The Black Orchid Turns 10/ Basketball Warning

The Black Orchid bookstore had a party celebrating their 10th year in business last week. I’ve been going to the BO for years and it’s undoubtedly one of the best mystery bookstores around. Just ask Ken Bruen–he dedicated a book to them!

They had an excellent turnout for the event. Wine and cheese was served on the sidewalk in front of the overflowing store. It seemed like a profitable night as well, as owner Joe seemed to be behind the cha-ching’ing cash register the entire night.

S.J. Rozan (with her mystery novel-reading nephew in tow) was among the writers there. We talked about her new book, ABSENT FRIENDS, which has been getting some tremendous buzz. Also, she informed me that she’s been scouting out locations for the annual Bouchercon basketball game. I told that “I got game” and I’m definitely going to be on the floor, throwing elbows this year (when I put on my goggles and stick in my mouth piece I intend to intimidate some wimpy writers out there). I warned S.J. that I play NYC playground style, meaning, I don’t pass the ball, I don’t play defense, and I take a lot of outside shots. So if there’s anyone out there who intends to play on a team with me, don’t expect to touch the ball much.

I also talked to Rebecca Pawel (otherwise known, as the writer who beat out Olen Steinhauer–whoops, sorry there, bro–for this year’s Edgar for best first novel). Rebecca seemed stoked about her new French, Spanish, and Japanese deals. Muchas congrats, chica…Ah, all that Berlitz I took and the 6 months I spent partying–er, studying–in Mexico is paying off big time. I think daughter knows more Spanish than I do from watching “Dora the Explorer.”…But when I’m drunk, I suddenly become fluent. Or at least I think I do.

At Black Orchid, I also chatted with Chris Aldrich from Mystery News, and met Mark Conard (I got the spelling right!) who has a new noir thriller, DARK AS NIGHT, out from the wonderful Ugly Town imprint. Jim Fusilli was among the other writers in attendance, but unfortunately he left before I had a chance to say hi to him.