BOUCHERCON’S 50th Anniversary: Denim, Diamonds and Death

Bouchercon is an annual celebration of mystery books and authors. This year was the first year we attended as Poisoned Pen Press (previously attended as Sourcebooks Landmark). We held a number of activities for all, invited 22 of our authors, as well as mystery fans and influencers.

HOSPITALITY SUITE

​Poisoned Pen Press sponsored the hospitality suite on Saturday afternoon. We brought a pallet of books to give away, attendees started lining up a half hour before our suite opened. By noon, we had 150 people in line – the room was packed, and it was absolutely incredible!

​We had games and puzzles for people to work on while they stood in line, including a murder mystery. Fans had to identify the murderer and the motive using clues that Poisoned Pen Press authors were handing out. It was a hit! The authors got to interact with readers (and signed copies) and attendees told us it was a fun way to pass the time in line. They really got into it!

​We also had a cross out puzzle inspired by the Golden Age of Detection Puzzle Book from the British Library Crime Classics series.

Needless to say, we gave away half of our books in the first hour and were completely wiped out by the end of the afternoon.

​One fan said that Poisoned Pen Press had the best hospitality suite of the show. Beyond just giving away books, she said it was really entertaining, and that the other publishers who attended should be glad that Poisoned Pen Press went last because we set the bar very high.

POISONED PEN PRESS PARTY

Poisoned Pen Press held a party on Friday night at the YO Ranch Steakhouse to celebrate our authors and connect them with others in the industry.

​Authors attending included Jeffrey Siger, Triss Stein, Clea Simon, Mary Anna Evans, Annie Hogsett, Michael Sears, Stanley Trollip, Sara Johnson, Warren Easley, Tim Maleeny, Kelly Garrett, JP Smith, Sulari Gentill, Reavis C. Wortham, Leslie Klinger, Martin Edwards, Catherine Bruns, Bree Baker, Joseph Schneider and Thomas Kies. 

Also attending were editors from The Strand, Suspense Magazine, and booksellers from Murder by the Book and Mysterious Bookshop. Poisoned Pen Press Editor Barbara Peters welcomed everyone with a toast, and the authors enjoyed connecting with each other and celebrating together as the Poisoned Pen Press community.

​GENERAL MEETING

​Poisoned Pen Press also sponsored the Tex Mex Lunch for the Bouchercon General Meeting. About 1,000 attendees enjoyed lunch and took care of Bouchercon business, and we were able to display our new Poisoned Pen Press banner stand as sponsor.