Tom Schreck and Libby Hellman emcee Murder & Mayhem

I spent today at the Muskego Public Library in Wisconsin, at the Sixth Annual Murder and Mayhem in Muskego conference.   This all-day conference for mystery fans was headlined by Libby Fischer Hellmann and Tom Schreck. Libby – former videographer and now full-time author – writes the Ellie Forman and Georgia Davis mystery series.  Tom used to be a drug counselor and is now a world championship boxing official.  He writes the Duffy Dumbrowski mystery series.  I’ve read Libby – she’s reliably interesting, solid stories and characters you want to get to know.  Tom is new to me but I have it on good authority that his books are hilarious.  Needless to say, they were a great tag team as our hosts for the day.   Repartee was witty.

It was a wonderful day – the panels were packed full of interesting authors, the attendees were all good natured, most fans but many writers, children’s librarian Penny who organized the whole thing a genial magician making it all happen.  The cozy panel went over bigger than the one on noir and Ridley Pearson, as the guest of honor, was ridiculously entertaining.  The $25 entry fee included a canvas bag full of books, a full day of programming, and lunch.  I’ve spent more for just lunch!

I’ll write more when in a future post or two.  But for now, kudos to all and my hearty recommendation for Murder and Mayhem in Muskego VII – look for it this time next year.