Larry Sweazy Message Celebrates 10 Years Since His First Published Novel

I hope your 2019 is off to great start. I have to tell you, mine has, thankfully, been a whirlwind. It’s interesting that this year is my tenth anniversary as a published author. My first book, THE RATTLESNAKE SEASON (Josiah Wolfe, Texas Ranger #1) was published in 2009. I was 49 years old, so I got a late start. But, as you may know, it took me fifteen years of near misses, near heartbreak, and a lot of determination to get published. My hope was to write a book a year, but more than that, my real hope was to be able to keep writing, publishing, and get better. No matter what, I was going to write. And that’s still true today. I write every day.

I’m happy to tell you that my fifteenth book, THE LOST ARE THE LAST TO DIE (Sonny Burton #2), is slated for publication in November of this year (2019). This book is the follow-up to A THOUSAND FALLING CROWS, and I couldn’t be happier that Five Star is going to continue this series. It will be available in hardcover, ebook, and large print. The next Sonny Burton book in this early-20th century western/thriller series, WINTER SEEKS OUT THE LONELY (Sonny Burton #3), is scheduled to be published in mid-2021.


There’s more good news for Josiah Wolfe fans. The books in the Josiah Wolfe series have steadily and continually gained fans and readers since 2009. I’m happy to say that none of these books, which started out as paperback originals (PBOs), have been out of print, though the series did end with THE GILA WARS (#6) in 2013. Five Star has enthusiastically decided to continue the series with THE RETURN OF THE WOLF (Josiah Wolfe #7) to be published in mid-2020 in hardcover, ebook, and large print. The chance to revisit Josiah and the Frontier Battalion-era Texas Rangers ten years later is a thrill, and I’m really excited about the future of this series.

And finally, if all that isn’t enough to pop a cork for, I have also contracted with Kensington to write a new western series featuring U.S. Deputy Marshal, Trusty Dawson. Publication dates will be forthcoming, but the first one will most likely debut in late-2020. Once I know more, I’ll let you know.

I know some of my Marjorie Trumaine fans might be disappointed that I don’t have any news about that series. Don’t give up hope. I haven’t. Josiah Wolfe is a good example. A series can continue on a few years down the road. As it stands right now, SEE ALSO PROOF is last book in the Marjorie Trumaine series—but I have other ideas and irons in the fire for that series. Marjorie still has plenty of stories to tell as far as I’m concerned, and I hope there are more Marjorie books in all of our lives. The audio version of SEE ALSO PROOF will be available later this year.

In the meantime, I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to continue to write for and work with some of the best editors in the business. Ten years down the road, I could have never dreamed that I would be so lucky to get to write every day like I set out to do. Writing is something I never take for granted, and feel privileged to do. I’m lucky to have the support that I have from Rose, my agent, my editors, and everyone involved who make it possible for me to be able to tell the stories that I do. But none of this would be possible without the people who read and enjoy my books. Thank you. I’ll try my best to continue to entertain you.

THE LOST ARE THE LAST TO DIE (Sonny Burton #2/Five Star) – available 11/19

WINTER SEEKS OUT THE LONELY (Sonny Burton #3/Five Star) – available mid-2021

THE RETURN OF THE WOLF (Josiah Wolfe #7/Five Star) – available mid-2020

U.S. Deputy Marshal, Trusty Dawson series (Kensington) – dates forthcoming

SEE ALSO PROOF (audio) - available mid-2019

Larry Sweazy Book "See Also: Proof" Selected True West Magazine's Top 2018 Western Novel

Speed City member Larry Sweazy's third Marjorie Trumaine mystery has been honored as the was True West Magazine's 2018 Best of the West 20th-21st Century Western Mystery. 

Larry topped a list of notable authors, including Craig Johnson's most recent Longmire novel, Depth of Winter (Longmire #12).  Also listed in the top 5 were:  Reavis Z. Wortham, Gold Dust: A Red River Mystery; Steven F. Havill, Lies Come Easy;  and Keith McCafferty, Depth of Winter.

Larry's lead character, Marjorie Trumaine, is an early 1960s South Dakota farmwife, whose husband was left an invalid by a farm accident.  To raise extra money, she indexes books, an occupation that was actually encouraged by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the early 1960s.  Her job leads to the titles of the books:  See Also: Murder; See Also: Deception, and the latest See Also: Proof. 

Larry D. Sweazy

In addition to the Marjorie Trumaine series, Larry has also written seven westerns in the Josiah Wolf, Texas Ranger series. His other books include "Where Can I See You,"The Devil's Bones" and "A Thousand Falling Crows," as well as short stories included in several Western anthologies.

Speed City Sisters in Crime BIG HIT at Annual Indiana Historical Society's Authors Fair

Co-editors Marianne Halbart and Diana Catt*

Several members of the Speed City Sisters in Crime participated in the Indiana Historical Society's Annual Author's Fair on December 1 at the Indiana Historical Society in downtown Indianapolis.
Authors were selected by the Historical Society.

Members greeting readers and signing books were:

Diana Catt, editor of the just released Speed City Sisters in Crime anthology Homicide for the Holidays. The recently released book includes 12 seasonal tales of murder, mayhem and Christmas joy, along with a dozen recipes that correspond with each story. The book is available at local Barnes and Noble stores, as well as online at Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com and Walmart.com.

Author Larry Sweazy*

Larry Sweazy, author of the Marjorie Trumaine series and recently named by Indianapolis Monthly Magazine to its annual Book Recommendations list for his western, "Pointe Blank, Texas."

Author Janis Thornton*

Janis Thornton, author of "Too Good a Girl," a true crime book about a 1965 unsolved murder in Tipton, Indiana. The book has been receiving high praise, including a feature article in the Indianapolis Star and appearances on Indianapolis television stations.


*Photos by Crystal Rhodes.

Speed City Sisters In Crime Featured at Historical Society's Dec. 1 Holiday Author Fair

Sisters (and Misters) Among the Featured Authors 

at This Year’s Holiday Author Fair

By Janis Thornton

Author of "Too Good a Girl"

Sisters in Crime member Janis Thornton
and David Williams, author of Indianapolis Jazz
at 2015 Author's Fair

The Indiana Historical Society’s 2018 Holiday Author Fair, scheduled for Saturday, December 1, will host more than 70 Hoosier authors and their latest books, including the Speed City Sisters in Crime and two individual members.
            The event is unquestionably the place to be for anyone who loves books. It’s even better for those who enjoy mingling with homegrown, Indiana authors. And it’s better still because visitors can take home as many books as they can carry, all of them personally autographed by the authors.
            Speed City Chapter of Sisters in Crime latest anthology “Homicide for the Holidays” is among the books selected for the event. Book editor and Speed City member  Diana Catt will host the Sisters in Crime table. 
            Two other Speed City Chapter members were selected for their own books. Larry Sweazy will be there with his Marjorie Trumaine Mystery, “See Also Proof.”  Janis Thornton will be be present with her gripping true crime mystery, “Too Good a Girl.”
        While it’s an awesome honor to be selected for this affair, it also is exciting and fun. I was privileged to participate in 2012 and 2015, and both times, I relished the unique opportunity to meet several of the other authors as equals and to exchange ideas and tips. Among those I talked with were James Alexander Thom, Jennifer McFadden, Dick Wolfsie, Angie Klink, Nelson Price, Barbara Shoup, Ray Boomhower, Sandy Sasso, and David L. Williams. In fact, I talked non-stop with fellow authors and visitors during the four hours and almost lost my voice. What a fabulous experience!
        The range of book topics at the 2018 event is vast — from politics and history to young adult nonfiction and mysteries (and true crime!).
            Please don’t miss this opportunity to support and rub elbows with some of Indiana’s finest authors.
            Doors will be open from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1 in the William Henry Smith Memorial Library at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis.
            And, as a gift from the Indiana Historical Society, admission is free.
            We hope to see you there!
            Click to download the Author Fair brochure.

Murder at the Mic: Meet & Hear Your Favorite Local Mystery Authors on Mass Av Oct. 12

 Alumni from Magna Cum Murder, Indiana's foremost conference for mystery writers and fans, appear at Indy Reads Books, 911 Massachusetts Avenue, in Indianapolis, on Friday, October 12, at 7 p.m., as part of "Murder at the Mic," a project of the Midwest chapter of the Mystery Writers of America. 

The program will feature readings from the works of Terence Faherty, Liz Dombrowsky, Tony Perona, Cheryl Shore, Larry Sweazy, and others. 

There will be a door prize drawing and refreshments. Magna cum Murder

Registration is still open for this year's 24th annual Magna Cum Murder.  The three-day conference will be held October 19-21 at the Columbia Club on the Circle in Indianapolis. This year's Guest of Honor is author Reavis Z. Wortham. The International Guest of Honor is author Peter Lovesey.

Magna Cum Murder is presented through Ball State University. Speed City Sisters in Crime is one of the event's sponsors and will host a flash fiction contest.

Magna cum Murder

Crime Writing Festival

October 19-21, 2018 

The Columbia Club, Indianapolis, IN

Guest of Honor ~ Reavis Z. Wortham

International Guest of Honor ~ Peter Lovesey

June Brings Opportunities to Talk Writing and Books With Speed City Sisters in Crime

Speed City Sisters in Crime members will be hitting the highways in Indiana over the next two weeks for three different programs around the state.  This weekend (Saturday, June 9), Chapter members will be meeting readers and fellow writers  at an art fair in Kirklin, Indiana and an author fair in Bloomington at the Monroe County Public Library. On both weekends, noted writer and Chapter member Larry Sweazy will be teaching a classes for writers at the Indianapolis Writers Center.

It's a great time to meet up with our members, discuss writing, their books and maybe becoming a member.

Kirklin Art Fair, Kirklin, Indiana:  Saturday, June 9, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm 

Speed City Sisters-in-Crime will have a book table for sales of all of our anthologies.  The table will be located on Min Street in Kirkland. Authors Janis Thornton, Janet Williams, and N. W. Campbell will be available to talk writing and sign books.

Monroe County Public Library, Bloomington, IN:  Saturday, June 9, 2 - 4 p.m.

Writers and Chapter member Brenda Stewart, Stephen Terrell and Russ Carley will be in Bloomington to discuss the Sisters in Crime murder mystery anthologies.  Brenda has served as editor for all of the Speed City Sisters in Crime anthologies to date, and has written stories appearing in each book.  Stephen has a two short stories in the latest anthology, and has written two legal thrillers, Stars Fall and The First Rule. Russ has written two thrillers set in the world of Formula 1 racing and has a new book coming out in late June. 

Indianapolis Writers Center:   June 9 and June 16,  1 - 4 p.m.

Larry Sweazy will be teaching two classes.  On June 9, he will teach  "Writing Your First Novel." The following Saturday, June 16, he will teach a time management class for writers titled “How Much Time Do You Really Have.”  The fee for each is $75, with a lesser fee for Writers Center members.

Wild Deadwood Reads, Deadwood, South Dakota: June 7-9

If you happen to be in Deadwood, South Dakota, you can also meet Speed City Chapter member Diana Catt, who will be meeting readers and signing books at the annual Deadwood festival.

Chapter Member Larry Sweezy Teaching June 9 & 16 at Indianapolis Writers Center

Larry Sweazy, noted author and Speed City Sisters in Crime member, will teach two classes this month at the Indianapolis Writers Center. 

Larry will speak on Writing Your First Novel on June 9 (1-4 p.m.).   

According to Larry, the big secret about writing a first novel is finishing it. Great ideas tire out. Real life gets in the way. Doubt over takes the dream. In this interactive workshop, Larry will share proven tips and help you to build the skills beginning or seasoned writers need to finish that special first novel.  For more information on this program, CLICK HERE.

The following week, on June 16 (1-4 p.m.), Larry will again teach at the Indianapolis Writing Center. This time he will address issues of time management for writers with day jobs. His session is titled: “How Much Time Do You Really Have.”

Registration for each program is $75 for non-members, $48 for members, and $42 for student, teacher, senior and military members. For more information on this program, CLICK HERE.

On June 30, between noon and 4 p.m., Larry will be signing copies of his latest project at the Noblesville Barnes & Noble:  The Trading Post and Other Frontier Stories: A Five Star Anthology.

Larry is the author of the Trumaine Mystery Series, as well as numerous short stories. You can learn more about Larry at http://larrydsweazy.com

Mark Your Calendar: Noted Speed City Author Larry Sweazy Set for Two Book Signings

See Also Proof: A Marjorie Trumaine Mystery 

Set for Release May 1

Indianapolis author Larry D. Sweazy will kickoff publication of his 14^th novel with two book signings in the Indianapolis area.  See Also Proof, will be released on May 1. The novel is the third in the critically acclaimed "See Also" mystery series that features Marjorie Trumaine, a freelance book indexer and North Dakota farm wife. The Marjorie Trumaine character  first appeared in the critically acclaimed See Also Murder (2015) and See Also Deception (2016). 

Book signings are scheduled for May 1 (release day) from 6 p.m. -- 8 p.m at Barnes and Noble, 17090 Mercantile Boulevard, Stony Creek Marketplace in Noblesville.  The second signing is May 4 from noon until 4 p.m. at the Barnes and Noble, 8675 River Crossing Boulevard in Indianapolis, next to Keystone at the Crossing Fashion Mall. 

 

In See Also Proof, Marjorie Trumaine, a freelance indexer from rural North Dakota in the 1960s, risks her life to help local law enforcement track down a missing, disabled girl.

Dickinson, North Dakota, 1965. It's a harsh winter, and freelance indexer Marjorie Trumaine struggles to complete a lengthy index while mourning the recent loss of her husband, Hank. The bleakness of the weather seems to compound her grief, and then she gets more bad news: a neighbor's fourteen-year-old disabled daughter, Tina Rinkerman, has disappeared. Marjorie joins Sheriff Guy Reinhardt in the search for the missing girl, and their investigation quickly leads to the shocking discovery of a murdered man near the Rinkermans' house. What had he been doing there? Who would have wanted him dead? And, above all, is his murder connected to Tina's disappearance? Their pursuit of answers will take Marjorie all the way to the Grafton State School, some six hours away, where Tina lived until recently. And the information she uncovers there raises still more questions. Will the murderer come after Marjorie now that she knows a long-hidden secret? 

The book is currently available for pre-order online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Walmart, among others

PRAISE

 

“Marjorie [Trumaine] is a wonderful character.” — Publishers Weekly

“[Sweazy’s] best-plotted yet. A sensitive dramatization of both the value and the sometimes-high cost of being a good neighbor.”  -Kirkus

Praise for the previous Marjorie Trumaine novels:

“Brimming with atmosphere and filled with well-drawn characters, See Also Deception is bound to delight mystery readers everywhere. Marjorie Trumaine rings as solid and true as any heroine ever created.”
  —SUSAN CRANDALL, bestselling author of f Whistling Past the Graveyard 

 “[A] terrific first in a projected series... The characters are superbly drawn, and the prairie—its flatness, winds, and critters—is an evocative character in its own right.”  -- Publishers Weekly -- STARRED REVIEW

 

 

Larry is the author of 14 novels and numerous short stories in such publications as Ellery Queen, Amazon Shorts, and Indiana Crime. His is a long-time book indexer.  For more information on Larry, you can check out his website:  http://larrydsweazy.com/index.html  

You can follow Larry on Twitter: @larrydsweazy or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/larrysweazyauthor

Here's a complete list of Larry's novels.

1. The Rattlesnake Season (Berkley), 10/09 -Josiah Wolfe #1 
2. The Scorpion Trail (Berkley) 04/10 --Josiah Wolfe #2          
3. The Badger's Revenge (Berkley)  04/11 -- Josiah Wolfe #3
4. The Cougar's Prey (Berkley) 10/11 -- Josiah Wolfe #4
5. The Devil's Bones (Five Star) 05/12 -- standalone mystery
6. The Coyote Tracker (Berkley) 08/12 -- Josiah Wolfe #5
7. The Gila Wars (Berkley) 05/13 -- Josiah Wolfe #6
8. Vengeance at Sundown (Berkley) 08/14 -- Lucas Fume #1
9. See Also Murder: A Marjorie Trumaine Mystery (Seventh Street Books) 05/15,  #1 in the series.
10. Escape From Hangtown (Berkley) 06/15 --Lucas Fume #2
11. A Thousand Falling Crows (Seventh Street Books) 01/16
12. See Also Deception: A Marjorie Trumaine Mystery (Seventh Street Books) -- 05/16,  #2 in the series.
13. Where I Can See You (Seventh Street Books) 01/17
14. See Also Proof: A Marjorie Trumaine Mystery (Seventh Street Books) coming May 01, 2018, #3 in the series.