Thank you to all of my friends and family who turned out yesterday for “Murder and Mystery in Port Jefferson.” How great it felt to be looking out at that huge audience of smiling faces. 58 attendees! It gave me such a boost to be there in the perfect place, at the perfect time, to celebrate the launch of DEATH OVER EASY.

Why perfect?

1. The story takes place in Port Jeff Village, in the first week of October.

2. A bunch of scenes are set in the Port Jeff Free Library.

3. I love libraries. Emma Trace carries an “I Love Libraries” tote and is suspected by police of murdering Jennifer Hazzard because her library card is found at the scene.

4. The book was shipped out at the beginning of October.

5. It was my first appearance for DOE — maiden voyage!

It was a pleasure appearing with fellow mystery authors R.J. Torbert (@RJTorbert on Twitter) and Judi Culbertson. R.J.’s latest book, THE FACE OF FEAR, which is a police procedural that incorporates the Ghost Face mask made famous by the movie, “The Scream.” Judi’s latest book is AN ILLUSTRATED DEATH, second in her mystery series featuring bookseller Delhi Laine. We spoke about the writing process, how we developed our plots and what makes quaint Port Jefferson Village the ideal setting for a murder mystery.

Above photo, from left: Judi Culbertson, RJ Torbert, me, and Bob Konoski, Program Director for the Port Jefferson Free Library.

A full house!

Judi listening as I speak

RJ at the podium

Answering questions for the audience