In recent years, young adult fiction has taken the publishing world by storm. To close out our 2016-2017 Bloody Thursday season on May 25, 2017, we bring together three Northwest authors of young adult mystery to discuss their work, the unique challenges of writing about younger characters, and why you should give YA mystery a try no matter how old you are.

Sheryl ScarboroughSheryl Scarborough is an award-winning writer for children’s television. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, lives in Washington state, and has always had an obsession with forensics. When she was twelve, her home was the target of a Peeping Tom. Sheryl diligently photographed his footprints and collected the candy wrappers he left behind. Unfortunately, he was never caught. But the desire to use evidence to solve a great mystery was sparked inside Scarborough all the same. To Catch a Killer is her debut.

Kelly GarrettWhen not writing, Kelly Garrett spends her time hiking, and seeking out new coffee shops and breweries. Her debut YA mystery, The Last To Die, was published by Poisoned Pen Press in April 2017. You can track her on twitter as @garrett_kelly and on both Instagram and Facebook as @writerkellygarrett.

Bill CameronThe Spotted Owl Award-winning author of the Skin Kadash adult mysteries, Bill Cameron’s latest, the YA mystery Property of the State, was named one of Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2016: Teen. His stories have appeared in publications like Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Portland Noir. Bill lives in Oregon with his wife, two cats, and four chickens. He’s currently at work on a high desert mystery.

Baron BirtcherModerating our panel will be Baron R. Birtcher, a professional musician, founder of a record label, and critically acclaimed author. His novels Roadhouse Blues and Ruby Tuesday are Los Angeles Times and Independent Mystery Booksellers Association best sellers. A three-time winner of the Silver Falchion Award, he has also been nominated for the Nero, the Claymore, and the Left Coast Crime “Lefty” awards. Baron divides his time between Portland, Oregon and Kona, Hawaii.

Bloody Thursday is open to the public and takes place at The Old Church. The event begins with a reception (with cash wine bar) at 7:00pm, followed by the panel at 7:30pm.

The Old Church is located at 1422 S.W. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201. Click here for directions and parking info.