I have a secret. But I'm not ashamed to reveal it.
I LOVE MYSTERY FICTION.
As a Library Director, I suppose most people think I spend my spare time reading Nobel prize laureates and obscure 17th century English poets. Although I adore the likes of Naguib Mahfouz and Andrew Marvel, I also love Charlaine Harris, Lee Child, Anne George, Candace Robb, and Dashiell Hammett. Whether it's hard-boiled, cozy or creepy, I love the thrill of the mystery novel.
And I'm in good company.
Television, movie theaters and bestseller lists are replete with permutations of the mystery genre. Smyrnans certainly love a good mystery too. Thirty-six of the top 50 circulating novels of 2013 at Smyrna Library were a form of mystery.
Lucky for me (and all the other mystery lovers out there), the Friends of Smyrna Library will present the 11th annual "Murder Goes South" festival for readers and writers on Saturday, January 25. Eight Southern mystery writers will discuss aspects of the genre of interest to both readers and aspiring writers. Sisters in Crime International and the Atlanta chapter of SinC are co-sponsors.
The keynote speaker, Tamar Myers, is the author of over 30 novels, most notably the "Pennsylvannia-Dutch" and "Den of Antiquity" series.
The event will be held at the Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle, from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tickets are still available. Please drop by the Smyrna Library to register. Tickets are $30 and include lunch.
Hope to see you there!