On the first Wednesday of each month, mystery book authors and their fans gather at the Dock Café in Stillwater for an evening of discussion and drinks. Valley Bookseller has put on the Totally Criminal Cocktail Hour event series for more than 15 years, and it regularly sells out. The events bring in a mix of local, regional and national mystery authors who speak about their work, answer questions and sign their books. “A lot of people really like that one-on-one time with the author,” Valley Bookseller manager Kathleen Eddy says.
She sees a lot of regulars who attend each month and says it makes a great evening for members of a book club, friends or a mother-daughter outing. This month, authors Ellen Hart and Jessie Chandler will discuss their novels The Grave Soul and Operation Stop Hate, respectively. April’s event will feature Philip Donlay, who will discuss two of his thrillers from his Donovan Nash series. In May, suspense author Brian Freeman will meet with readers.
Eddy recommends calling to register as early as possible, as the popular evenings often sell out quickly. Between the riverfront location, cash bar, appetizers and talented authors in an intimate setting, it’s no mystery why.
Totally Criminal Cocktail Hour
Dock Café, 425 Nelson St. E., Stillwater
$10, registration required
4:30–6 p.m. March 2, April 6, May 4
651.430.3385
