LUCKY CHARMS: Launch Information

by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73

Updated launch information below.

If you're friends with a member of the Mary Roberts Rinehart (Pittsburgh) chapter of Sisters in Crime, you'll notice a lot of them changing Facebook and Twitter avatars to this:

Why, you ask? Well, that's because the official launch date has been set for our first anthology, Lucky Charms: 12 Crime Tales - December 2, 2013, Cyber Monday - and it's less than a month away. My story, Batter Down, is included and I couldn't be happier to be among such a talented group of writers.

From the back cover: Inside LUCKY CHARMS you’ll find twelve crime tales from the members of the Mary Roberts Rinehart Pittsburgh chapter of Sisters in Crime, Inc. You’ll dig into gritty police procedurals; enjoy a spangle of suspense; tuck into a cozy or two; and thrill to a cool touch of noir. Each story tells a tale of surprising good luck or of good luck gone sour. We invite you to brace yourself for an entertaining read.

To see a full list of authors and stories, see our chapter website.

As we wind down the publication phase, the marketing and launch activities have ramped up. Read on for more details.

Official Launch Party

The launch party for Lucky Charms is set for December 8, 2013 at 5:00pm at Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Oakmont, PA. The authors will be in the house, signing books and popping the cork on some well-deserved champagne. Come down and celebrate with us, no RSVP needed! There will be books available for walk-ins, but if you want to make sure you have a copy…

Print Copy Preorders

Mystery Lovers is handling preorders for the print version of the book, which retails for $9.99 on launch date. Copies can be picked up at the store, or mailed to you. Want an autographed copy, but you're not in Pittsburgh? No sweat. Here's what to do:

1. Preorder your copy of the book here or call the store at 412-828-4877.
2. On the last screen of the order process, specify that you want a personalized copy of the book, or tell the sales staff you want an autographed copy.
3. Mystery Lovers staff will make sure that your autographed book is sent to you!

Please note that preorders must be placed by November 26 to receive an autographed copy.

Mystery Lovers' ships via USPS media, and charges $5.00 shipping on orders under $25 (and they have a fabulous selection of books, so browse around and support the best independent mystery-centric bookstore in Pittsburgh).

Digital Copies

Ebook copies of the book will be available at all major e-tailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and the iBookstore. See the chapter website for direct buy links on or after December 2.

Like us on Facebook!

Stay on top of all information about the anthology by liking our Facebook page.

This has been a long, hard process - but a true labor of love. If you are anywhere Pittsburgh in December, we would love you to come celebrate with us. And even if you can't be there, pick up a copy in the format of your choice. I promise, you won't be disappointed!

I'm Now a Festival Veteran

Well, sort of. Yesterday was the annual Festival of Mystery hosted by the Mystery Lover's Book Shop in Oakmont, PA. Over forty authors packed into one hall to showcase books, rub elbows, and have mini-interviews.

Confession: I've lived in the Oakmont area since 1996 and have never attended the Festival. So when I parked, I was a little amazed at the crowd. I didn't plan well enough to help with the setup (okay, I originally didn't think I'd make it at all, but sudden unemployment at least allowed me to attend), but I did get to sit at our table for our Sisters in Crime chapter - and I even sold a book! I felt a little awkward browsing the author tables, since my book-buying budget has disappeared, but all the authors I met were super-friendly.

The best part of the evening had to be the pizza after-party at Mystery Lovers. Since I'd volunteered to drive a couple authors out to the airport I skipped the wine and champagne, but I did chug a Coke, nosh on a couple slices of pizza and have some great conversation. I also picked up a slew of book marks (because that's what authors use to promote books, you know), some recommendations, and a lot of encouragement for my own writing efforts. I really wish I'd know that Alice Loweecy was from Western New York when I talked to her - we could have compared notes! (I grew up in Buffalo.)

The two ladies I drove, Beth Groundwater and Vicki Doudera were lovely people and we chatted the entire trip to their hotel (they had accidentally booked at the Holiday Inn near Pitt - and since Vicki had a 5am flight that was absolutely NOT going to work). They were cheerful and gracious when an unexpected detour prompted the nickel tour of a couple of Pittsburgh neighborhoods - Lawrenceville, the Strip, the Cultural District, and Downtown. They even forgave me for almost driving over the lawn at the Holiday Inn (I blame bad lighting on the part of the hotel grounds).

All in all, it was a great time. Beth encouraged me to join the Guppies chapter of Sisters in Crime and both extracted promises from me to keep them posted on my writing. It's only May 1, 2012 and I'm already looking forward to next year's Festival!