We’re back from the road with two big pieces of news. Honestly, either of them on their own would have warranted a post and a glass of champagne. To have both occur during the same week is simply an embarrassment of riches.

First, we are beside ourselves with the news that Design for Dying has been nominated for the Anthony Award for Best First Novel! We are honored to be in the company of fellow nominees Bill Beverly (Dodgers), Joe Ide (IQ), our friend Nadine Nettmann (Decanting a Murder), and Nicholas Petrie (The Drifter). The awards will be presented at Bouchercon, the world mystery convention, which is being held this October in Toronto. We hope to be there to participate in all the festivities. Here’s the complete list of nominees in every category.

Second, Renee Patrick makes her first-ever television appearance! We were delighted to appear as guests on the latest episode of Book Lust with Nancy Pearl. It’s not every day you’re invited to sit down with someone who has been turned into an action figure. We had a fantastic time talking to Nancy about our collaborative methods, our shared love of Golden Age Hollywood and mystery novels, and other subjects. Our episode of Book Lust debuts on the Seattle Channel on Thursday, May 18 at 8:30 pm, and is available on line right now!

Believe it or not, there’s more news to come. Watch this space.