A Night of Mystery and Thrills at Tattered Cover

There’s something about sitting in a room full of storytellers that makes you want to write. That’s exactly how I felt after attending a panel of award-winning mystery and thriller authors at the Tattered Cover Book Store. The event featured an impressive lineup: Jennifer K. Morita, D.M. Rowell (Koyh Mi O Boy Dah), Cayce Osborne, Wes Browne, Alex Kenna, Maria Kelson, and Mindy Carlson.

Each author read a brief excerpt from their work, giving us just enough to hook our curiosity and leave us wanting more. It’s one thing to read a mystery novel on your own, but hearing the words spoken aloud by the person who crafted them adds another level of intensity. The cadence, the pauses, the way they delivered suspense—it was a masterclass in storytelling.

The variety of stories and styles was striking. Some leaned into psychological suspense, others into hardboiled crime, and a few had a literary flair that elevated the genre in unexpected ways. What united them all was their ability to grip an audience, both on the page and in person.

Beyond the readings, the authors shared insights into their writing processes, how they build tension, and what keeps them returning to mystery and thriller fiction. It’s always fascinating to hear how different writers approach their craft—some are meticulous plotters, while others let the story reveal itself as they go.

One of the most inspiring moments of the night came when D.M. Rowell spoke about her Native and Kiowa heritage. She shared how her cultural background shapes her writing, weaving history and tradition into her stories in a way that honors her ancestors while crafting compelling narratives. Her passion was palpable, and it was a reminder of how deeply personal storytelling can be.

Maria Kelson also stood out to me—not just because of her insights into writing mystery but because she

spoke about being a poet. In a room full of crime fiction writers, hearing her perspective made me feel a slight kinship. As someone who has written poetry, I understand that poetic sensibilities can shape prose in interesting ways, bringing rhythm and lyricism to even the most suspenseful of stories.

Tattered Cover, with its cozy but lively atmosphere, was the perfect backdrop for an evening like this. The audience was engaged, asking thoughtful questions and soaking up every bit of wisdom these authors had to share. Here are some other pictures and videos of the authors.

It was a good night—one that reminded me why I love storytelling and the community that surrounds it. If you ever get the chance to attend an event like this, take it. You never know what sparks of inspiration you’ll walk away with. 

And finally here are the videos I took of the event.

   

Ok kids, that's all I have. Keep an eye open for more update on projects I'm working on, as you can tell from this post, I am very hard at work.  Until next time--peace!