Most of us can name a handful of authors who dominated thriller and crime fiction. These include Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, John Le Carre and James Patterson. This is a short list, of course. But at the Thriller Panel author series hosted by the Ocean House, a new selection of good reads awaited, with a fresh breed of gifted authors. They may not be household names yet, but given their track record, they are on their way to becoming a household staple.
The Thriller Panel at the Ocean House
The Social Diary have attended events at the Ocean House for almost a decade. Yet, the exciting author series, especially the Thriller Panel, have elevated our social diary. Additionally, back in July we had the pleasure of seeing again, Duchess Fergie and received a copy of her book, “A Most Intriguing Lady.”
In 2023, Luanne Rice thrilled us with her new book, “Last Night.” This time, she returned to host and moderate the panel with the accomplished authors, who happened to be dynamic women! Deborah Goodrich Royce was absent for a good reason. She became a new grandmother! Congratulations Deborah and Chuck on your new “bundle of joy!”
Thriller Panel Author Series
This is our second year attending the Thriller Panel author series. The energy felt more cohesive this time. While there were a few token males in the audience, mostly women attended. It also felt like the “Ya Ya Sisterhood” among the all-women panel. They included Luanne Rice (moderator), Jean Kwok, Juliet Grames, Elise Hart Kipness, Sara DiVello and Lynne Constantine.
The authors shared their stories, inspirations and giggled their way through.
Jean Kwok began life in a traditional Chinese family. Her early life consisted of working in a sweatshop, pleasing her parents and being a dutiful daughter. She later went on to graduate from Harvard and Columbia Universities and pursued a “nontraditional” career as a writer.
Juliet Grames, inspired by her Italian grandmother’s life, wrote her first book.
Sara DiVello is a mystery writer and thriller podcaster. She wrote her next book based on a real-life mobster crime.
Lynne Constantine and her sister Valerie joined forces to become Liv Constantine and wrote the popular Mrs. Parrish books.
Elise Hart Kipness started as a television sports reporter. She later turned to crime fiction writing. She is Co-President of Sisters in Crime Connecticut.
Luanne Rice is an accomplished author of 39 books. Her success extends to television, with several adaptations including Hallmark Hall of Fame, “Silver Bells.”