Save the Date: Book Launch for Dead Reckoning

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Everyone’s invited to the book launch for the seventh Pete Culnane mystery, Dead Reckoning!
After another year of blood, sweat, and tears generated while staring at my computer monitor, I’m happy to say this book is now available.
Once Upon A Crime Mystery Books (604 W. 26th St., Minneapolis, MN 55405) is hosting my book launch. It will be at 1 p.m. (central time) on November 19th. That’s the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
.We’ll start with a reading from Dead Reckoning, followed by a discussion of the Pete Culnane series and my writing process, then a Q & A session. Hope to see you there.
If you’re unable to make it, the following link will take you to a simulcast of the event.
https://www.crowdcast.io/c/xoc1uvy122kv
You can also click on the link to watch a replay anytime after that date and time.

Dead Reckoning Full Cover

7th Pete Culnane Mystery

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Happy to report I’m well on my way to completing the seventh Pete Culnane mystery. This time, the attack occurs along the Cherokee  Trail, across the Mississippi from downtown St. Paul. Once again, Pete and Martin are working long days, scouring the Twin Cities for suspects and answers. The working title is Dead Reckoning. Publication is anticipated for the fall of 2022.

6th Pete Culnane Mystery Available

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Full Cover FINAL

The sixth Pete Culnane Mystery was published on November 17, 2021. Due to COVID-19, the book launch was a virtual event hosted by Once Upon A Crime Bookstore, via Crtowdcast, on January 18, 2022. This event can still be seen at the following link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/sl-smith-last-breath/register

Last Breath is available at Once Upon A Crime Bookstore in south Minneapolis and Setzer Pharmacy on St. Paul’s northside.

Murder on Cathedral Hill Now Available

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Murder on Cathedral Hill-11.10.20 Cover 8

The fifth Pete Culnane Mystery published December 2, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the book launch will be a virtual event hosted by Once Upon A Crime Bookstore, via Crtowdcast, on January 7, 2021 at 7 PM (Central). Here’s the link to register for this FREE event: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/sl-smiths-murder-on/register

Registration is required in order to obtain the link to join me on January 7 for a reading, discussion of my writing, and Q & A.

Murder on Cathedral Hill is available at the following locations: Once Upon A Crime Bookstore in south Minneapolis, Subtext Bookstore in downtown St. Paul, and Setzer Pharmacy on St. Paul’s northside.

2017 Great Minnesota Get Together A.K.A. Minnesota State Fair

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The fair set an attendance record this year: 1,997,320. Enjoyed speaking with so many people, and felt honored each time someone wanted their picture taken with me.
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On August 29. Fairborne’s arm got stuck in the door of a mascot-eating mailbox. Saw his distress and rescued him. Catastrophe averted. We both heaved a sigh of relief. 😉
 
2017-8-29SLS&Fairborne-1

Tossing Around on Rough Waters!

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Lost a dear friend and neighbor. Striving to accept and adjust to the loss. He was one in a million. Spent years picking me up at the airport between midnight and one AM, and taking me back between three and four-thirty AM. He was a beta reader for books two through four, and made many valuable recommendations. He served as a resource for Murder on a Stick, providing details on the workings of the ticket booths in the midway at the State Fair. He made my life so much easier and more joyful. Rest in peace, Gale. My thoughts and prayers are with you.1896945_10202353867661803_165803628_n

Lunch with Two Book Four Stars

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Enjoyed lunch at the Christos in South Minneapolis with the Christos manager and waitress who play a part in Mistletoe and Murder: The Fourth Pete Culnane Mystery. You’ll have to read the book to learn how they contribute to solving the crime.

Michael, S.L., and Elizabeth at Christos

Michael, S.L., and Elizabeth at Christos

Release Date for Fourth Pete Culnane Mystery

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Mistletoe and Murder: The Fourth Pete Culnane Mystery is set for an August 1, 2017 release. It will be available at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair (August 24-September 4). The launch party will be on September 5 at Subtext Bookstore, 6 West 5th Street, St. Paul, MN at 7 PM. Join us for a reading, followed by a Q & A and treats. Everyone is welcome. I’d love to see you!

Mistletoe and Murder -cover_Layout

Great Minnesota Get Together

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Fair Wear booth on Dan Patch Ave. (about two blocks west of main gate on Snelling)

Fair Wear booth on Dan Patch Ave. (about two blocks west of main gate on Snelling)

All three of my books will be available at the fair this year. Find them at any of the Gold Country booths: (1) the booth called Fair Wear” on the northeast corner of Judson and Dan Patch (see photos), (2) inside the main entrance of the Grandstand, (3) inside the main entrance of the Coliseum, and (4) in their tent at the entrance to the Visitors Plaza.

I’ll be outside the Fair Wear booth on the NE corner of Judson and Dan Patch, between 1:00 and 4:00, on August 27th and 31st. Stop by and say hi.

Speaking with Second Graders about Writing

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imageDuring the last week of October, I spoke to a second grade class about writing. The kids amazed me! One child asked, but not in so many words, if I ever had writers block. If I did, he wanted to know how I dealt with it. The class blew me away! They knew so much about writing.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself, because the kids were so attentive and interested.

Murder on a Stick Is Available!

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Murder on a Stick: The Third Pete Culnane Mystery, was released on August 6. The launch party was at Subtext: A Bookstore, located in St. Paul, on September 3. The turnout was FANTASTIC! It was followed by a signing at Once Upon A Crime, in Minneapolis, on September 6. One patron provided an excellent suggestion for the title of book four: Mistletoe and Murder. Now all I have to do is finish writing that book. Remaining optimistic, but not far along enough to have any idea of a target date.

Book Launch at Subtext: A Bookstore on September 3

Three Events Scheduled

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Three events are scheduled, celebrating the release of Murder on a Stick:

September 3rd, you could eat dinner at Nina’s or W.A. Frost, then join me at Subtext: A Bookstore (165 Western Avenue North, St. Paul, MN) at 7 PM for the book launch party. The party includes a reading, followed by a Q & A session. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

eptember 6th from noon ’til 2 p.m., support Pat and Gary, the owners of one of your favorite mystery bookstores at Once Upon A Crime Mystery Books (604 West 26th Street, Minneapolis, MN). This event includes a signing, and a chance to ask me how I got myself into this, what I just learned about Pete’s great-grandmother, you name it.

September 6 at 7 p.m. Join me for a mini State Fair at Eat My Words Bookstore (1228 2nd St NE, Minneapolis, MN). Bring your appetite. Soup, crackers, cheese, pretzels, peanuts, and cookies will be served.