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Photo Flash: First Look at the Inaugural Mystery Writers Key West Fest

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The first annual Mystery Writers Key West Fest took place this past weekend in the Southernmost City in the Continental United States. Attendees declared it a success.

Award-winning mystery writer Sandra Balzo said, "Wow -- what a wonderful, energizing weekend! From the opening event at the Smokin' Tuna on Friday night, right on through the panels on Saturday to the final signing by the pool, Key West Fest was a blast. Friendly people in a unique setting, all talking about mystery. How can you beat it? I don't know, but I have a hunch you will -- NEXT year. See you then!"

Nearly two-dozen popular mystery writers gathered at MWKWF to share their secrets about writing whodunnits to an eager audience.

Major sponsors of the conference included the Mystery Writers of America, Florida Keys Council of the Arts, and Key West Citizen.

Absolutely Amazing eBooks was also a sponsor -- and several of its top mystery writers appeared on the non-stop panels.

Photo Flash: First Look at the Inaugural Mystery Writers Key West Fest Image
A group of the writers

Photo Flash: First Look at the Inaugural Mystery Writers Key West Fest Image
W.E.B. Griffin a.ka. Bill Butterworth, Michael Haskins and Captain Jim Linder

Photo Flash: First Look at the Inaugural Mystery Writers Key West Fest Image
Mystery Writers Key West Fest in progress at the Doubleday Grand Marquee Hotel

Photo Flash: First Look at the Inaugural Mystery Writers Key West Fest Image
Co-founders Michael Haskins and Shirrel Rhoades

Photo Flash: First Look at the Inaugural Mystery Writers Key West Fest Image
Texas Rich

Photo Flash: First Look at the Inaugural Mystery Writers Key West Fest Image
Heather Graham

Photo Flash: First Look at the Inaugural Mystery Writers Key West Fest Image
Mark Howell and Bill Craig

Photo Flash: First Look at the Inaugural Mystery Writers Key West Fest Image
Key West mayor Craig Cates

Photo Flash: First Look at the Inaugural Mystery Writers Key West Fest Image
Shirrel Rhoades and Nancy J. Cohen

Photo Flash: First Look at the Inaugural Mystery Writers Key West Fest Image
Mike Dennis and Jonathan Woods

Photo Flash: First Look at the Inaugural Mystery Writers Key West Fest Image
Jeremiah Healy and Sandra Balzo

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