“The devil in the White City” Meets “The Shining”, BLOODSTAINS is the Story

On Saturday, November 16th, BLOODSTAINS author, Jeff Mudgett, was in the company of over 50 of the best male mystery writers at the Men of Mystery event in Irvine, California. The annual event combines the best of writers with their readers and fans for a day of meeting, greeting, lunching, and autograph sessions.

The invited authors were asked to give a 1 minute introduction of themselves and their latest book. Only 1 minute and that’s all! How could a wordsmith keep it to a minute?

Jeff Mudgett’s was the best byline of the day, and he delivered with 30 seconds to spare!

“IMAGINE! It’s revealed to you that you’re the direct descendant of the devil in the White City!” This is the story of BLOODSTAINS.

Following gasps throughout the audience, Mudgett politely handed back the mic and left attendees with gaping stares, wondering why he didn’t explain the statement and continue his 1 minute opportunity to speak.

The crime genre savvy audience was well aware of the story in The Devil in White City, the 2003 best seller by Erik Larsen, likely read the book, and learned about the horrors created in Chicago in the late 19th century by the infamous Dr. H. H. Holmes, America’s first and most prolific serial killer, and great-great-grandfather of BLOODSTAINS author, Jeff Mudgett.

Joan Hansen, Men of Mystery, Jeff Mudgett, Bloodstains, H.H.Holmes, ImaginePublicity

Jeff Mudgett with Men of Mystery Founder, Joan Hansen

Mudgett isn’t a traditionally published author as many of the top mystery writers are. Although offered lucrative deals from publishers, Jeff Mudgett made the decision to keep control of his writing, to continue to make his own decisions about the way the book would be portrayed in future endeavors.

Jeff Mudgett says, “Self-publishing provides all of us our greatest tool ever to express our 1st Amendment rights. The mistakes I made publishing BLOODSTAINS need never be made again by the next first time struggling author. I welcome the opportunity to divulge what I would have done differently.”

The Men of Mystery was founded by Joan Hansen who worked with female authors over the course of her career and created the Men of Mystery event to showcase male authors of the genre with both men and women in attendance to meet the top mystery writers up close and personal. The Men of Mystery event is the recipient of the prestigious Raven Award by the Mystery Writers of America.

Headline speakers included Ladies Detective Series author, Alexander McCall Smith, and courtroom thriller writer, Scott Turow, each who captivated the audience with lively presentations.

Order BLOODSTAINS in Audio format to hear the chilling words read by actor Kim Estes!