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Day 3 - Bouchercon Report

I have nearly 'Been Around the World' in the last two years. Brazil and India so the 8:30 panel on Saturday morning seemed a natural. The focus here was on writers who have chosen exotic locales or who are writing from exotic locales. All five of the authors, Charles Benoit, Jason Goodwin, Arnaldur Indridason, and Michael Stanley are guys I have either read or want to read. They all acquitted themselves very nicely. This was a panel where I got up to dash to the book room in search of books for all the authors I don't already own. I was especially drawn to Mr. Stanley and Mr. Goodwin. Mr Stanley is one half of the writing team that has authored A Carrion of Death. Mr. Goodwin writes about the declining days of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. His first was the 2007 Edgar winner, The Janissary Tree.

(Arnaldur Indridoason)
The PI panel at 11:30 was one of the best I heard this weekend. The two things to be learned is that whether it is 1st person or 3rd person the PI novel is not dead, merely just taking a bit of a nap. Secondarily Ross Macdonald is required reading.

(Dave White)
I peeked in the on John Connolly and Mark Billingham interview for about a half hour before heading up to the room for some much needed rest. In the end Saturday turned into a bit of a lost day. Few panels attended, and even fewer books purchased. It was a day to soak it up without losing my mind.

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