When you hear the word “noir,” you may get flashes of Humphrey Bogart and black-and-white movies with hard-boiled city detectives. However, in the 21st century, a new genre of crime fiction has risen from the rural small towns, swamps, mountains, and suburbs of the South. Meet some of the esteemed authors writing dark mysteries from small towns and explore the many roots of Southern Noir. The event is free however there is a cost to attend the luncheon. Registration is required for Saturday events.
SCHEDULE
Friday, July 11
Mysteries at the Mill, Grapes and Grains Tavern
6 – 9 pm Author Reception and Book Signing - Meet the authors and then let the mystery unfold.
7 - 9 pm Noir at the Bar events have sprung up around the country, and it has become something of a phenomena in the crime fiction community. This wildly popular literary event brings together crime fiction fans and authors reading short excerpts from their work for an unforgettable evening of live readings, library resources, cocktails, and conversation.
Saturday, July 12
The Backroads Noir Gathering
9:30 -10 am - Check In
Revolution Mill, Grapes and Grains Tavern, 2001 Yanceyville Street, Greensboro NC
10 - 11:30 am – Exploring the Backroads - Dive into the roots of Southern Noir/ Southern Gothic/Southern Mystery by attending one of three panels. Listen to author readings and finish this session with an interactive exercise deep diving into the genre.
“Dark Roots: Crime, Family, and the Southern Gothic”
Explore stories that intertwine crime and family legacies, set against the backdrop of the American South and Appalachia, often with gothic or noir vibes.
Moderator: Matt Sawyer, Sylva NC's City Lights Bookstore and the Story Made Project.
“Mystery, Mystics, & Memory: Twisting the Familiar”
Books that play with the uncanny, the eerie, or psychological suspense, often feature strong regional elements and complex characters.
Moderator: Ed Southern, Executive Director of NCWN and editor of the upcoming book, The Devil's Done Come Back: New Ghost Tales from North Carolina (Blair).
“Underworlds & Outsiders: Crime Fiction with a Social Edge”
Discuss gritty, contemporary crime fiction that highlights outsiders, justice, and shifting power dynamics in American life.
Moderator: Laura Beth Vietor, founder of blog The LB’s Lover of Books.
12 - 2:30 pm - Round Robin Luncheon
What’s better than hanging out with your friends, eating lunch, and hearing about new books? Discover a new favorite author with our version of literary speed dating. Each participating author visits your table for 10 minutes to share information about their latest work. There will be a cost of $35 per person for the luncheon. Group table rates will be available.
Contact Beth Sheffield to reserve your spot.
1:45 – 2:30 pm - Round Robin Luncheon Book Signing - Attendees can purchase books and have books signed and personalized.
3 - 4:30 pm - Closing Session: Celebrating the Backroads
1250 Gallery, Revolution Mill, 2001 Yanceyville Street, Greensboro NC
Confirmed authors:
Scott Blackburn - It Dies With You (Crooked Lane Books, 2022)
Wes Browne - They All Fall The Same (Crooked Lane Books, 2025)
Russell W Johnson - The Mountain Mystic (Shotgun Honey, 2024)
Meagan Lucas - Here in the Dark (Shotgun Honey, 2023)
Kelly Mustian - The River Knows Your Name (Sourcebooks Landmark, 2025)
Joanna Pearson - Bright and Tender Dark (Bloomsbury, 2024)
Eryk Pruitt - Blood Red Summer (Thomas and Mercer, 2024)
Polly Stewart - The Felons' Ball (Harper Collins, 2025)
Henry Wise – Holy City (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2024)
