New York Times bestselling author Robert K. Tanenbaum, acclaimed author of three true-crime books and twenty-seven novels – including the celebrated Butch Karp and Marlene Ciampi crime/legal thriller series – is to headline a hit list of mystery writers and true-crime experts at the 2016 Mystery Writers Key West Fest, set for June 10-12 in Key West, Florida.

Through a series of panels, presentations and social events, Fest guests will get the inside view from Tanenbaum and other high-profile mystery genre luminaries, including Los Angeles-based thriller and mystery novelist Timothy Hallinan; New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham; award-winning crime and science fiction writer James O. Born and many others, as they dish on how they craft their tales of crime, murder, mystery and mayhem.

Fest highlights are to include opening ceremonies with leading Key West City officials, a luncheon with keynote speaker Robert K. Tanenbaum; a sunset dinner with Timothy Hallinan at Turtle Kraals Restaurant & Tower Bar, a Bloody Mary Morning breakfast at Key West’s historic Schooner Wharf Bar, a roast of Mystery Writers of America, Florida Chapter President Randy Rawls and presentation of the Whodunit writing competition award.

The “Murder & Mayhem in Paradise” themed Fest is brainchild of co-founders Shirrel Rhoades, a publisher who has held executive positions with Reader’s Digest, Scholastic, Harper’s, Marvel Entertainment and other well-known publishing companies, and author Michael Haskins, creator of the popular Mad Mick Murphy mystery series.

“It’s not just writers and fans of mystery fiction and true-crime that come to our Fest,” said Rhoades. “In our first two years we quickly discovered that, because of the caliber and accessibility of our guest authors, the fascinating panels and unique social events, our ranks were being infiltrated by enthusiasts of many genres. After all, how many writers festivals are there in which leading, world-class authors are hanging out, having fun and rubbing elbows with the audience members every day?”

“There’s no other conference like the Mystery Writers Key West Fest because there is no other place like Key West,” commented Haskins. “Key West is renowned for being a locale of suspense and intrigue and famous as a haven and inspiration for legendary writers like Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Frost. I’m not saying it’s something in the water, or the watering holes, but then again I’m not saying it’s not.”

Featuring a criminally stellar line-up of award-winning and bestselling crime fiction authors and true-crime experts, Mystery Writers Key West Fest 2016 is sponsored by the Mystery Writers of America – Florida Chapter, the Key West Citizen daily newspaper, the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, and numerous public and private sponsors. Event registration includes all panels, presentations and four meals and is $175 with an early bird special price of $150 for those who register by May 1. All panels and presentations will take place at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Grand Key. For a full Fest schedule, online registration and links to accommodations visit mysterywriterskeywestfest.com.