Bouchercon at Raleigh, NC, was a blast. I’ll let these pictures (mostly taken by Gene George) tell the tale, but the event, as usual, was about as pleasant and fun as a work trip could be. The only frustrating thing is running into old friends – like Otto Penzler, Ted Hertel, Ted Fitzgerald, Bill Crider, Jeff Pierce, and Alan Turkus, among many others – and not having a chance to really sit down and chat with them. Various events, meeting and meals got me in touch with my agent and various editors and other publishing luminaries.

A highlight was the Shamus Awards banquet, at a very funky Southern-style restaurant, where I presented the best short story award (having won the year previous). The various nominees were mostly from noir collections gathering stories worldwide, giving me a chance to mispronounce almost every nominee’s name (in the case of Lawrence Block’s story, he thoughtfully provided me with a foreign name within the title).

M.A.C.

Max and Barb Collins on their first dual Bouchercon panel appearance.

Agent Dominick Abel, Max, Barb at the Shamus Awards Banquet.

Matt Clemens, Barb and Max signing in the book room.

Max, Kensington editor Michaela Hamiliton (standing), Barb

Max talking with his writer pal John Gilstrap.

Generations: Larry Block, Jason Starr, Max in book room.

Barb and Max display their Della Street and Paul Drake awards at the Shamus Banquet (earned by hosting last year’s event).

You’ve heard of THE TWO JAKES? This is the two Ted’s — Fitzgerald and Hertel.

M.A.C. at Forge ASK NOT signing.

Tags: Bouchercon, Bouchercon 2015, Photos