SinC Desert Sleuths

"I would love to find a super cozy and quirky mystery."
@clgslr.bsky.social‬ #MSWL

psliterary.com/submissions/

✨ We've got a killer listy list of all the Desert Sleuths 2025 WriteNOW! Conference faculty who are on Bluesky. Give them a follow or save the list in your feeds. ✨

#DSWN25 #DesertSleuths #SINC #AmWriting #CrimeWriters #MysteryWriters #ThrillerWriters #WritingCommunity

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Photo on righthand side shows young Hispanic woman in a red dress reading a book. Text on the left reads: It's Hispanic Heritage Month, and Crime Writers of Color is here to help you find your next favorite book! #StandWithSinC #EveryFifthBook

Sisters in Crime celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month! Celebrated annually from 9/15-10/15, the 2025 campaign is Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future, and represents heritage, resilience, and the continuing good works of our Hispanic communities.

#WritingCommunity #StandWithSinC
#EveryFifthBook

Bold white font on a black background reads: Censorship is so 1984 Read for your rights Banned Book Week Oct. 5-11, 2025 - bannedbooksweek.org In the middle of the image is a line of seven stars in the colors of the rainbow.

It's Banned Books Week - Oct 5 - 11, 2025.
This year's theme is: Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights. It highlights that the right to read belongs to us all, censorship has no place in contemporary society, and we must defend our rights.

#bannedbookweek #SinC #BookSky #Writingcommunity

A saguaro in the foreground, mountains in the back.

Yesterday morning on the Lost Goldmine trail.

Authors, you can now search an official database to see if your books are part of the Anthropic settlement.

My book is in there, and I just filed my claim. 💸

Search here: secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com/lookup

The Mesa Book Festival 2025 Registration is OPEN! Spots will fill up fast, so if you are an independent author or small press, be sure to get your registration is as soon as possible:
vist.ly/497p2
#bookfest #MesaAZ #readmore

A beautiful sunrise run in the Superstitions!

This book will tide you over until Bad Bunny’s halftime. Set in Puerto Rico with a Latina MC, it is cozy with decolonized vibes. bookshop.org/p/books/barb...

Another milestone in my writer's journey. The Gardener's Plot is available in paperback today. Whatever type of book you prefer--paperback, hardcover, e-book, or audiobook--The Gardener's Plot is there.

The Poisoned Pen Bookstore The Poisoned Pen is an independent bookstore in Scottsdale AZ specializing in fiction, with a particular emphasis on mystery and crime fiction. The store maintains an active schedule of author events...

If you want to catch the replay, check out one of these links.

Youtube - www.youtube.com/@ThePoisoned...

Facebook - www.facebook.com/thepoisonedp...

A group of 8 authors lined up next to each other with bookshelves behind and to the side of them at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore. left to right: Patricia A. Bonn, D.R. Ransdell, Claire A Murray, Suzanne E. Flaig, Margaret Burnison, Bill Butler, Clare Broyles, and Michael Thomét.

Thanks to everyone who attended our SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! anthology book launch at the @poisonedpen.bsky.social on Friday. We had such a great time!

Eight anthology authors were able to attend in person (pictured) and another six attended virtually.

Desert Sleuths WriteNOW! Conference Anthology Launch Party and Author Signings Sept 26, 2025 The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Scottsdale, AZ After the Great Depression, a girl desperate to find her mother gambles that a dangerous cross country journey to the west will bring her home. "Hard Times" by Meg E. Dobson, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! Meg E. Dobson’s short stories have appeared in national anthologies from Malice Domestic, Poisoned Pen Press, and Desert Sleuths. Additional award-winning shorts were honored by the Tempe Writing Community Writing Forum and Writers’ Police Academy. She made her international debut with a flash in the UK Crime Bites with Lee Child. Her young crime novel Chaos Theory, a Kami Files Mystery was published by the Poisoned Pen’s imprint press. Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162 Register for the Launch Party at https://desertsleuths.com/writenow-2025-launch-party/

After the Great Depression, a girl desperate to find her mother gambles that a dangerous cross-country journey to the west will bring her home.

"Hard Times" by Meg E. Dobson, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS!

Pick up a copy: www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162

#SinC #AmReading

This is going to be us tonight! We can't wait to get a copy of our newest anthology, SoWest: Danger Awaits! Join us and we can giddily bounce around the @poisonedpen.bsky.social together.

Desert Sleuths WriteNOW! Conference Anthology Launch Party / Author Signing September 26, 2025, 6p-7:30p 25 crime/mystery stories packed into one volume... Obsession. Redemption. Abuse. Paranormal. Survival. Assassin/Murder for Hire. Blackmail. Betrayal. Family. Historical. Revenge. Serial Killer. Greed/Fraud. Trust. Come to The Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale AZ, Friday night, Sept 26, from 6-7:30 p.m. MST, for the launch of SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! an anthology of short stories by Desert Sleuths Chapter of Sisters in Crime authors. Meet some of the authors in person and virtually. The Poisoned Pen Bookstore 4014 N Goldwater Blvd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 USA https://poisonedpen.com/ Also available from Amazon.

**TONIGHT**
The SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! Anthology Launch Party at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, AZ, 6-7:30 p.m AZ time.

Meet some of the authors in person and/or virtually. The Pen will also be Live Streaming on Facebook & Youtube. Can't wait to see you there!

poisonedpen.com

Desert Sleuths WriteNOW! Conference Anthology Launch Party and Author Signings Sept 26, 2025 The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Scottsdale, AZ A private detective goes undercover to investigate the suspicious death of an office bookkeeper in a flash flood. “Come Hell or High Water" by Claire A. Murray, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! Claire A Murray writes, paints, and hosts write-ins for connection, inspiration, and sanity. Play the Hand You’re Dealt is her short story collection. Claire reviews books for Kings River Life Magazine and is completing a suspense fantasy novel and the first book of a trilogy. She belongs to the Short Mystery Fiction Society, Mystery Writers of America, and is President of Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter. Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162 Register for the Launch Party at https://desertsleuths.com/writenow-2025-launch-party/

A private detective goes undercover to investigate the suspicious death of an office bookkeeper in a flash flood.

“Come Hell or High Water" by Claire A. Murray, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS!

Pick up a copy: www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162

#SinC #AmReading #Mystery

Desert Sleuths WriteNOW! Conference Anthology Launch Party and Author Signings Sept 26, 2025 The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Scottsdale, AZ A college student spends his summers digging for gold in a secret mine until his boss mysteriously disappears. "Herman Pines and Archie" by Bill Butler, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! Bill Butler likes adventure. At fifteen, he dropped out high school and became a carnival worker. At seventeen, he joined the army. While serving, he earned a G.E.D. and college credits. He was stationed in Alaska for two years; while there, he panned for gold in his spare time. Bill also was a private detective before retiring to manage a vocation rehab unit at The Samaritan Rehabilitation Institute in Phoenix. Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162 Register for the Launch Party at https://desertsleuths.com/writenow-2025-launch-party/

A college student spends his summers digging for gold in a secret mine until his boss mysteriously disappears.

"Herman Pines and Archie" by Bill Butler, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS!

Pick up a copy: www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162

#SinC #AmReading #Mystery #Suspense

I'm giving a webinar on Saturday, Sept 27 at 10 am (AZ time) on Query Letters for the Arizona Authors Association - free and open to all writers! Info here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

"Send in your stylish mysteries and thrillers. I want bold, fun, and clever takes on the genre’s common tropes like KNIVES OUT, KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE, and WHITE COLLAR. I'm looking for the next THE BIG SLEEP by Raymond Chandler."
@mariavicente.com #MSWL

psliterary.com/submissions/

Desert Sleuths WriteNOW! Conference Anthology Launch Party and Author Signings Sept 26, 2025 The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Scottsdale, AZ Smitten with an old copper-mining town, a genealogist buys a fixer upper Victorian house, but is it haunted with more than boom time memories and sagging eaves? "Echoes of the Past" by Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski’s genealogical passion sparked the observation that she had fewer grandparents than her peers. This curiosity blossomed to uncovering her ancestors’ stories and lineage back to 1699. Her work exemplifies the power of connecting with one’s roots. Her six books reflect her passion for storytelling, history, and empowering others to explore their heritage. Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162 Register for the Launch Party at https://desertsleuths.com/writenow-2025-launch-party/

Smitten w/ an old copper-mining town, a genealogist buys a fixer upper Victorian, but is it haunted w/ more than boom time memories & sagging eaves?

"Echoes of the Past" by @annabartkowski.bsky.social , Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS!

Pick up a copy: www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162

Desert Sleuths WriteNOW! Conference Anthology Launch Party and Author Signings Sept 26, 2025 The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Scottsdale, AZ When Ezra turns up dead after a frat party, it takes some ingenuity and determination to figure out who was responsible. "Ezra and the Frat Boys" by Debra H. Goldstein, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! Judge Debra H. Goldstein is the award-winning author of With Our Bellies Full and the Fire Dying, Kensington’s five-books Sarah Blair mystery series, and standalones Maze in Blue and Should Have Played Poker. Her works have been named Agatha, Anthony, Derringer, and Claymore finalists and received Silver Falchion, IPPY, AWC, and BWR awards. Debra is the national Vice-President of Sisters in Crime. Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162 Register for the Launch Party at https://desertsleuths.com/writenow-2025-launch-party/

When Ezra turns up dead after a frat party, it takes some ingenuity & determination to figure out who was responsible.

"Ezra & the Frat Boys" by Debra H. Goldstein, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS!

Pick up a copy: www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162
@debrahgoldstein.bsky.social

The Poisoned Pen Bookstore | Scottsdale AZ The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Scottsdale. 33,177 likes · 286 talking about this · 5,461 were here. We're an independent bookstore which specializes in signed 1st editions and book signings. We are also....

Use this link to stream the SoWest: Danger Awaits! Launch Party via The Poisoned Pen Facebook Page- www.facebook.com/thepoisonedp...

Friday, Sept 26, from 6-7:30 p.m. Arizona time

The Poisoned Pen Bookstore The Poisoned Pen is an independent bookstore in Scottsdale AZ specializing in fiction, with a particular emphasis on mystery and crime fiction. The store maintains an active schedule of author events...

Use this link to stream the SoWest: Danger Awaits! Launch Party via Youtube - www.youtube.com/@ThePoisoned...

Friday, Sept 26, from 6-7:30 p.m. Arizona time

Ot if you'd like to be a virtual guest at our SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! anthology launch party, tune into The Poisoned Pen Bookstore's Live Streams on Youtube or Facebook.

If you miss it live, the Pen keeps event recordings on their website for you to watch later.

However you do it, we hope you join!

Desert Sleuths WriteNOW! Conference Anthology Launch Party / Author Signing September 26, 2025, 6p-7:30p https://desertsleuths.com/writenow-2025-launch-party/ 25 crime/mystery stories packed into one volume... Obsession. Redemption. Abuse. Paranormal. Survival. Assassin/Murder for Hire. Blackmail. Betrayal. Family. Historical. Revenge. Serial Killer. Greed/Fraud. Trust. Come to The Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale AZ, Friday night, Sept 26, from 6-7:30 p.m. MST, for the launch of SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! an anthology of short stories by Desert Sleuths Chapter of Sisters in Crime authors. Meet some of the authors in person and virtually. The Poisoned Pen Bookstore 4014 N Goldwater Blvd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 USA https://poisonedpen.com/ Also available from Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.

Come to the @poisonedpen.bsky.social in Scottsdale, AZ, Friday, Sept 26, from 6-7:30 p.m. Arizona time, for the launch of SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! an anthology of short stories by authors from the Desert Sleuths Chapter of @sincworldwide.bsky.social.

poisonedpen.com

#SinC #AmReading #Mystery

Desert Sleuths WriteNOW! Conference Anthology Launch Party and Author Signings Sept 26, 2025 The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Scottsdale, AZ A man seeks refuge from a monsoon only to find himself trapped in a chaotic standoff with strangers and a dead body. "The Microburst" by Michael Thomét, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! Michael Thomét is a speculative mystery writer who enjoys crafting a good puzzle. His characters are queer because he’s queer. His fiction has been featured in Black Cat Weekly, the Crimeucopia series by Murderous Ink Press, and Nightmare Fuel by Cloaked Press. He also writes for games. When not writing, Michael enjoys a good narrative game—especially murder mysteries—both as player and designer. Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162 Register for the Launch Party at https://desertsleuths.com/writenow-2025-launch-party/

A man seeks refuge from a monsoon only to find himself trapped in a chaotic standoff with strangers and a dead body.

"The Microburst" by Michael Thomét, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS!

Pick up a copy: www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162

#SinC #AmReading @michaelthomet.com

Desert Sleuths WriteNOW! Conference Anthology Launch Party and Author Signings Sept 26, 2025 The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Scottsdale, AZ An accountant returns from a spiritual awakening in Sedona, determined to start a new life without her gambling police officer husband. "The Vortex" by Clare Broyles, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! Clare Broyles is the co-author of the Molly Murphy series with her mother Rhys Bowen. She is a music and math teacher at a Montessori School. An AriZoni-nominated theater composer and arranger, and a member of a local improv troupe. She lives in Phoenix with her husband and two goofy dogs. They have three children who have all flown the nest. Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162 Register for the Launch Party at https://desertsleuths.com/writenow-2025-launch-party/

An accountant returns from a spiritual awakening in Sedona, determined to start a new life without her gambling police officer husband.

"The Vortex" by Clare Broyles, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS!

Pick up a copy: www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162

#SinC #AmReading #Suspense

Desert Sleuths WriteNOW! Conference Anthology Launch Party and Author Signings Sept 26, 2025 The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Scottsdale, AZ A couple in a rocky marriage attempts to rediscover their happiness on the switchback trails of the Grand Canyon. "The Dark Side of Bright Angel" by Karen Odden, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! USA Today bestselling author Karen Odden wrote her PhD dissertation on Victorian literature and remained in 1870s London for all her novels. Her fourth mystery, Down a Dark River, was an Oprah Daily pick; the sequel, Under a Veiled Moon, was nominated for the Agatha, Lefty, and Anthony Awards. Her short stories appear in numerous anthologies. Connect with Karen at karenodden.com. Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162 Register for the Launch Party at https://desertsleuths.com/writenow-2025-launch-party/

A couple in a rocky marriage attempts to rediscover their happiness on the switchback trails of the Grand Canyon.

"The Dark Side of Bright Angel" by Karen Odden, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS!

Pick up a copy: www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162

#SinC @karenodden.bsky.social

Desert Sleuths WriteNOW! Conference Anthology Launch Party and Author Signings Sept 26, 2025 The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Scottsdale, AZ A police officer training for a marathon in the desert witnesses a terrible accident… or was it murder? "The Bride Wore Blood" by Wendy Harrison, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! Wendy Harrison is a retired prosecutor turned short mystery writer and has been published in Peace, Love, & Crime; Autumn Noir; twice in CRIMEUCOPIA; Death of a Bad Neighbor; Checkpoint Charlie; Never Cheat a Witch; More Groovy Gumshoes; and Shotgun Honey. After Hurricane Ian she moved as far from Florida as she could get and now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and first reader, Brooks. Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162 Register for the Launch Party at https://desertsleuths.com/writenow-2025-launch-party/

A police officer training for a marathon in the desert witnesses a terrible accident… or was it murder?

"The Bride Wore Blood" by Wendy Harrison, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS!

Pick up a copy: www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162

#SinC #AmReading #Suspense #PoliceProcedural

Desert Sleuths WriteNOW! Conference Anthology Launch Party and Author Signings Sept 26, 2025 The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Scottsdale, AZ A woman renting a townhouse sets rules for the ghost she imagines is haunting the place while she figures out the truth of the matter. "Ghost Rule 47" by Cynthia Sabelhaus, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS! Cynthia Sabelhaus is the editor of Calliope, the literary journal of American Mensa’s Writers. She serves on the Malice Domestic Board of Directors, and is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writer of America, and the Authors Guild. Cynthia has published short stories and is working on a novel. She lives south of Tucson with her author-husband Bud and their 2-year-old Shih Tzu. Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162 Register for the Launch Party at https://desertsleuths.com/writenow-2025-launch-party/

A woman renting a townhouse sets rules for the ghost she imagines is haunting the place while she figures out the truth of the matter.

"Ghost Rule 47" by Cynthia Sabelhaus, from the Desert Sleuths Anthology, SOWEST: DANGER AWAITS!

Pick up a copy: www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNS2H162

#SinC #AmReading