Of special interest to writers of Mystery, Crime, or Thriller fiction. Magna Cum Murder XIX is being held October 25-27, 2013 at Ball State University's Columbia Circle in Indianapolis. Steve Hamilton, author of the Alex McKnight series set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is the Guest of Honor. This year's Banquet Speaker is Hank Phillipi Ryan, an investigative reporter in Boston and author of the Charlotte McNally series.

A cold day in paradise by Steve Hamilton

The other woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan

The 13th Annual Love is Murder Conference for Mystery writers and readers will be held in Chicago at the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare Hotel Friday, February 3 through Sunday, February 5. The conference offers author chats, opportunities to meet with publishers and/or agents, and writer's workshops. Entertainment in the evening includes a performance by Those Were The Days Radio Players.

Artistic license by Julie A. Hyzy — Ms Hyzy is the conference's Guest of Honor.