Robert K. Tanenbaum to Appear at 2016 Mystery Writers Key West Fest, 6/10

Robert K. Tanenbaum, acclaimed author of twenty-seven mystery novels - including the celebrated Butch Karp and Marlene Ciampi crime/legal thriller series - is headlining a hit list of mystery writers and true-crime experts at the 2016 Mystery Writers Key West Fest, set for June 10-12 in Key West, Florida.

Through a series of panels, presentations, and social events, Mystery Fest guests can get the skinny from Tanenbaum and such high-profile mystery genre luminaries as Los Angeles-based thriller writer Timothy Hallinan; USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham; award-winning crime and science fiction writer James O. Born; forensic specialist Lisa Black, and nearly two dozen others, as they dish on how they craft their tales of crime, murder, mystery and mayhem.

This is the third year of the annual event that's held in Key West, Florida. With hotel rooms prices at $199 a night (discount expires May 15th) it's like attending the gathering of famous mystery writer for free.

Fest highlights include an opening ceremonies with a roast of new Mystery Writers of America (South Florida) chapter president Randy Rawls, a luncheon with keynote speaker Robert K. Tanenbaum; a sunset waterfront dinner with Timothy Hallinan at Turtle Kraals Restaurant & Tower Bar, a Bloody Mary Morning breakfast at Key West's historic Schooner Wharf Bar, 4 workshops, 5 panels, book signings, and Sandra Balzo's presentation of the annual Whodunit Mystery Writing Award, sponsored by Absolutely Amazing eBooks.

The "Murder & Mayhem in Paradise" themed Fest is brainchild of co-founders Shirrel Rhoades, the AAeB publisher who has held executive positions with Marvel Entertainment, Reader's Digest, Scholastic, Harper's, and other well-known publishing companies, and author Michael Haskins, creator of the popular Mad Mick Murphy mystery series.

"Not only writers and fans of mystery fiction and true-crime come to our Fest," says Rhoades. "In our first two years we quickly discovered that, because of the caliber and accessibility of our guest authors, the fascinating panels and unique social events, our ranks were infiltrated by enthusiasts of many genres. After all, how many writers festivals are there in which leading, world-class authors are hanging out, having fun, and rubbing elbows with the audience members every day?"

"There's no other conference like the Mystery Writers Key West Fest because there is no other place like Key West," comments Haskins. "Key West is renowned for being a locale of tropical suspense and intrigue and famous as a haven and inspiration for legendary writers like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. I'm not saying it's something in the water, or the watering holes, but then again I'm not saying it's not."

Featuring a criminally stellar line-up of award-winning and bestselling crime fiction authors and true-crime experts, Mystery Writers Key West Fest 2016 is sponsored by the Mystery Writers of America - Florida Chapter, The Florida Keys Council of the Arts, and the Key West Citizen daily newspaper.

Event registration ($175 per person) includes all panels, presentations and four meals. For a full Mystery Fest schedule, online registration, links to one-third-off accommodations, visit mysterywriterskeywestfest.com.

Register by Sunday to get the special room discount

at DoubleTree by Hilton for the June 10-12 Mystery Writers

Key West Fest.

Sign up today and rub elbows with your favorite mystery writers and listen to how they come up with their mind-bending puzzlers that keep us up late at night.

To post a comment, you must register and login.