December 2025
Cara Black – I am happy to announce the release of my new standalone book, Huguette.
Randal Brandt – On Monday, March 2, 2026, the day following Left Coast Crime in San Francisco, The Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley will be hosting a special pop-up exhibit featuring selections from the California Detective Fiction Collection.
The open house event will run from 10 AM to Noon.
Space is limited. If you are interested in attending, please email Randal Brandt for details and to reserve your spot: rbrandt@berkeley.edu.
Robert Coburn – I’ve written two more Key West vignettes for a total of twelve in the ESHORTS section of RobertCoburnBooks.com.
Vinnie Hansen – I will have a book talk and signing for my new suspense novel, Crime Writer, at Bookshop Santa Cruz, 7 PM, January 8.
“Novelist Zoey Kozinski is thrown into the heart of a murder investigation when her ride-along with a police officer goes horribly wrong. This gritty novel is laced with clever moves that will keep the reader on their toes until the end.” —Allen Eskens
Leslie Karst – I am honored and thrilled (and just a wee bit nervous) to have been chosen to act as your Toastmaster for Left Coast Crime: San Francisco Schemin’, which will take place Feb. 26 to March 1, 2026. I hope to see a host of MWA NorCal folks there!
Elizabeth Kemp – I’m excited to share some great news from Kirkus Reviews. Their review of my debut domestic thriller, Tread Lightly, has been selected by their Indie editors to appear in the December 1 issue of Kirkus Reviews magazine. Only a limited number of Indie reviews make it into the magazine, so this is a pretty special spotlight! Tread Lightly features a stay-at-home mom with a past who navigates a murder in Silicon Valley.
Joe Klinger – I am happy to announce the release of my new book, Losing Lenore.
James L’Etoile – Come and join me on Sunday, December 14, from 6 to 8 PM for an exclusive after-hours event at a great bookstore in El Dorado Hills. Face in a Book will once again host a special chili and preorder party for Illusion of Truth, the third book in the Detective Emily Hunter series. Preorder a copy, and enjoy a chili feed, possibly win a character name in an upcoming book, and browse the shelves after closing time for all your book-holiday gift needs.
On January 3, Face in a Book will celebrate the early release of Illusion of Truth. Come and pick up your preordered copy or grab one before anyone else gets a chance at them. Come by from 3 to 5 PM and join in on the fun, including crime trivia, giveaways, and some special extras. Come and support a local independent bookseller.
Rob Osler – My new book, The Case of the Murdered Muckraker, releases January 27, 2026.
Gigi Pandian – In November, I had an exciting book release: The 10th anniversary illustrated special edition of The Accidental Alchemist. The book is available in hardcover for the first time, with original character artwork throughout. Read more here.
Kelli Stanley – The Reckoning, a 1985 Humboldt County-set historical mystery-thriller (and first in a new series featuring the protagonist Renata Drake) releases January 6th. Here’s a blurb from Thrillermaster David Morrell:
“A woman on the run. A hunt for a serial killer. A town riddled with corruption. As the title of Kelli Stanley’s fascinating mystery/thriller makes clear, there needs to be a reckoning. If you’re not familiar with northern California’s infamous Emerald Triangle, you’re about to get quite an education.”
- The book launch party (Tuesday, January 6 at 6 PM) is at Book Passage in Corte Madera—please join me for snacks (no strange brownies, though!), wine and prizes and help welcome Renata Drake into the crime fiction community!
- In Pleasanton at Towne Center Books (11 AM on January 13), I will be signing with our own James L’Etoile, whose new thriller, Illusion of Truth, is also coming out January 6.
- In San Francisco at Book Shop West Portal (January 15), Jim will be interviewing me about The Reckoning, and we’ll be conversing about our books, crime fiction writing, and how crime impacts communities and culture.
- I’ll be interviewed by Super-Librarian Jennifer Jumba on her Storied Account podcast, which will also release January 15.