There’s something to be said about living in interesting times, the 2025 Tucson Festival of Books (TFOB) was nothing if not interesting, and it turns out just getting there was more than half the fun!
I’m the one who made the flight arrangements, and until the day before we left Seattle, I was under the mistaken impression that we were departing from Paine Field which is north of Seattle rather than Sea-Tac which is south of the city. Fortunately, my daughter tumbled to that issue the day before, thus preventing our missing the flight altogether.
The problem with Sea-Tac is that it’s huge, and it’s also undergoing a massive construction project. It’s been literally years since I’ve negotiated it, and my how things have changed! These days most airports have more than one terminal. Sea-Tac is blessed with only one, and it is huge. Alaska Air passengers enter in the middle of that immense building to drop off luggage and check in. Then they’re directed to what’s essentially the southern-most end of the terminal to go through security. Then, if you’re departing from the N-gates you have to walk to the far north end of the building. For someone who walks 10,000 steps a day, that shouldn’t be that big a deal, right? But if you happen to be lugging a purse and a carry on, that’s a whole other story.
Once on the plane there was a hold on our flight. Turns out our pilots and six additional passengers were coming from Anchorage where there had been a huge snowstorm. As a result, our departure from Seattle was delayed. That shouldn’t have been that big a deal, either, but after I’d made hotel and flight arrangements in and out of Tucson, someone had the bright idea to set up a 6:00 PM signing at the Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale for that evening.
That should have been doable. After all, Tucson and Phoenix are a hundred miles—a two-hour drive—apart. But our flight’s approach into Tucson was really tough, and the landing was by far the roughest I’ve ever experienced. Then, while we were waiting for our luggage, a sign in Baggage Claim began flashing “High winds; Blowing dust.”
We left the car rental facility at three o’clock sharp. By the time we were headed north on I-10 there were flashing signs overhead saying the same thing: HIGH WINDS/BLOWING DUST. SLOW DOWN. (By the way, I realize I-10 mostly runs east and west, but there’s a big curve in Benson, and for the next 150 miles it’s mostly north/south.
As we hit the freeway, we could see we were driving directly into the storm, one that spread across the whole valley between distant mountain ranges. By the time we were about twenty miles north of Tucson, we were in the thick of it, and I do mean THICK! For the next forty-five minutes we were in stop-and-go traffic, three lanes wide, traveling at the amazing speed of three miles per hour! Everyone slowed down. There were no rear-ending mishaps, but it was nerve-wracking at best. Eventually I stopped looking at my watch. There was no point. As we neared Casa Grande, the dust let up and a few sprinkles of rain appeared on the windshield.
“Good,” I told my daughter who was driving Miss Daisy. “I’m not nearly as worried about rain as I am about dust.” WRONG! Within minutes the skies opened up, and we spent the next half hour driving at 25 mph with everyone’s flashers flashing. We made it to the bookstore for the 6:00 PM event at 6:06. By the way, it turns out that was part of the storm that roared across the better part of the country last weekend, leaving close to 40 people dead in its wake. We were very lucky.
Let’s just say, the Poisoned Pen talk wasn’t my best presentation ever because I was still rattled, but at that event, two outstanding things happened. Those of you who’ve heard me speak before may remember my telling about the encounter my first husband and I had with a serial killer outside Tucson back in 1970. One of my fans, who happens to be the killer’s first cousin, came to me at the signing and told me that, after being held in prison since the summer of 1970, the convicted murderer finally passed away from cancer on Tuesday of that week. That felt like the ending of a very long chapter.
One of the stories I told that night was about a woman who, when she retired in November of 2023, set out to read everything I’d ever written. Two weeks earlier, she had sent me a note telling me that she was finally caught up. Much to my surprise, she was actually in the audience at Poisoned Pen and had already reported that same story to the people seated next to her.
On to the festival. This was my fifteenth Tucson Festival of Books, but it was my first one as an eighty year-old. I had expressed some of my concerns about that to Bill Viner, the guy who is the head honcho of TFOB, and boy did he ever respond. I had attentive personal security escorts wherever I went. When I mentioned needing armed chairs for getting up and down, armed chairs showed up wherever I went—panels and signings, included. Usually getting my steps at the festival isn’t an issue, but this time, after being whisked around from place to place on golf carts, finishing my steps was a challenge. But I got them done—barely!
Being at the festival where I’m referred to as a “rock star,” is an amazing experience. I don’t know everybody, but everybody seems to know me. I treasure the moments where people stop by the signing table and mention how something from one of my books has touched them personally. One woman said that Joanna’s struggles with her challenging mother really resonated with her.
So now I’m home. Bill and Mary, our long-haired miniature dachshund, are glad to see me. I’m giving myself a day off, watching all the saved TV programs from last week, but I must take this opportunity to thank everyone at the festival—the security folks, the volunteers, and the fans who made my being there so wonderfully rewarding. Thank you one and all.
What an experience. But sounds like it turned out well.
Traveling these days is not for the faint of heart! Thank God you made it through that dust storm and rain storm.
Like I’ve been telling loved ones….flying isn’t fun anymore…..but it sounds like you were treated like a Queen once you got there! I’m in Arizona with my husband visiting my Moms 93 year old twin sister ( my Mom passed away 3 years ago) and my brother who moved from Washington state with his wife to AZ last year. I love Fridays, and your posts Judy!
Your name is familiar. Are you originally from Seattle and go to Roosevelt High School graduating in 1961?
Quite the adventure getting to TTOB! I am so very glad you survived all of the tumultuous weather there. While there were no fatalities here in New Hampshire, we got our share of win, rain, and temperatures that were on a see saw over the past few days (including today).
But, as Judy Garland said in “The Wizard of Oz”, “There’s no pace like home.”
Hugs…thank you for sharing your life with us readers. I often my daughter and husband your stories about things like that serial killer. She is a true crime fan and found that one plumb interesting.
Thanks for sending the link to the video of the Poisoned Pen talk. I was able to tune in, and, though you had just been through the ordeal you describe, and were a little late and a lot rattled, the talk was still enjoyable. It’s always great to see you and hear your stories, and I’m so glad you made it through the storm safely.
So glad to hear of the DEATH. May he rot in Hell. In 1962 my Little League coach’s daughter and boyfriend were murdered around Scottsdale and Bell Roads. The perp was finally caught several years later – turned in by his wife and actually arrested by an officer that I had known from my army reserve unit. Convicted three times he was finally released after one of those do-gooder organizations ( NOT Second Chance – Beau would’t have found him innocent ! ) got involved. They decided to not re-try since some of the evidence apparently had gone missing. Hey, it had only been about 50 years! Not a year later he was convicted of molesting a relative and was back where he belonged where he died ( horribly I hope) from cancer.
I just want to say I have read everything you have ever written. Not only are you a wonderful writer, but a wonderful person. Thank you for sharing your gifts ??
I am intrigued about what you mentioned about the serial killer. I would love it if you would retell it. In 1970 I was 13.
I just want to say I have read everything you have ever written. Not only are you a wonderful writer, but a wonderful person. Thank you for sharing your gifts ??
I am intrigued about what you mentioned about the serial killer. I would love it if you would retell it. In 1970 I was 13.
Glad you made it here and home safe. I started rereading your Brady series. Lots of parts I had forgotten. The glory hole on juniper flats? Being from Bisbee I like to hear all these places mentioned.
I’m glad you enjoyed the trip & festival even though the weather was trying. I wish I had been able to see you at your last one. I too have read all of what you’ve written. I’ve not read those books you co-wrote with others, maybe that’s a project for another day. I am deep into re-reading the Beaumont series and enjoying it. Even knowing a bit about each book does not take away from the adventure each one brings. Thank you so much for all you have done to entertain my brain.
What an experience!!! Seems like quite a hassle, but something that would be looked back on generally amusingly. I live in Portland and have flown through both SeaTac and Paine Field in Everett. Paine Field is definitely the more preferable of the two for sure, and a stop at Beecher’s is always a must.
I have read many of your books and enjoyed them all. Please don’t quit writing and please attend the TFOB next year.
It was a real honor to meet you in person, and thanks for signing my book.
So glad you had such a wonderful time at the TFOB, and totally understand about nail biting the trip getting there.
I have started on the Ali series, and I know I am going to love her. I have all the Beau and Brady books, with the last of each pre-ordered. Beau in paperback, but not going to wait for paperback for Brady, for the obvious reason, [and I hope you can autograph it before it is shipped to me]. I will also get it in paperback when it comes out [to store with all the others and to re-read over and over again].
Blessing to you and Bill.
Thought about you with our windy weather, glad all went well. I finished my book projects with the one about the nurse my personal best. You are so creative, love it!
You are a treasure!!! We watched you on Poisoned Pen’s virtual book talk. We have a signed book coming from them soon. Can’t wait!!! You did great!!!
Arizona’s I-10 corridor in a storm is equivalent to the country song chorus “going through hell, keep on going, and you might get out before the devil knows you’re there.” There was so much anticipation for you, as you ARE a rock star. Being a third generation Arizona native, I’ve adopted an idea that the dancing dust across a road is our ancestors coming back to visit. Maybe they created a fiesta a little too exuberant for what may be your final return to Arizona. However, as you have HONORED sooo many in your books that have gone before, they surrounded your passage with safety, harrowing though it was. You, Rock Star from Bisbee, do write thrillers!!!
Thank you, Judy.
happy to hear of your adventures and how at 80 you are keeping up the pace. i am 83 so that encourages me
Oh my goodness – such Arizona weather made for quite an adventure! My hubs and I went to the TFOB on Sunday, due to iffy weather on Saturday. We made sure to sit front and center for your Familiar Friends panel with Tom and Jeff. In my imagination, we made eye contact with you, but who knows. In any event, I was thrilled that you made it and thrilled to be in your presence!!! I had twisted my ankle and couldn’t manage to stand in the long line to have you sign my books, but this fan is a happy camper none the less!!
Yesterday we were in Cochise County for a tour of a movie set – Gammon Gulch – and a donkey rescue farm. I kept looking to see if Joanna Brady was nearby…
Glad you made it home safely and are enjoying Bill and Mary! Thank you, thank you for venturing to Tucson – hope it’s not the last time!!
My husband and I love your books. We read them and also listen to them in the car while driving for pleasure or on trips. Thank you for so much wonderful entertainment! We also learn so much about current issues in the world because you keep up so well with what’s happening in our society.
And speaking of entertainment–what TV shows do you watch? We don’t find much on TV that is of good quality, so I’m curious about what entertains you.
Thank you.
I watched your Poison Pen presentation and you did great. Everyone in the audience knew what you had been through and were grateful that you showed up. Also glad that Bill did fine while you were gone. Looking forward to seeing you in the Seattle area when the new book comes out.
Pam Jewett – your name is familiar. Are you originally from Seattle and go to Roosevelt High School graduating in 1961?
Brava!
Wow! What a trip and experience. I’m glad you made it through it and are safely home.
I just finished Downfall. I had not read this series for a while and noticed the change in Joanna. Her telephone call to the principal was magnificent. In general, she seems to have become more comfortable with her position. Good to see a woman act so assertive without sounding like a man. I cried when Joanna was kidnapped and rescued. Powerful writing.
It was wonderful to see you, Judy! Glad you are home safe and sound.
You are a rock star. Met you years ago at a Tony Hillerman writing workshop in Albuquerque. Please keep those retired Seattle private investigator stories coming!
Whatta journey! Those who got to see you at the festival are so lucky! You are one tough lady. Doesn’t it give you lots of satisfaction to know you did it?
Best to you and Bill.
I think I too have read all of your books, and have most of them in paperback, and some in hardback. I also am 80 going on 81 so I can really understand mobility issues, but i strive for 6,000 steps daily and celebrate when I exceed that! Woo hoo! I do so enjoy your blog. I hope you keep it up! Hugs to you!
May you continue to live a long and interesting life!
I’ve had airport fun like that. My wife and I were stuck in O’Hara for about 10 hours one day. We talked to a guy who said that he had been there for three days. What fun