Last year, I went to Phoenix for Left Coast Crime, and I realized how much I missed Arizona in March. Well, let’s face it, I always miss Arizona. But, I’m going back this year. I’ve also missed the Tucson Festival of Books. It’s a two-day festival held on the campus of the University of Arizona. And, it’s wonderful.

The list of authors goes on and on. Cara Black, Donis Casey, Craig Johnson, Terry Shames are just a few of the mystery authors. Authors such as Brunonia Barry, Alice Hoffman, Paulette Jiles, Lisa See, Douglas Brinkley, David Maraniss, Richard Reeves, Amy Dickinson.

I’m moderating a panel on the Sunday of the event. It’s called Deadly Debuts, and features Gina Wohlsdorf, author of Security, and Hester Young, author of The Gates of Evangeline and The Shimmering Road. Those books are next on my TBR pile.

Then, when the festival is over, and I’m back in the Phoenix area for a couple days, I’ll grab the opportunity to go to The Poisoned Pen and see Jacqueline Winspear.

In the meantime, the 70 degree temperatures we’ve had here are just giving me a taste of heat. I’m looking forward to a March long weekend in Arizona.