Wow! Have we got a busy February for you, Dear Readers.
Despite the bone-chilling cold and snow, we have a month of stories, readings, presentations and new ways to reach writers and readers. And don’t forget, Bony Blithe in May, when we can all breathe a sigh of relief about spring weather.
CONGRATULATIONS
Mme Madona Skaff for being on the Bouchercon anthology long list for her story, “The Eye of the Storm”, from a field of 176 entries. Good to see a CANADIAN on the finalists list for a conference to be held in CANADA. Fingers crossed!!
Mme Lynne Murphy’s book, Potluck and Other Stories, is now in the Murray Library at the University of Saskatchewan. It is part of the Duff Spafford Collection of books written by U of S alumni. The collection honours the late Dr. Spafford, who was a student (with her) and then a professor at the University of Saskatchewan.
Mme Melissa Yi’s short story, “The Bad Guy”, has been accepted by Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. It’s set at a BBQ much like the one thrown by Glengarry Memorial Hospital this past summer.
Mme Lisa DeNikolits has a brand-new website, which features a page about the Mesdames and Messieurs of Mayhem. You can check it out below.
Here is the site:
And here is the link to the Mesdames page:https://lisawriter.com/mesdames-of-mayhem
PRESENTATIONS AND READINGS
On Saturday, February 7, Mme Melissa Yi will be at Coles Cornwall Square to promote her hockey romance novella, Home Ice, one of six interrelated love stories.
Mme Lisa De Nikolits will be one of the featured writers at the Phylum Press reading series and Q&A at the Niagara Artists Center, 354 Paul St., St. Catharines, on February 8 from 7 – 9 p.m.
Mme Rosemary McCracken will be speaking about “My Author’s Journey” at Sisters in Crime Toronto’s February Zoom meeting on Thursday, Feb. 19.
Mme Lorna Poplak will be discussing her latest true crime book, On the Lam: Great (and Not So Great) Escapes from Prison with host Des Ryan at Crime Writers of Canada’s upcoming Brews & Clues event. This free event will take place at Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton Street, Toronto at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 12.
Mme Lorna Poplak will also deliver a presentation about Toronto’s infamous Don Jail at Beeton Hall, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St., Toronto, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 26. As well as discussing the origins and development of the jail, Lorna will introduce a kaleidoscope of memorable characters who were involved in its evolution. This event is free and open to the public.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
Mesdames M.H. Callway, Rosemary McCracken and Marilyn Kay attended the Arts and Letters Club on Tuesday, February 3, at 12 noon to hear Marianne Miller speak about her crime novel, We Were the Bullfighters, which centers on Ernest Hemingway’s time as a journalist with the Toronto Star. This was a special invitation to members of the Crime Writers of Canada.
Bony Blithe Mini-Con
Tired of all the snow…and wind…and cold? Then it’s time to think ahead to the spring—to Friday, May 15, specifically—and the 2026 Bony Blithe Mini-Con.
The full-day event will include 5 panels, lunch and nibblies during the day, a book dealer, a lunchtime event, and whatever else we can think of. Plus, the bar prices are reasonable.
All this can be yours for $85 (e-transfer payment) or $89 (Paypal, Visa/Mastercard). Visit the Bony Blithe website, scroll down to How to Register, and follow the instructions on how to register and pay.
They‘re on the fully accessible first floor of The High Park Club, 100 Indian Road, Toronto. Free parking. Transit directions will be up on the BB website later.
A note re programming: They want suggestions from both authors and readers for panels and the lunchtime event. So send them your ideas with your filled-in registration form.
And hold the date – Friday, May 15 – for a criminously fun day with our bony bonny girl.
Mesdames of Mayhem 