Mystery Author Panel

True Lit 2025

Do you want to learn more about writing mysteries? Join us for this lively discussion with local authors followed by audience questions.

Books by each author will be available for sale and signing following the event.
 

Meet the Panelists

Kay Pritchett (Moderator)

Born and raised in Greenville, Mississippi, Kay Pritchett earned her Ph.D. in Spanish Literature from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and taught at the University of Arkansas until her retirement in 2016. As a mystery writer, she creates the Mosey Frye Mystery series (The Wild Rose Press), featuring amateur sleuth Mosey Frye and police chief Gus Olivera in stories that transport readers into thrilling whodunits with a delightful twist—think verandas and paddle boats! Her three short novels, anthologized as "Murder in High Cotton" (2022), draw inspiration from her childhood memories of the Mississippi Delta. Her full-length novels, of a similar ilk, include "The Summer House at Larkspur" (2023), "The Incident at Sunny Banks" (2023), "The House with a Secret Cellar" (2025) and "Murder at Red Oaks" (2025).

E.A. Allen

E.A. Allen is a retired CIA Intelligence Officer who has also taught history at several colleges and universities. He writes the Montclaire Mysteries for adults and has recently embarked on a series of mystery adventures for young readers. "Percy St.-John and The Chronicle of Secrets" is currently available in both first and illustrated editions. The second in the series -- "The Midnight Boy" -- will be published next February.

Jane Elzey

Janie Clark, writing cozy mystery as Jane Elzey, is a retired journalist with a passion for storytelling. Her first mystery series, the Cardboard Cottage Mystery series, is based in Arkansas and centers around four best friends and the games they play to win— along with the hunt for whodunit. The latest book in the series, "Ouija & Haints in the Silent City" (2025) received honors at the 2025 San Francisco Book Festival. Her second mystery series, starring a young foodie surrounded by unexpected magic, launches later this year. 

Cyrenthia McLennan

Cyrenthia McLeenan (Ren) is the creative force behind Rendition Coffee and Cocktails, where drinks come with a side of personality. With over 12 years of barista experience and half of that time in cocktails. She turns lattes into love letters and cocktails into conversations. Ren published "Dirty Barista: A Cocktail Collection" (2022), a collection of cocktails inspired by classic cocktails and the album "Dirty Computer" by Janelle Monáe. She published her debut novel "Sweet" in 2024 about a bartender whose carefully constructed normalcy is threatened when she becomes the focus of a private investigator. It is the first in a trilogy. 

True Lit is in collaboration with the Fayetteville Public Library, Fayetteville Public Schools, Fayetteville Public Education Foundation, and University of Arkansas Program in Creative Writing and Translation.

All abilities are welcome. For disability accommodations, call 479.856.7250 or email questions@faylib.org 2-3 weekdays before a program. Plan your visit by viewing our building map and details on accessibility services.

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