Speakeasy Literary Saloon’s ‘edgy’ evening of authors

Aqus Café Foundry Wharf’s quarterly Speakeasy Literary Saloon returns with an “On the Edge” themed event at 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at the café, 189 H St.

The featured writers are known for their edgy, off-beat material and include Bette Golden Lamb and J.J. Lamb, JC (Jeanne) Miller, Cindy Sample, Terry Shames and Simon Wood.

Hosting the Speakeasy Literary Saloon are Miller, and local authors Ana Manwaring and Mark Pavlichek.

Bette Golden Lamb and J.J. Lamb are co-authors of six crime novels. The most recent, “Bone of Contention,” is a medical thriller about a registered nurse, Gina Mazzio, and fiancé, Harry Lucke. Other books in the series are “Bone Dry,” about the theft of life-critical bone marrow; “Sin & Bone,” which uncovers an illicit trade in human body parts; and “Bone Pit.”

JC (Jeanne) Miller, M.A., is an educator, an aspiring traveler, a table tennis enthusiast and the author of four published novels. Known for her truer-than-life characters, readers often perceive their acquaintances, loved ones or even themselves in her work. Her most recent release, “The To-Do List,” is a twisted, darkly comic misadventure.

Cindy Sample is a national award-winning author of the Laurel McKay Mysteries. Her first humorous romantic mystery, “Dying for a Date,” was released in 2010. The sequel, “Dying for a Dance,” was a finalist for the 2012 Left Coast Crime (LEFTY) award for best humorous mystery and winner of the 2011 Norther California Publishers & Authors award for Best Fiction. “Dying for a Daiquiri” released in October 2013 was a finalist for the 2014 Silver Falchion Award for Best Traditional Mystery and a 2014 LEFTY award finalist for best humorous mystery. “Dying for a Dude” was released on Nov. 1.

Terry Shames’ first Samuel Craddock novel, “A Killing at Cotton Hill,” (2013) was named one of the top five debut mystery novels of 2013 by MysteryPeople. The second in the series, “The Last Death of Jack Harbin” was named one of the top five mysteries of 2014 by the Library Association’s series Library Journal. “Dead Broke in Jarrett Creek,” the third in the Samuel Craddock series came out Oct. 7. Shames is finishing up edits for “A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge,” fourth in series, which will be released April 7.

Simon Wood is an Anthony Award winning author of a dozen books as well as over 150 published stories and articles. He write thrillers and mysteries, but writes horror fiction under the name of Simon Janus. His previous books include “Working Stiffs,” “Accidents Waiting to Happen,” and “Paying the Piper,” as well as “The Scrubs” and “Road Rash” under the pen name Simon Janus. His latest thrillers are “Did Not Finish” and the follow-up, “Hot Seat.” His next thriller is “The One That Got Away” due out in February.

There is no cover charge to attend the Speakeasy Literary Saloon.

There is a four-minute open mic session, and those interested should come prepared to read for four minutes. Two readers for the open mic will be chosen at random.

For more information, visit aquscafe.com.