Mel Bradshaw will be signing his new crime novel, Victim Impact, at Indigo Richmond Hill, 8705 Yonge St. (north of Hwy. 7) on Saturday, April 4 from noon to two p.m. His previous novels, Death in the Age of Steam and Quarrel with the Foe will also be available for signing.

More photos from the Hawaiian odyssey ...

1. R.J. deep inside the Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
2.Vicki next to a giant fiddlehead of the unique Hawaii tree fern
3. Mary Jane on the look-out for hump back whales on a whale watching cruise.

The RVP gang is back from Hawaii and had a wonderful time at Left Coast Crime Conference 2009 at the Waikoloa Marriott on the Big Island of Hawaii. Lou Allin, Vicki Delany, R.J. Harlick and Mary Jane Maffini regaled audiences with their Cool Canadian Crime Characters and Cool Canadian Crime Settings. R.J., Mary Jane and Vicki were also honoured to be invited to discuss their books at a local library, the Thelma Parker Memorial Public Library at Waimea, where they each received a real flower lei. That's the three of them with their lei and their very kind hostess, Roberta.

Yesterday (March 21), Indigo Stoney Creek hosted Mel Bradshaw from noon to 4 p.m. for a signing of his crime novels. Victim Impact, a modern story of law and disorder in the Golden Horseshoe, was the featured work. But Mel’s backlist, including the Ellis nominated historical mystery Death in the Age of Steam, sold just as well. At the end of March break, parents seemed ready for some adult entertainment. The combination of bright sun and cool temperatures made for excellent shopping weather, and as always customers’ questions and stories made time fly for the author. Thanks to manager Sandy Kennedy for facilitating this event.

Barbara Fradkin events:

Here are details of the Spring and Summer events already in the works.

April 2 Read's Bookstore Book Club 7:00 pm

Barbara is delighted to be the invited guest of Read's book club in Carleton Place, and she looks forward to a lively discussion. Book clubs are a wonderful way to connect with fellow book lovers to discuss books and get reactions to one's own book. Besides being supportive, welcoming and enthusiastic, they understand the connection between good books and good food!

May 12 Greenboro Public Library Time TBA

Barbara joins other Ladies Killing Circle members for an evening of readings and discussion about Going Out With a Bang. Free admission. Everyone welcome, and bring a friend! Stay tuned for more details.

May 20 Spencerville Book Club 1:30-3:30 pm

As part of National Crime Writing Fortnight, Barbara is the guest of the Spencerville Book Club, which meets in the Spencerville Library for an afternoon of refreshments and book talk about Inspector Green and Canadian mysteries in general. Books will be for sale. Guests welcome!

May 23 Kingston Chapters, Princess St. Store, Time TBA

Continuing the celebration of National Crime Writing Fortnight, Barbara joins other area crime writers for an author event and book signing at the Chapters in Belleville. Stay tuned for more details!

June 5 - 7 Bloody Words Mystery Conference All weekend Barbara joins fellow authors Louise Penny and Denise Mina as Guests of Honour at the 2009 Bloody Words, which is Canada's premiere mystery conference held this year in Ottawa at the Marriott Hotel. Check out the website for details on all the exciting panels, interviews and workshops being offered throughout the weekend.

June 7 Evening with Jewish Authors 7 pm.

The Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation is hosting two evenings with Jewish Authors, and Barbara is honoured to be one of the authors featured at the June 7 event, held in Rm. 156 at the Library and Archives Canada. There will be readings, discussion and a chance to meet the authors during this interesting event. Stay tuned for further details.

Aug. 15 Scene of the Crime 9:00 am. - 7 pm.

Catch the ferry from Kingston to Wolfe Island and enjoy a day in the country with mystery readers and writers, both aspiring and established. Barbara is one of five featured authors who will be doing readings and participating in panel discussions. As the highlight, the iconic author Peter Robinson will receive the Grant Allen Award for his outstanding contribution to Canadian crime writing. Check out the website for more details.