Tales from the mystery world frontline.....

Recently, mystery writers from all over the U.S. and U.K. gathered in Austin, Texas for Bouchercon -- the world's largest mystery author/fan convention. Join Tart City's Katy Munger as she ends a a 2-year hiatus from the mad, mad world of publishing and rediscovers her Inner Tart with a vengeance (a process she describes in greater detail than you would ever really want to know). You'll laugh, you'll cry... and you'll feel like you have a hang-over just reading what she drinks for breakfast. But you'll also get a candid peek at what goes on when hundreds of mystery writers gather in a single hotel.... and are forced by public exposure to be nice to one another. It's not pretty (and we certainly have the photos to prove it) but it damn sure makes for entertaining reading.

Learn more about Katy's adventures by clicking on a day below:

Tuesday: "How many carbohydrates does a 12-oz margarita have?"

Wednesday: "We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto. So go stand in the road."

Thursday: "Hey, that guy doesn't have any wrinkles. Let's go get him!"

Friday: "Help! My breasts have fallen and they can't get up."

Saturday: "That bastard's going down if it's the last thing I ever do...."

Sunday: "Who says you can't go home again?"

Clicking on any of the links in this story, including the postcard slideshow, will open a new browser window on top of this window. When you're done with viewing the link, just close that window to return to the story.

Special bonus Bouchercon comic for contemporary Noir fans: