Okay, we’re a little late this month. We’ve been busy — writing, reading, and working hard at squeezing in a relaxing moment or two. If you’re not in NW Montana and you’ve been wondering how the wild fires are affecting us, we can assure you that we are all safe and well, though we have had our worried moments — our corner of the state has been hard hit by fires and smoke. But after several days of rain, we are all breathing more easily, and we’re grateful for your concern and good wishes.

The Montana Book Festival takes place this week, Sept 10-12, in Missoula, and both Christine Carbo and Leslie Budewitz will be part of the fun. They join Indiana novelist Sarah Layden Friday, Sept 11, at 3:30, for a panel discussion and reading called The Writer, The Mirror, and the Map: Mystery Novelists Reflect on Identity, Murder, and Place. 

Both Christine (THE WILD INSIDE) and Leslie (BUTTER OFF DEAD) made the Seattle Mystery Bookshop’s August bestseller list — as each of them has every month since their books’ release. Congratulations!

All of us are getting ready for the annual Flathead River Writers’ Conference Sat-Sun, Sept 26-27th, at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell. Hope to see the writers among you for a terrific weekend!