Greater St Louis Sisters in Crime Members monthly meeting
7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026 on Zoom
Lisa Krystosek, therapist and author
Many thanks to Lisa for stepping in at the last minute to give us an overview of personality disorders and provide the DSM diagnostic criteria.
Lisa promises “It’s always fun to talk about psychopaths and sociopaths!” She’s a thirteen-year pro who can help us writers develop characters from both ends of the spectrum–and she knows horses, too.
Lisa L. Krystosek, JD, PhD, LPC LifeSide Counseling & Trauma Recovery Services
Ms. Lisa L. Krystosek is a Professional Counselor in St. Louis, MO with special training and skill in assessing patient mental health and treating cognitive, psychological, and behavioral disorders using a wide variety of therapy techniques. Professional Counseling is a healthcare specialty centered on providing mental and emotional guidance and therapy to treat mental, emotional, and addictive disorders. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Professional Counselors include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), behavioral disorders, phobias, bereavement, marital hardship, attempted suicide, drug and alcohol addiction, sexual abuse.
Greater St Louis Sisters in Crime Members monthly meeting
7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026 on Zoom
CSM Womacks suggestions include: Trust no one–observe and report what you know–really listen to disturbing words–act on your own gut feelings–be alert–be prepared
CSM. Bart Womack, U.S. Amy Ret., on terrorist attacks
Join Command Sergeant Major Bart Womack, U.S. Army (Retired), as he shares his gripping firsthand account as a survivor of the unprecedented insider terrorist attack against the 101st Airborne Division. On March 23, 2003, a radicalized, extremist American soldier launched a deadly assault, killing two and wounding 13. An act of betrayal that shook the U.S. Armed Forces to its core.
Now chronicled in the powerful book Embedded Enemy, Bart’s story is a rare and eye-opening look into the threat from within. His presentation is a must-attend for leaders, professionals, and citizens concerned with safety, preparedness, and the unseen dangers hiding in plain sight.
Command Sergeant Major Bart E. Womack, served the U.S. Army with distinction on for over 29 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Park University and an MBA from Waynesburg University.
Career highlights include Army Ranger, Drill Sergeant, Ranger Instructor, and Sergeant of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He is a combat veteran with a Bronze Star for Valor. He retired from the Army in 2006, as Commandant of the NCO Academy and Command Sergeant Major of the 101st Airborne Division.
Upon leaving the military, Bart went to Hollywood to work as an actor and military technical advisor. He trained Armies in Afghanistan and Nigeria, and served as Program Manager at IVMF enhancing the post-military careers of veterans.
He was Knighted into The Order of St. George in October 2020, and was recognized by the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers as their ‘Salute to Hero’ honoree in October 2024. Bart is an author, of the book ’Embedded Enemy’, sharing a first-hand account as a survivor of the deadly insider threat terrorist aYack against the 101st Airborne Division, by a fellow American soldier.
He is a thought leader, speaker, and specialized consultant in safety and security, dedicated to mitigating mass shooter and insider threat attacks. He leverages his expertise and knowledge from a survivor’s perspective on insider threats to empower audiences with proactive situational awareness strategies to mitigate threats in the workplace, academic institutions and places of worship.
Edited by our own Sandra Murphy, an anthology of humor and mystery, Yeet Me in St. Louis, includes short stories by our members G.R. Miller, Sarahlynn Lester, Vicki Erwin, J.D. Frain, and Fedora Amis whose story was a finalist in the Writers’ Guild of Missouri Short Story Contest.
Greater St Louis Sisters in Crime Members only (and guest) Holiday Party
From 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025
At the home of President Fedora Amis
Holiday Potluck at the Home of President Fedora Amis. Members should bring a guest, their latest WIP news, a food contribution, and a prettily-wrapped-gently-read book for our I-Love-a-mystery book swap. Find food listing right here
Entre – Vegetarian stuffed pasta shells with optional meat sauce. Fedora
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 8 and Sunday November 9, 2025
At Parkway Central Senior High School, 369 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO
Vicki Erwin, Laine Boyd, Marje Drennan, Gary Miller, Jeri Dreiling, and Robert Lay will be there selling books and making friends. Come to Parkway Central’s huge Holiday Craft Fair where you can find unique gifts for those hard-to-buy for loved ones. Drop by Booth 102 in the small gym and stay a while.
Vegetable haricots verts amandine (Green beans with nuts) Fedora
Salad Emily
French Bread (brioche or other fancy bread) Gary
Reine de Saba (French chocolate almond cake) Laine
Non-chocolate French Dessert Valerie
Lemonade/Tea/Non-alcoholic _________________
Red and/or white wine __________________
Appetizer Nanci
Will you be boarding the last train from Paris? If so, Who are you, and what do you wear?
Character:Clothing: Your Alias:
Mal Gangsterish; dark shirt and suspenders; white tie; fedora Robert Lay
Wey Flying jacket; scarf and goggles Gary
The Duke Regal military uniform with sword; horse optional Fedora
Khover Crisp business-like suit and brief case Bryan
Barbra Frilly and flowery; dripping jewels; a fur Nanci
Belinda Extremely stylish Laine
Idelle: Stylish and regal; jewels (crown and sceptre might be overdone) Emily
Mary: Tailored; a man-style suit; no frills; steno pad Valerie
It is June, 1940, aboard a train leaving Paris
Perilous times are upon us as Germany threatens our beautiful city. What can you do? An anonymous letter arrives, offering you passage aboard a government train heading for the relative safety of Southern France. During the trip, murder is discovered and the passengers must decide who amongst them has committed the crime!
Dear Friend,
The German troops are about to enter Paris. The roads south are a hopeless snarl. The trains are full and one cannot find space aboard them. Yet to remain in the city and see her brutalized by the Nazis will not be a pleasant thing.
This letter offers you what may be your last chance to escape. At 11:00 a.m. on 13 June, 1940, (October 25, 2025 CST), a government train under military guard will depart platform 7, Gare d’Austerlitz station, for the relative safety of Southern France. Attached to this train will be a private pullman car and dining car. The accompanying Transit Authorization will see you past the military guard and on board.
I do hope you will come.
Who am I to offer this service? Well, for the time being, I won’t tell you that. Think of me as someone much like yourself, a citizen of the world. There will be eight guests. I have listed them all below and, as you can see, they are a distinguished group. I will make it a party of nine.
Do wear proper attire. We will dine elegantly. Our chef is experienced in making train travel a delicious experience. Leslie (Les) K. Arrgowe.
Don’t be late! Miraculously, the trains are running on time.
Number 9
Khover T. Ageante
A well-travelled and worldly individual, Mr. Ageante is seldom home in the British Isles due to the necessities of business travel. Distinguished, impeccable dressed and courteous to a fault, he is welcome in the finest hotels and restaurants on the European continent. Yet there is an aura of mystery about him and no one seems to know exactly what his business is or why he travels with such regularity between Berlin and Paris.
Princess Idelle Chattre
A royal refugee driven to Paris by the advancing German troops, Princess Idelle is the sole surviving representative of the ancient and noble Chattre Family. That line of European rulers traces its ancestry in direct line of descent from Nonnes Taupe Chattre, who, in the year 1124, at the head of an army of kinsmen and fierce Northern tribesmen, conquered and carved out a small, easily defended and heavily wooded land where his descendants now live. Despite her youth, Idelle is aware that she alone carries on the family line. Strong-willed and quick to anger, she is nevertheless quite beautiful and, it is rumored, possessed of considerable family wealth safely invested overseas.
Malcolm R. Conntint
Mal is a soldier of fortune. Restless, cynical, secretive, he is nevertheless well-known in Paris society where it is whispered that he, for some undisclosed reason, cannot return to his home in the United States. Some say he killed a man. Some say it was an affair of the heart. There are even those that say he makes his living in the active and thriving black market of continental Europe. Whatever the truth, Mal is a welcome participant in Paris high society where his worldly toughness stands out against the backdrop of leisured affluence.
Mary K. Trairie
Journalist for a great metropolitan newspaper, Mary has lingered in Paris to send home to her readers the true story of the War In Europe. She has interviewed men in the street, soldiers and generals, ministers of state, and celebrities. Her articles are published in papers across the U.S. under the byline Mary Trairie, but those who know her past remember her as little Mary Kohn, daughter of the late Augustus Kohn, journalist, publisher, and newshound. It was Augustus who said, “There’s them that wants news and there’s them that wants truth. Don’t ever confuse the one for the other.” Mary was briefly married to a young city editor named Harold Trairie, but the marriage didn’t last. She has clung to Harry’s name, feeling her father’s to be a trifle austere.
RAF Group Captain Weyland W. Awfcorce
Known to his men in his squadron as Wey, Captain Awfcorce is a pilot of renown. His squadron of Laklustre Bombers is likely to prove one of the most formidable armaments available to the British Armed Forces. Shot down on a reconnaissance mission over Germany before the commencement of hostilities, Wey managed to evade capture and make his way to Paris where he is making every attempt to return to England. The son of English nobility, educated at Oxford, he epitomizes the strength, endurance and noble character of that island race.
Barbra Z. Enhussie
Barbra may be described in a few words—rich, spoiled and beautiful. Daughter of the French perfume king, Louis Z. Enhussie, now deceased, she was brought up to extravagance and has carried on this tradition of the Enhussies in all respects. Chateu Enhussie, on the outskirts of Paris, and Barbra’s spacious apartment in the city, are centers of lavish social activity. Everyone who is anyone is a regular at Barbra’s.
Duke Schwazhe B.U. Klare
Another royal victim of the German advance, the Duke had to fight his way through enemy lines to reach Paris. His own small army in tatters, he and a few hand-picked men succeeded in bringing to the French High Command valuable information concerning German troop disposition. The Duke remains a hero to his now captive people, the sturdy peasant stock of the region known since ancient times as Alzase-Laverne. The Duke is a man of noble bearing, schooled extensively in military matters and is a swordsman of considerable talent. Young to be the leader of even so small a nation, the Duke has never married but is considered to be one of the most eligible bachelors in Europe.
Belinda Screete
A coutouriere extraordinaire is the way Belinda is described by her wealthy clients. “Really, I’m only a simple dressmaker,” says she blushingly, but the women in the inner circle of Paris society know better. Owner of a thriving high fashion studio, Maison Screete, this clever and educated American has thrust her way into the Paris Fashion World. More than a caterer, though, to the patrons of high fashion, Belinda participates in that society as actively and as well as any. Vivacious and charming, she is a frequent guest at the mansions and chateaux of the wealthy and influential citizens of Paris.
Book Club Featuring 2025 Member Books Launches this Coming September!
Greater St Louis Sisters in CrimeMonthly Meeting
Thursday, September 25, 2025
On Zoom, 7:00 p.m. Central
Greater St. Louis Chapter of Sisters in Crime Presents:
STL SinC Book Club Join St. Louis Authors for a Virtual Book Club Enjoy 3 Cozy Mysteries-Bring your questions Books Published [2025 Jan-June]
Thursday, September 25 at 7:00pm on ZOOM
Check out Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SistersinCrimeStLouis/) every week for excerpts, reviews, and behind-the-scenes author stories!
Fedora Amis Vanderbilt in Peoria A Jemmy McBustle Mystery Historical Cozy mystery
from Chapter 6
All were primed for a grand attack on the hill. Even the Dorris seemed to grasp the seriousness of the occasion. It didn’t stall or backfire, not even once.
Uncle Erwin let the throttle out and the assault was on. Just as predicted, the Dorris started to slide at the site of churned-up mud. Hal raced to the front and the girls delivered their rocks to prop the back wheels.
But alas, the Dorris–which had been perfectly reliable since the stall-out at the Eads Bridge, quit. Hal was strong, but not strong enough to tow a sixteen-hundred-pound automobile up a muddy hill.
The car slid down once again. It rolled over the wheel-block rocks like a sailing ship over over a three foot wave. Defeated, Hal and the girls traipsed down to the car.
Nervy said, “It would seem the ratio of forward propulsion failed to equal the countervailing force of gravity.”
Hal and Jemmy stared at Nervy–who uttered not a single syllable more.
Jemmy said, “And do you have a solution for our little gravity problem?”
Nervy’s answer sounded like a question. “Get a horse?”
To hear the author read chapter 6, listen here. The excerpt above begins at 11:30 on the audio line.
Marjory Drennan Hidden in Hastings Bonnie’s Second Act Cozy Animal mystery
A retired European chocolatier enjoys a prosperous life in the village of Hastings-on-Hudson. But his life is cut short. Was it love? Or greed? Or has his past finally caught up to him?
Bonnie and Ruth are pulled into the mysterious man’s secrets when the great aunts plead for help finding their mahjong partner. They uncover a spurious engagement, shady diamonds, and a long-lost son who has traveled halfway around the world to meet a father he never knew…and now, never will. And what’s the connection with a beloved but long-dead collie whose grave site gets a lot of traffic?
It’s Thanksgiving week, but gratitude is on hold until Bonnie can suss out the significance of an orphanage in Africa, a canine cemetery, and some dicey business in New York’s Diamond District and potentially unearth another killer.
“Come along with the delightful cast of characters and explore village life—and find a murderer – in Westchester County.
-Rett MacPherson, author of Torie O’Shea Genealogy Mysteries
And here’s a taste…
“I’m so sorry,” Bonnie tells him. “Charlie is dead.” “Aw, jeez.” Gabe leans back in his chair and drags a hand across his lined face. “Poor Charlie. He was feeling his age. Did his son get here in time to see him? I know he was coming from somewhere…someplace tropical? Charlie was hoping he could teach his son how to work with the diamonds. Jeez, cryin’ shame, poor guy.” “Charles was murdered, Gabe.” Bonnie watches his reaction. Gabe bolts out of his chair. “Murdered! You said murdered, so it ain’t the Feds. Did Viv kill him?” Bonnie blinks. “You know Viv? And what did you mean about the Feds?” Gabe runs a fist through his hair. Throwing his hands in the air, he walks toward the exit but soon returns to the table. “What do you two know about all this?” “We know that there’s a lot we don’t know.” Bonnie has forgotten about dancing with Hiro. “Can you help?” Gabe looks at Hiro. “What do I do, Professor? I’ve been loyal and kept a guy’s secret for a lot of years. What about now he’s dead?” Hiro shrugs. “It’s your decision, Gabe.” After considering it a moment, Hiro continues, “But maybe ask the question, is there a greater good to be considered?” Gabe waves his hand at Hiro. “Still answering a question with another question.” Gabe sighs. He plucks a toothpick from his glass and contemplates the olive before swallowing it. “We met back in the 1970s when I was first learning the business. Then I didn’t see him again until he came back to the States fifteen years ago. I heard some stuff through the grapevine about him but didn’t know how much was true. So, he’s back in town, and he looks me up. ‘Gabe,’ he says, ‘I got a proposition for you. Gabe,’ he tells me, ‘I’m retiring. I want to settle down.’ “Well, the Charlie I know was always on the go. ‘Citizen of the World,’ he calls himself. He tells me he has a stash, but he needs to move it slowly. So, I say, ‘Sure, Charlie, I can help, no questions asked.’” Gabe glances at Hiro. “This was before those ethics classes, Professor.”
Excerpt from An Elegant Death in Hastings by Marjory Drennan
Robert Lay Holmes & Watson: Case of the Diabolical Daughter Cozy Animal Mystery
Holmes & Watson
Consulting Detectives
Holmes, Watson, and their new associate, Cassidy Macgregor,
thought the missing woman case they accepted would be easy;
find the girl, tickety-boo, and collect their fee. What they didn’t
realize was that this case was going to open a Pandora’s box of
corruption and expose the trio to those who are willing to do
anything for power. From the cartels of ColombWestern Texas – “I’m asking you again. Will he do what he is told to do?” the well- dressed, middle-aged man asked as he looked out the leaded glass windows of his private study. The thin man with a pallid complexion sat uncomfortably in the presence of his boss. These in- person meetings were becoming infrequent, being replaced with brief calls over encrypted cell phones, which suited him just fine. However, every once in a while, he was required to appear in person at his boss’s home in Texas, Thy Master’s summons, the Fixer thought. “I believe he will, sir. But when dealing with another person, no outcome is one hundred percent guaranteed, or without some risk.” The man returned to his burgundy-colored cigar chair and took another sip of his Pappy Van Winkle. The light from the fireplace passing through the cut crystal glass made the 23-year- old whiskey glow. It would never have occurred to him to offer a glass to his employee, and the Fixer knew better than to ask. Coming to a decision, he said, “Fine. Start getting him speaking engagements, the usual media outlets. Let’s see if he can handle himself.” “Yes, sir,” the Fixer replied. “Do you want to meet him in person?” “Let’s see how he does first,” the well-dressed man replied. “You can go.” “Yes, sir,” the Fixer said as he stood and left by a side door. The well-dressed man was lost in thought as he sat and oscillated his glass, making the light dance in the glass; this whiskey was always served neat. Ice would only ruin the whiskey’s perfection. His contemplation was broken when there was a discrete knock on the main doors of the study, a moment, and the Mahogany pocket doors were pulled open. An elegant woman stuck her head and smiled. “Dinner’s ready,” she told her husband.
2 “Coming, Dear,” James replied, returning her smile.ia to the slums
of London, will Holmes be able to follow the clues and solve
the mystery before the case claims one of their own?
A new series by the acclaimed author of
The Giblet & Belle Mysteries
Excerpt from the Prologue
Western Texas – “I’m asking you again. Will he do what he is told to do?” the well- dressed, middle-aged man asked as he looked out the leaded glass windows of his private study. The thin man with a pallid complexion sat uncomfortably in the presence of his boss. These in- person meetings were becoming infrequent, being replaced with brief calls over encrypted cell phones, which suited him just fine. However, every once in a while, he was required to appear in person at his boss’s home in Texas, Thy Master’s summons, the Fixer thought. “I believe he will, sir. But when dealing with another person, no outcome is one hundred percent guaranteed, or without some risk.” The man returned to his burgundy-colored cigar chair and took another sip of his Pappy Van Winkle. The light from the fireplace passing through the cut crystal glass made the 23-year- old whiskey glow. It would never have occurred to him to offer a glass to his employee, and the Fixer knew better than to ask. Coming to a decision, he said, “Fine. Start getting him speaking engagements, the usual media outlets. Let’s see if he can handle himself.” “Yes, sir,” the Fixer replied. “Do you want to meet him in person?” “Let’s see how he does first,” the well-dressed man replied. “You can go.” “Yes, sir,” the Fixer said as he stood and left by a side door. The well-dressed man was lost in thought as he sat and oscillated his glass, making the light dance in the glass; this whiskey was always served neat. Ice would only ruin the whiskey’s perfection. His contemplation was broken when there was a discrete knock on the main doors of the study, a moment, and the Mahogany pocket doors were pulled open. An elegant woman stuck her head and smiled. “Dinner’s ready,” she told her husband. “Coming, Dear,” James replied, returning her smile.
Do you wonder why anthology editors choose some stories and leave others in the slush pile? Jay and Sandy have the answers. Together they have produced 50+ themed collections and have dozens more on the drawing board.
Ask them.
Jay A. Hartman is a 30+ year veteran of the publishing industry, with experience in both selling and producing. Jay would later estabish the publishing house Untreed Reads, serving as its Editor-in-Chief for 13 years before making the decision to leave after the company was acquired by another entity.
With his knowledge of all aspects of the ebook and print industry, he is an author’s best friend. Because of his background and his nature, instead of doing what most companies do – build a business on what they think a customer wants – he listens and gives customers not only what they want but anticipates what they will want in ten years – and makes sure he can provide it now.
Sandra Murphy hates hot weather in general but admits to one benefit. It brings her imaginary friends to life. They love the smell of hops drifting south of Anheuser-Busch Brewing, along the Mighty Mississippi River, so they’re inspired to tell tall tales and swear they are true. Sandy faithfully writes their stories, claims them as her own, and takes all the glory.
Her most recent story is Renovations, co-written with the prolific Michael Bracken, published in Black Cat Mystery Magazine. An editor said she likes the characters and would like to see more of them. The Mail Slot Plot will be the sequel – as soon as there’s time to write it.
Sandy’s edited Peace, Love, and Crime, Sex & Violins, The Great British Bump Off (publishing this fall), Yeet Me in St Louis, Dark Hearts and Tattletales (mild horror), been published in numerous anthologies and has won a Derringer Award. She edits the monthly newsletter for Writers and Publishers Network, writes for magazines. Her imprint, Sandra Murphy Presents, can be found at White City Press.
Welcome to the intersection of real life and real crime.
Want to write true crime?
Let our own Vicki Erwin show you the way.
Sandra Murphy hates hot weather in general but admits to one benefit. It brings her imaginary friends to life. They love the smell of hops drifting south of Anheuser-Busch Brewing, along the Mighty Mississippi River, so they’re inspired to tell tall tales and swear they are true. Sandy faithfully writes their stories, claims them as her own, and takes all the glory.
Her most recent story is Renovations, co-written with the prolific Michael Bracken, published in Black Cat Mystery Magazine. An editor said she likes the characters and would like to see more of them. The Mail Slot Plot will be the sequel – as soon as there’s time to write it.
Sandy’s edited Peace, Love, and Crime, Sex & Violins, The Great British Bump Off (publishing this fall), Yeet Me in St Louis, Dark Hearts and Tattletales (mild horror), been published in numerous anthologies and has won a Derringer Award. She edits the monthly newsletter for Writers and Publishers Network, writes for magazines. Her imprint, Sandra Murphy Presents, can be found at White City Press.
IN-PERSON SISTERS IN CRIME EVENT! Hooray! Kirkwood Park at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday May 22, 2025. Gary, and Fedora invite you to bring the whole family for good talk, good times, and great food. Bring along a couple of copies of your books for display–and to sell to sisters and misters. I, for one, try to buy at least one copy by each member.
Gary Looking far awayTom looking obsessedRobert looking confidentRuth looking mysteriousLisa looking pleasedFedora looking proud
