Notes from the road

I'm in Phoenix, AZ tonight, here for the Poisoned Pen's Conference Call at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. I know, you're looking at one of your weather apps and saying, "Triple-digit heat!" Well it is the desert, and it is summer. But they are prepared for that here. And in addition to beautiful grounds, the buildings were designed by Albert Chase McArthur, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, and one can clearly see the influence of Wright throughout the hotel.

Add to that the fun of a well-organized conference featuring Laurie R King, Dana Stabenow, Peter Lovesey, Alafair Burke, Jacqueline Winspear, April Smith and many others. (Seriously, take a look at the conference website!)

Tonight I had the pleasure of spending time with a new author whose name may be known to you, Marcia Clark. Her first book, Guilt by Association, is already a national bestseller, and getting all kinds of great buzz, including this blurb from James Ellroy: "You must read this book."

I just started it and find myself in agreement with Mr. Ellroy. I'll add that she's funny and smart as a whip, so if you can, come out to see her in person here at Conference Call or in July at the Book Passage Mystery Conference.

Tomorrow I'll be on the program in conversation with Laurie King. I'll be signing books here. If you want a signed first edition of Disturbance, it's easy to order one from the Poisoned Pen by clicking here:

http://tinyurl.com/62zfuk6

You can also order signed first editions from the other stores on my schedule page — including stores where I've been this past week.

After the conference I fly back to California — hope to see some of you at Mysterious Galaxy!