YOUR INTREPID TRAVELLER

by Steven Steinbock

Colleen Spall, Doug Greene, Laurie Culligan, Janet Hutchings, Steven Steinbock. Colleen and Laurie are Ed Hoch’s nieces.

I’m back from my adventures at the Edgars and Malice, and I’ll use this brief lull in my wordy discussions1 to tell you of some of my encounters.

I arrived in New York late Tuesday afternoon, just in time to check in to my hotel and to grab a cab to the Village for the launch of the new MWA anthology at The Mysterious Bookshop. No sooner had the cab pulled to a stop that a strange man in cowboy boots yanked me out of the cab. The strange man was none other than my pal Charles Todd, who stepped out to hail a cab for his mother (Caroline) and author Robin Hathaway when he saw me pull up. I greeted Caroline and Robin and bade them good night. Then Charles and I made our way into the bookstore, where Dana Cameron, Toni Kelner, Marty Meyers, Parnell Hall were signing copies of Crimes by Moonlight.

Then who do you think I met in the very middle of the signing line? None other than Criminal Brief friend and regular Terrie Farley Moran! What a treat it was to finally meet her in the flesh.

Before long I was nabbed by Charles Todd, who had joined forces with Angela and Barry Zeman to seek nourishment. The four of us went to a wonderful Italian restaurant – more of a pizza joint with style and class but little pretense. You should all know that if ever you’re in Manhattan and in need of a good restaurant or a good book, Barry Zeman is your go-to guy. He knows all the good eateries. Plus, if he brings Angela along you’re guaranteed good conversation.

Wednesday was the Edgars Symposium, which always has some good sessions. But my day was punctuated by the International Association of Crime Writers board meeting. It’s a good group, and includes my friend artist/novelist Jonathan Santlofer as well as post-punk rock-n-roller Johnny Temple who has rocked the mystery short story market with the regional Noir series of anthologies he publishes through his Akashik Books.

Thursday, late morning, I hauled myself up Fifth Avenue to the mid-60s where I attended the graduation ceremony at my old grad-school/seminary. Wait, did I say attended? I was actually there to receive a diploma for an honorary doctorate. Immediately after the graduation ceremony I tore off my robe and snagged a cab to the Grand Hyatt for the Edgar Awards Banquet.

First thing the next morning, I took the Acela Express train to Washington, DC for the twenty-second annual Malice Domestic convention. Malice is always a blast, and this was the best of the four I’ve attended so far. The emphasis of Malice is on the “traditional” mystery, however defined. Many people define that as mysteries involving poisonings at high tea, ladies with big hats, and feline crime-solvers. None of those are particularly my cut of tea, but it doesn’t stop me from enjoying the event. Parnell Hall was the guest of honor. Ed Hoch was the “Malice Remembers” honoree. And William Link (creator of Mannix, Columbo, and Murder She Wrote) was the “Poirot Award” recipient.

I sat on two panels. The first, devoted to remembering Ed Hoch, included EQMM editor Janet Hutchings, Crippen & Landru publisher Doug Greene, and Ed’s friends Margaret Maron, Mary Higgins Clark, and me. Two of Ed’s nieces came down from Rochester to film the session for Patricia Hoch, and to accept an award. The nieces, Laurie and Colleen, were delightful.

My second panel was “The Game is Afoot” which looked at the lasting influence of Sherlock Holmes on modern detective fiction. I’m not sure we solved anything, but we sure had fun. The panel included me, Daniel Stashower, William Link, Parnell Hall, and John Betancourt.

The entire week and weekend were a blast. But when it was over, I was badly in need of sleep. So now, while I’m still feeling giddy, let me remind you that God willing, giddiness will be one of the topics of next week’s Bandersnatch. Until then, it’s another snicker snack of the vorpal blade and I bid you a frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!

1. I’ll be back with more lexicographic fun in the near future. For instance, have you ever considered the religious origins of “giddy”? It’s downright inspiring. [↩]