Hi there,

   Given the books you’ve reviewed on mysteryfile.com in the past, I thought I’d let you know about ThrillerFest 2008. The 3rd annual gathering is a chance for devotees of thriller books to come together, not only for professional guidance and counsel, but for fun. Providing opportunities for mentoring, education and collegiality among thriller authors and industry professionals, it brings more than 200 of the best loved and bestselling authors to The Grand Hyatt in New York from July 9-12 for an unprecedented four-day extravaganza.

   ThrillerFest includes author signings, a complete bookstore on premises, reader’s reception and cocktail party, music by the Killer Thriller Band, giveaways of 20 thrillers months before publication and four days of events. Meet the usual suspects attending including such thriller writer as James Rollins, Lee Child, Gayle Lynds, Heather Graham, David Morrell, David Liss, M.J. Rose, Steve Berry, Doug Preston, Joe Finder, David Hewson, Michael Palmer, Katherine Neville, D.P. Lyle, Chris Reich, Maxine Paetro, Joan Johnston, F. Paul Wilson, Alison Brennan and many more.

   One highlight of the event is the coveted ThrillerMaster Award, whose previous recipients include Clive Cussler and James Patterson. This year’s winner is Sandra Brown, who is being recognized for her legendary career, 56 New York Times best sellers and more than 70 million copies of her books in print worldwide. Additional bestselling spotlight guests that will attend are Steve Martini, Eric Van Lustbader, Dr. Kathy Reichs, and Brad Thor, David Baldacci, R.L. Stine, and Andrew Gross.

   Awards will also be given for Best Novel, Best First Novel, and Best Paperback Original. Registration for ThrillerFest is open to everyone (ITW members and non-members), with three separately-priced events packages this year: CraftFest on Thursday, July 12; the ThrillerFest Conference from Thursday, July 12 – Sunday, July 15; and the Thriller Awards Banquet at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 14. Day passes are available. Complete details and a date/rate schedule can be found at www.thrillerfest.com.

    If you’re in the area, I encourage you to attend and gain access to countless potential interviews and many reviews of as-yet-unreleased thrillers. If you can’t make it, I’m sure your audience would love to hear a bit more about it on your site.

      Thanks so much, Lauren Levy   (Lauren @ mediamuscle.com)