2026 Malice in Review

I'm home after a fairytale-worthy four days at Malice Domestic in Bethesda, Maryland. No, I did not win the Agatha, but I've truly embraced my eight nominations for the honor they are. And speaking of honors, I absolutely LOVED being the Guest of Honor this year. I will treasure these memories for the rest of my life.

The adventure began on Thursday, road tripping with my longtime pal Martha Reed. 

There was momentary panic when I posted that picture on Social Media. "Where's Liz???" Dru Ann Love demanded. Liz moved a while back, and for this trip, since Martha is now closer to me and was also Malice-bound, I chose to ride with her. But Liz and I still roomed together. No, the Dynamic Mystery Duo has not broken up.

Malice placed me in a lovely suite with a great view. 

Thursday evening, I joined the board and the other honorees for a meet-and-greet, but didn't get any photos. 

Friday was a busy day, although it didn't begin until later in the day with my Agatha nominees panel. 


That was followed by a book signing, opening ceremonies (somewhere, there are lots of photos, but not on my phone, darn it), the charity auction, and another book signing, this one for the Malice Domestic anthology, Murder Most Senior.

Saturday was the BIG day, starting with my much-anticipated interview with my dear friend Hank Phillippi Ryan. Over a year ago, when I was first notified about being named Guest of Honor, I was told I could select whomever I wanted to write my bio for the program (LIZ, of course) and who I wanted to interview me. I knew immediately that I wanted Hank and was over the moon when she accepted. I have zero regrets. She made it feel like a conversation between friends... with a hundred or so other friends looking on.



Finally, there was the Agatha Banquet and my speech. I kept it short because I know everyone just wants to get on with the awards. While I didn't win the teapot, I did come home with a lovely Guest of Honor teacup. 

It now holds its own place of honor with my Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award. 

I'm now struggling to catch up with EVERYTHING else before I have to hit the road again in a couple of weeks for the Pennwriters Conference in Lancaster, PA. 

At least, I don't have to wear a glitzy dress for that one!

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