Event: Malice Domestic 30
Location: Bethesda, MD
Hotel: Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Date: April 27 – April 29, 2018

Malice Domestic is an annual fan convention in the metropolitan DC area that celebrates the traditional mystery, books best typified by the works of Agatha Christie. The genre is loosely identified as mysteries which contain no explicit sex, or excessive gore, or violence.

2018 winners of the Agatha

Best Contemporary Novel – Glass Houses by Louise Penny

Best Historical Novel – In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen

Best First Novel – Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett

Best Nonfiction – From Holmes to Sherlock: The Story of the Men and Women Who Created an Icon by Mattias Boström

Best Short Story – “The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn” by Gigi Pandian

Best Children’s/Young Adult – Sydney Mackenzie Knocks ‘Em Dead by Cindy Callaghan

2019 Malice Domestic honorees: Lifetime Achievement Parnell Hall. Toastmaster Chris Grabenstein. Fan Guest of Honor: PJ Coldren. Guest of Honor: Donna Andrews and Malice remembers Sue Feder

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Wednesday: Arrived at the new Malice hotel and checked into my room. Even though I was early, they had my room already prepared. Decided to take a tour of the new area with visuals for my friends on Facebook. It was fun sharing what I was experiencing and I liked that friends traveling the next day was able to use my photos as markers for being in the right place. On my way to the hotel, we saw the VP’s motorcade headed to their home. My first author sighting was Alyssa Maxwell and Anna Loan-Wilsey, followed by Gretchen Archer. Later that evening, had dinner at Meritage with Susan Boyer, Jim Boyer, Gretchen Archer, Debra Goldstein and Audrey Reith.

Thursday: Had breakfast with Mary Feliz at Meritage, the hotel’s restaurant. It was great seeing friends and meeting new friends in the lobby and various places in the hotel. You walk a few steps, see a friend, hug a friend, chat with a friend and then repeat these steps over and over. I LOVE IT! Saw the movie Vera and loved it and now will binge watch the episodes when I get home. Ended the day hanging in the bar until after 11pm. A long day, but a great day. Went to lunch at Owen Ordinary with Aimee Hix, LynDee Walker, Cheryl Hollon and the conversation was great.

Friday: Seeing old friends and meeting new friends. The day started with breakfast, gabbing in the hallways, attending Malice-Go-Round, more hugs, more talking, lunch and great conversations with Karen E. Olson and Kellye Garrett – thanks for driving us to the place. Then off to a few panels, the opening ceremony and then a group dinner with authors and readers and bloggers (Aimee Hix, Eleanor Cawood Jones, Michael G Mueller, Kristopher Zgorski, Matthew Iden, Laura Oles, Micki Browning, Alan S. Orloff, Art Taylor, LynDee Stephens Walker, Kris Kisska, Paula Benson, Michael Bracken, Temple Walker, Bruce Coffin) and others at the other end of the table. A good time and another great conversations were had. Thanks LynDee for driving. Then off the the anthology signing and then the Meet the blogger event, arranged by Ellen Bryon, where my *Handler* Kellye Garrett stood fast with instructions not to look me in the eyes. It was great meeting some of my blog readers and other authors I’ve read. Then off to sleepy land and today starts another day of fun, fun, and more fun. Oh, I met the fabulous Michelle Addo from Kensington Publishing.

Saturday: Another good day spent with friends yesterday. Got a chance to spend time with Terri Parsons and her mom, Susan Jones Boyer and the various people who walked by and sat down near “my spot.” Attended various panels and had lunch with good friends with good conversations. Went upstairs for an introvert break and then got ready for the Agatha banquet. I sat at Gretchen Archer’s table and since her nominated book was Double Deck the Halls, she gave the table lovely Christopher Radko Christmas ornament. And we sang “Deck The Halls” which was fun. Then hanging out at the bar for a few minutes before heading up to my room.

Sunday: Last day of the convention and I had breakfast with Cathy Ace and then headed to a panel or two. I had an late pickup for the airport. Got last hugs from those I’ve seen.  See everyone next year. After spending a few days with my crime fiction family, there’s no place like home.

Goodies I got. . .

Photos from Malice . . .

Malice-Go-Round . . .

More Malice Photos . . .

Malice Book Signings . . .

Agatha Night . . .

That’s all folks . . . until next year