Murder Goes South has invited Norman Chastain, author of After the Game, to participate in their fifth annual writers' festival, located on Atlanta's perimeter. 

"I am honored to be included in a program with such a distinguished slate of authors," Chastain says.  Although the program format is not finalized, Chastain will join authors Steven Womack, Stephanie Bond, Sallie Bissell, Patricia Terrell, and Patricia Sprinkle to discuss selected topics and techniques the writers utilize to craft their mysteries.  Some crime experts are expected to attend, along with a yet to be announced keynote speaker. 

"After the Game is an Atlanta-based mystery-thriller," the author says.  "It will be a pleasure to be part of a writers' event that takes place in my novel's backyard."  In Chastain's debut novel, the sister of a murder victim is convinced that an Atlanta Braves pitcher is a neat-freak serial-killer, and must prove her allegations before he strikes again (more at http://www.normanchastain.com ). In a June review of After the Game, Lighthouse Literary Reviews called Chastain's mystery, "a taut and exciting thriller … one of the best mysteries that I have read this year."

Murder Goes South kicks off with Friday evening dinner, featuring an established writer as the guest speaker.  Author panel discussions, interaction with the writers, and a book signing with the guest authors are scheduled for Saturday.  See the Friends of the Smyrna Library Web site (www.murdergoessouth.com) Murder Goes South schedule updates.