by Shari Randall
Bouchercon, the world mystery conference, was held in
Toronto last weekend. It brings together the many tribes of the mystery world:
the cozies, the thrillers, the traditionalists, the classicists, the
paranormals, the kids. Novelists, short story writers, collectors, vendors,
publishing pros, readers, academics, and super fans from all over the world joined
together to celebrate our genre. Women with tattoos and cardigans, guys in skinny jeans
and bespoke suits, formal wear and t-shirts – everyone was welcome at
the Sheraton Toronto Hotel for the party. Organizers Janet Costello and Helen Nelson and their team did a splendid job.
Oh, Canada! The inside of one hotel is very much like
another, but occasionally a Canadianism would remind me that I wasn’t in the US
any more. Canadians sensibly, I think, call rest rooms “washrooms.” The money
took a bit of thought, but most American conference-goers appreciated the
beautiful and high tech Canadian currency. Tim Horton’s, Canada’s answer to
Dunkin Donuts, wasn’t bad. (What can I say – I’m from New England. We like our
Dunkin.)
Like every mystery conference I’ve been to, Bouchercon was a
case of too many panels and too little time. My own Bouchercon battle plan was
over four pages of scribbled appointments, panels, parties, and interviews.
The only time I left the hotel was for the St. Martin’s
party, in the bar of the beautiful Restaurante Lena, and for
high tea at the Library Bar of the Fairmont Hotel. High tea is one of my
favorite things to do – just look at me hoisting a cup of tea in my photo on
the WWK landing page. The Library Bar’s clubby ambience, top notch food, and
overstuffed seating puts it at the top of my all time favorite teas. Plus I got
to see Art Taylor in a fascinator, and that doesn’t happen every day.
At every mystery conference I go to, I uncover more layers
of mystery’s fandoms. This year I met some members of the Wolfe
Pack, the devotees of the gourmet genius, Nero Wolfe, his sidekick Archie
Goodwin, and his creator, Rex Stout. This always-sold-out event pays homage to
the gourmet/gourmand detective with a lavish feast replete with wine,
merriment, and song.
Highlights?
The Guppy Get Together! Dozens of Guppies gathered at the
hotel bar Thursday night. What a pleasure to meet people I’ve only “met” on the
list serv and get hugs from friends I only see on Facebook.
The packed Ellery Queen Panel, hosted by Art Taylor, was a
highlight for many attendees. Fifteen authors paid homage to EQ
and to longtime editor, Janet Hutchings, celebrating her 25th year
with the magazine.
The Librarians Tea with librarians and authors at every
table. Fellow blogger KM Rockwood joined me for what is usually a very relaxing and delicious
break in the conference whirl. But emcee Hank Philippi Ryan ended up leading a
panel discussion through a fire alarm (typically Canadian in its restraint – a
gentle ting bell sound, flashing light, and a calm explanation of every stage of
the fire department’s visit). Unnerved Americans remained seated as
the Canadians in the group explained the different approach and Hank kept the
discussion moving. Hank was an example of grace under pressure, for sure.
This year I’m stepping into the shoes of Sisters in Crime
National’s Cari Dubiel as Library Liaison. At the Board meeting, I met the
wonderful ladies who make SINC such a valuable organization for writers and
readers. Serving on the board with fellow blogger Tina Whittle is icing on the
cake.
One of the best things about Bouchercon is that it’s a place
where nobody blinks twice if you discuss the merits of attending the psychopath
panel or the California dreaming panel, or the forensics panel, or the mystery-solving
pets panel.
But every conference is about the books. Several publishers
had book giveaways. The Harper Collins giveaway lined the East Ballroom with
many wonderful authors – Laura Lippman! Debra Crombie! Wendy Corsi Staub! Free
books and a chance to meet favorite authors – it was heaven.
Here’s a picture of my haul.
What’s your favorite conference?
