Mavens of Mayhem

10/13/2026

Your killer may get away with murder. But will you get away with getting the law wrong?

From police procedures to courtroom drama, even small legal mistakes can pull readers right out of your story.

Join award-winning mystery author and attorney Leslie Budewitz as she reveals common mistakes writers make about the law—and how to avoid them.

📅 Saturday, October 17 | 11 am–Noon ET
💻 Free on Zoom. Registration required.
👉 Register here: THIS SATURDAY!
You don't need a law degree to write a convincing crime novel. But a little legal knowledge can go a long way.

Tomorrow, mystery author and attorney Leslie Budewitz shares the common legal mistakes writers make—and how to keep them out of your manuscript.

With three Agatha Awards to her credit, including Best Nonfiction for Books, Crooks and Counselors, Leslie knows her way around both the law and a good mystery!

📅 Tomorrow, October 17 | 11 am–Noon ET
💻 Free on Zoom. Registration required.
👉 Register here: https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/xooiaD2UQR2qJCAWL6XmUA #/registration

10/07/2026

Writing a courtroom scene? Your readers will notice if you get the law wrong.

Join award-winning author and attorney Leslie Budewitz for a free Zoom talk on the most common legal mistakes writers make, and how to avoid them. Leslie is the winner of three Agatha awards, including Best Nonfiction for Books, Crooks and Counselors, the go-to guide on writing accurately about criminal law.

📅 Saturday, October 17 | 11 am–Noon ET
💻 Free on Zoom. Registration required.
👉 Register now at https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/xooiaD2UQR2qJCAWL6XmUA #/registration

10/06/2026

Congratulations to Maven David K. Wilson - Author on the release of his new novel!

TODAY IS THE DAY!!! My new Sam Lawson Mystery is officially out and available wherever you buy your books (and if they don't have it yet, they can order it for you). Trust me. You're not going to want to miss this one.

Go on! Get your copy. All the cool kids are doing it. Even if you don't read, it will make a perfect gift for someone who does.

10/03/2026

A photo of some of our authors at the last night.
From front: SA Kazlo, David K. Wilson - Author, Elle Higgins, Jacqueline Boulden, and R.L. Carpentier- Small Town Mystery and Procedural Writer.

Missing is Kiersten Marcil, whom we hope was too busy selling books to strike a pose!

10/02/2026

TONIGHT, Friday, Oct. 2, join several Mavens, along with 70+ other authors and vendors, at the for a great night of books, music, drinks, laughter... and mystery! Learn more at https://friends.sspl.org/book-festival/2026-literary-night-market/

10/02/2026

Maven superstar Shelly Jones will be moderating this author panel. That alone makes it a can't-miss event!

Humor can deepen character, relieve tension, and sharpen suspense. Our panelists discuss how writers can successfully weave humor into dark narratives without undermining the stakes. Have you registered yet?

09/28/2026

Did you miss last week's program on 19th-Century Crime Scenes and Their Forensics? We've got your back. Here's a link to a recording of this special event hosted by the Mavens of Mayhem.

This online event is part of a monthly series. Follow our page here for updates on upcoming events.

K.K. Cathers, creator of A Curiosity of Crime and author of A Write...

09/28/2026

Interested in writing a cozy mystery? Fellow Maven Catherine Bruns will be hosting a fun look at what goes into creating one. This Wednesday, 9/30 at 6pm in the Brunswick Community Library Catherine is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels and winner of the Daphne due Maurier Award for Best Mainstream Mystery. Should be a great evening!