The New England Crime Bake, our own regional mystery conference held every November, was this past weekend. The guest of honor this year was Walter Mosley, who inspired us all. Here are some pics from the event. Dick Cass was the volunteer wrangler and Bruce Coffin was swarmed by writers looking for cop expertise. Kate Flora received the Lifetime Achievement Award and got to wear a banner of crime scene tape and tiara and clutch roses like a prom queen. Brenda Buchanan was guest of honor wrangler. Lea Wait was talking about her next book, due in February. Barbara Ross was there with the Wicked Cozies and her adorable granddaughter, Viola.
Lea Wait at the cocktail party
Lea, Kate & Maureen before the banquet
Dick bowing down in front of the Queen . .
The Crime Bake Mascot . . with handcuffs applied.
Kait Carson
Charlene D’Avanzo 
Looks like a wonderful time. I am inspired by the support you give each other and the fun you have.
Kate, congratulations on your award! Life-time achievement takes a while to qualify for…big smile.
It’s obvious that you all had a great time. Maybe some day I’ll get a chance to rub elbows instead of enjoying the blog.
fantastic crime bake, as usual!
Kate, so well-deserved!
It was SO great to see you there, Lea. And to be able to finally bestow the tiara on Kate’s head. But I missed Viola! I wanted so much to meet her. Dang.