Community, Craft and Christie: Why Malice Domestic Matters, by Teresa Inge

In April, I attended Malice Domestic, an annual fan convention of traditional mysteries, with a focus on Agatha Christie style storytelling. Since 1989, the event has brought authors and readers together for a fun, welcoming weekend. Located in Bethesda, Maryland, Malice hosts author panels, book signings, networking, and plenty of mystery-themed activities.

My own experience with Malice began twenty-one years ago, when I attended with my husband, daughter, and mother. At first, I was nervous, being around accomplished writers and knowing no one. But very soon, Malice volunteers, Sisters in Crime (SinC) members (an organization that supports crime writers), and other mystery authors and fans made me feel at home. That's when I knew I’d found my writing family.

Fast forward to April: Malice still has that heartwarming “family reunion” feel with hugs in the hallways, laughter between panels, and the ease of reconnecting with old friends while meeting new ones. Attending Malice shapes my writing career in many ways, by helping me connect with mystery writers, build lasting friendships, uncover publishing opportunities, and sharpen my craft. Now I’m proud to welcome first-timers, just as I was welcomed all those years ago.

This year’s highlights began on Friday with Malice Go Round and the Opening Ceremonies, followed by the SinC Guppies gathering at the bar—complete with an “Agatha signature cocktail,” followed by a live charity auction. Saturday was packed with sessions, including Meet the New Authors of Malice, The Roaring ’20s Were Murder, Crime Scenery: Settings Make the Story, and the Short Mystery Fiction Society lunch. That evening, I dressed for the Agatha Awards banquet and joined Agatha nominee Michael Rigg and other friends at our table as we celebrated his nomination along with those of other authors. On Sunday, I served on the Small Towns, Big Secrets: Murder in the Village panel followed by a book signing. The conference wrapped up with A Toast, Agatha Tea, and the Closing Ceremonies. 

Throughout the conference, the book room overflowed with literary treasures, and I couldn’t resist adding to my own collection. I brought eight new mystery books home to read this spring and summer, a perfect detail in an unforgettable weekend. Finally, I'd like to give my sincere thanks to the conference organizers for hosting another great Malice Domestic.