Lanier Library stages assorted fun events for mystery aficionados

Lanier Library is producing a Mystery Festival in three parts, Oct. 20-21, featuring an award-winning mystery writer, a writer’s workshop, a cocktail, dinner and clues event, and a wrap-up author talk.

Part I: Friday, Oct. 20, 1-4 p.m.

Edgar Award-winning crime author David Housewright will be the featured guest at this year’s Lanier Library Mystery Festival, one highlight of a weekend of murderous fun, killer food, and mesmerizing discussion topics at the library, Friday, Oct. 20 and Saturday, Oct. 21.

The three-part festival begins with a Writers’ Workshop with Housewright, who will cover the structure of the crime novel in a three-hour lecture workshop. Housewright says that in this seminar students will examine the structure of the crime novel—“the snare, the joyride, and the payoff,” as well as the importance of who tells the story and where it begins.

“The best mysteries have always been about more than who killed Mr. Body in the library with a candlestick,” he says. “They help us explore the truth of our existence with as much validity as any so-called work of literature.”

The workshop is limited to 15 people and is geared to all levels, beginners to advanced. There is a charge. Bring paper and pen. This is primarily a lecture workshop with one of the country’s leading crime writers, but you will want to take notes.

Part II: Friday, Oct. 20, 5-9 p.m.

The laugh-out-loud-and get-your-dinner-napkin-on Cocktails & Clues begins with a presentation by David Housewright, followed by a team scavenger hunt for clues to solve the mystery of the murder in the library, and concluding with cocktails, wine and a sumptuous candlelight buffet dinner befitting a manor house mystery. There is a charge for tickets.

Part III: Saturday, Oct. 21, 10-11:30 a.m.

Edgar Award-winning author David Housewright will talk about the history of the American crime novel and answer questions from attendees about mystery writing, or anything else that peaks their curiosity about the genre, or Housewright’s novels in particular. This event is free and open to all who love to read a good mystery.

The Lanier Library Mystery Festival is made possible with support from the Kirby Endowment Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation. All events take place at Lanier Library, 72 Chestnut St., Tryon. Visit lanierlib.org or call 828-859-9535 for tickets and more information.

– submitted by Clare O’Sheel