Ever since I've been writing mysteries, it's been a wonderful winter ritual to attend the holiday party at Kate's Mystery Books. It was always a mob scene, but terrific fun and a reunion for writers and readers. It was also a chance to buy what I think is the best holiday present, a book signed by the author.
Kate's Mystery Books, alas, is no more, but the community Kate built there with members of SinC and MWA lives on. Last night, the tradition was rekindled at the New England Mobile Book Fair. Three hours of books and friends, old and new, in a book-lover's paradise. Here are a few pictures:
L-R: The fabulous Katherine Hall Page, with Femmes Hank and Toni. I'm in back.
Yay! Signing Akashic's Boston Noir and Cape Cod Noir.
Miles of writers: I can see (standing,l-r) David Zeltserman, Susan Oleksiw, and Gary Braver.
Miles of books!
Here the thing: When I was a kid, my father used to make deliveries near the NE Mobile Book Fair. If I gave him the titles, authors, and publishers, he'd bring back books I asked for, and once or twice, we met him there for lunch. It was awesome. I'd never seen so many books before in my life (the closest comparison I have now is to Strand Books in NYC).
Last night, I went back as an author signing books with my short stories, which was strange and wonderful, another kind of reunion. I wish everyone great books and great friends for the holidays!
P.S. Today, I received the ARCs of my newest book, Seven Kinds of Hell, which will be out in March from 47North. If you leave a comment, I'll draw a name randomly from the list to receive an ARC! Don't forget to check back to find if you've won!
I would have loved to have been there! I went to Kate's once years ago. What an awesome shop it was!
Posted by: Connie Spencer | December 07, 2012 at 03:06 PM
Dana, I remember when you were nervous about writing a short story in UF...now you have a series! Congrats on stepping outside the box...well done, my friend.
Posted by: Debi Murray | December 07, 2012 at 03:12 PM
I remember Kate's fondly. What a wonderful story about your dad. My dad buys/sells antiques, and he's a wonder at getting me all sorts of things to read
Posted by: Jeffrey Marks | December 07, 2012 at 03:30 PM
What a a great night!! And I love the Strand store in New York! You all look great!!
Posted by: Ellen Healy | December 07, 2012 at 05:13 PM
Miles of books looks delightful (and hazardous to the bank account)!
Posted by: Lynn Evans | December 07, 2012 at 06:08 PM
Miles of books? I could lost in there for a very long time! Congrats on Seven Kinds of Hell!
Posted by: Joan | December 07, 2012 at 08:07 PM
The party looks like it was great fun, and congratulations on your new book! We missed you at Crime Bake.
Posted by: Avis | December 07, 2012 at 08:49 PM
Those miles of books look like heaven! Thanks for the giveaway and Congrats on Seven Kinds of Hell, Dana. Yay! Another fab UF series to get stuck into :-)
Posted by: Suzanne_McLeod | December 08, 2012 at 03:11 AM
What city was this in? And why can't we have something like it in Cincinnati? :-) What a job that must have been, to wrangle all those books. Looks like grand fun, though.
Congratulations on the new book, and happy holidays!
Posted by: Karen in Ohio | December 08, 2012 at 04:59 AM
What a terrific night! Itching to get my hands on one of those fabulous books, Dana! COngratulations..xoxo
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | December 08, 2012 at 08:14 AM
Congratulations on the new book!
I am SO jealous of all who were at the book fair! If it is truly mobile, can't it travel down to CT some Saturday?! Hint, hint...
Posted by: Deb Romano | December 08, 2012 at 08:32 AM
Love this - thanks for sharing. The ARCs are here! It's real, it's real!!!
Posted by: Mary | December 09, 2012 at 10:23 AM
Dana, I'm looking forward to reading SEVEN KINDS OF HELL and have added it to my 2013 Reading Wish List. Congrats on the upcoming release and what will no doubt prove to be a very entertaining series.
Posted by: Michele | December 09, 2012 at 08:17 PM
What fun, Dana. Congrats on SEVEN KINDS OF HELL. Terrific title. Can't wait to read it.
Posted by: Elaine Viets | December 10, 2012 at 05:23 AM
Thank you all for your kind words! I'm so looking forward to everyone getting to meet Zoe next year!
The contest is now closed, and the lucky winner is: Michele! Michele, if you'll send me an email with your address (via my website or to dana at danacameron dot com, using the usual punctuation), I'd be happy to send your copy out this week!
Posted by: Dana Cameron | December 10, 2012 at 05:36 AM
I'm jealous; wish I could have been a New Englander for the day!
Posted by: Donna Andrews | December 10, 2012 at 08:15 AM
Michele, I tried to contact you with the email you left here, but it bounced! Please drop me a line.
Donna, Lynn, Joan, Suzanne, Karen, and Deb: Yes, it is a terrific store! Connie and Jeffrey, we miss Kate's, too! Debi, Ellen, Avis, Hank, Elaine, Michele, and Mary, thank you so much!
Posted by: Dana Cameron | December 10, 2012 at 11:28 AM
WOW! Dana, thank you so much! I went ahead and emailed you. Please let me know if you don't receive it for some reason.
You really made my day -no, make that my week! :D
Posted by: Michele | December 10, 2012 at 02:58 PM