novel!

Me with Henery Press authors Christina Freeburn and Kendel Lynn

The fabulous Catriona McPherson! Winner of the Agatha for best historical mystery.
This woman knows how to make a pitch in 2 minutes. And, I love her platinum hair!

Kendel Lynn, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and moi

Con Lehane attempting his second argument that the presence of a librarian and a cat in his book qualifies him to be on the Cozy Crimes panel. He was not successful in his argument, but was quite an entertaining addition to the panel.

More from the Cozy Crimes panel:
Triss Stein, Lyndee Walker, moderator Audrey Liebross, J.J. Murphy, and Con  Lehane

Susan M. Boyer and Harlan Coben during the Hen House after party
(otherwise known as "Champagne in the  Hotel Bar.")

 

Grace Topping with her very own copy of Samantha Kidd's Guide to Sleuthing in Style.

Tracy Kiely, who writes the very fun Jane Austin-themed mysteries.

Kendel and Elaine Viets, who share the title BOARD STIFF on their new releases. Note Kendel's outfit matches Elaine's book cover. and Elaine's outfit matches Kendel's book cover.  Totally not planned!

Kendel gets ready to sign!

Ellen Byerrum, who writes the Lacey Smithsonian Crime of Fashion mystery series and maintains a very high bar with her 40's vintage fashions. Another A+ ensemble Ellen!

Okay, so we were attached at the hip. So what?

Just look at that wall of Trixie Beldens behind me!
While I confess to a Trixie Belden buying compulsion, I managed to buy none, only because  I already have 57. But still! 

The Style & Error Gift Basket. Note the winner received both a handbag AND pretzels. Yes, I think of everything.

The Mad for Mod Gift Basket.
There's a set of Rock Hudson and Doris Day movies in there! And a groovy purple daisy pen.
Congrats Fan Guest of Honor (and fellow former lingerie buyer) Cindy Silberblatt for winning both baskets!

Lifetime Award Winner Aaron Elkins and author Gigi Pandian, who stepped in for Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Mertz and conducted the "Interview of a Lifetime." 

Sheila Connolly and Laura DiSilverio, my tablemates at the Berkley Prime Crime dinner. My first time attending!

Molly MacRae, Kendel Lynn, and Dr. Doug Lyle sharing a signing table.
I am quite jealous over the title of Molly's book, LAST WOOL AND TESTAMENT.
I would have loved that title for one of my Fabric Shop Mysteries, but she beat me to it. 

The Hen House! From left: Christina Freeburn, Diane Vallere (me), Gigi Pandian, Susan M. Boyer, Kendel Lynn,
 LynDee Walker, Larissa Reinhart. What fun to spend the weekend gallivanting around the conference with these ladies!