Bramlage Author Series

Carolyn Hart was here April 10, 2010. Her newest book, "Laugh Till He Died", was released April 6, 2010. When asked how she keeps the series fresh, Hart responds, “Each title in the series tells a distinct and separate story. There are recurring characters, but each mystery is individual. And there is the secret to freshness. Characters start out as strangers. Then you learn their stories—the disappointed lover, the desperate job seeker, the selfish sister, the indulgent mother, the vengeful employee—and their stories come together, their voices are raised and they clamor for their space in the story and as long as you hear them and seek them out, individual, unusual, and compelling, the book will be fresh because they are fresh.”

Readers know each “Death on Demand” story, though fresh, will always feature Annie and Max Darling, their favorite fun-loving sleuths. Hart admits she also enjoys revisiting her established characters. “Annie comes to life for me every time I start to write about her. I love Annie because she is patterned after my daughter Sarah, who always tries to do her best, is unfailingly thoughtful and generous, and adds joy to the lives of everyone around her. And Max? Hey, I’m writing fiction, so why not a tall, blond handsome guy who is rich? But Max is also honorable and he loves his wife.” Hart’s ultimate goal with the couple is to “make the point that love exists, that two people can care for each other and want the other person’s happiness. In fiction, there are many dysfunctional relationships. But I believe in love and that’s why Annie and Max are together.”

Alan Gratz came on February 16, 2010 and these are just a few that came to hear him.