~Post by MysteryPeople Crime Fiction Coordinator Scott M.
We had a great range of events our first year here at MysteryPeople, with some of the most noted authors in the field. We also introduced our customers to some up-and-comers. It was difficult to narrow the list down to five favorites. I have to admit, some of the times we’ve had with our guests afterward have made them particularly special.
1. Craig Johnson with Hell Is Empty
Craig’s an old friend I’ve known since his first book came out. We had him here for his biggest crowd yet, the same week he debuted on the NYT bestseller list. As usual he had everybody laughing with his reading and a Q&A I did with him. I’ll always remember having drinks with Craig and his wife, Judy, at the Driskill that night and thinking that things really seemed to be working out.
2. Daniel Woodrell (Outlaw Album) and Frank Bill (Crimes In Southern Indiana) with Craig Johnson.
This had a lot of bookstores jealous. I got to interview two of the best authors out there with Craig providing “color commentary” as we split a sixer of Lone Star. The event drew other notable writers Margret Coel, Michael Koryta, and Harry Hunsicker, as well as music legend Ray Wylie Hubbard who joined us for a lively dinner at Threadgills.
3. Launch Party For Janice Hamrick’s Death On Tour
Janice, an Austin author, won the Mystery Writers of America/St. Martin’s First Mystery Award where the prize is a book deal . It was honor to host her and the large crowd that came out to support her. The event also introduced me to a book I might not have read otherwise, and I loved it. I’ve struck up a great friendship with Janice now, too.
4. Ace Atkins with The Ranger
I did a fun and loose interview with Ace, possibly talking more about our loves of classic crime fiction, seventies action movies, and Jerry Reed, more than we did of his book. The conversation was still insightful and entertaining. It was also one of the rare times when the author had time to hang out and I could show him the town. Also, it goes down in history as the first MysteryPeople event to incorporate beer.
5. George Pelaecanos with The Cut – It was George Pelecanos!
Enough said.
Other stand outs were the hilarious Jasper Fforde and Jeff Lindsay, bestsellers Harlan Coben and John Sanford, and John Connolly and Christa Faust, two authors I’d been trying to get in the store for years. We’re already gearing up for next year with British smash RJ Ellory, Anthony winner Hilary Davidson, and Craig Johnson’s annual visit, so keep an eye out.
BookPeople 
On this Thanksgiving Day, I’m thankful for Book People and Scott Montgomery, who have been a huge part of making my debut novel a success and my first year as a published writer one of the best of my life. Scott and BP rock!