TRAVERSE CITY —
Michael Connelly, best-selling author of numerous detective novels, will be among the next wave of notable writers to drop by Traverse City.
The local, book-centric nonprofit National Writers Series announced Tuesday its next five author events to be held at the City Opera House in late summer and fall. The featured writers penned thrillers, memoirs, young adult books and mysteries. Tickets go on sale to the general public June 18.
Connelly, who created the Harry Bosch detective series, will speak Nov. 29 at 7 p.m.
"I think of this (as) literature that's page-turning," said Doug Stanton, a Traverse City author and Writers Series founder.
Bryan Gruley, a reporter and author of a series of mysteries set in northern Michigan, will act as guest host for the Connelly visit.
Other upcoming events include:
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Lee Child, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.
Stanton called thriller writer Child's character Jack Reacher a "great hero" and praised the author.
"This guy is great. He's one of the best in this genre," Stanton said.
Actor Tom Cruise will depict Reacher in an upcoming movie based on the book series.
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Maggie Stiefvater, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
Stiefvater, a young adult novelist, wrote the "Wolves of Mercy Falls" trilogy and is poised to pop into the big-time, said Stanton, who added, "You'll be hearing a lot more about her."
Young adult book reviewer Lynn Rutan, of the blog Bookends, will act as guest host. Stiefvater also will be among the first to work with students in the just-launched Front Street Writers program. The program, offered in conjunction with Traverse City Area Public Schools, gives participating high school juniors and seniors school credit and is based in the Writers Series' new studio space at 123 West Front St.
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Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
The memoirist whose books "Infidel" and "Nomad" writes about the Islam religion's treatment of women.
"It's going to be a very, very interesting" discussion, said Jack Segal, who will act as guest host that night. "She's an amazing character."
Segal, of Traverse City, is a former senior political adviser to the NATO commander overseeing the Afghanistan conflict.
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Benjamin Busch, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.
Traverse City audiences might recognize Busch, an actor, author and photographer whose Iraq war images are on display at the Dennos Museum Center. Busch, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer, had a role in the TV show "The Wire" and wrote the memoir "Dust to Dust." He lives in Reed City.
Tickets remain to see author Janet Evanovich July 9 at the City Opera House.
Writers Series Executive Director Megan Raphael said previous events this year included several sold-out appearances, including Anna Quindlen and Jodi Picoult.
Advance tickets to author visits start from $15 to $20. Package deals are available including signed books and special seating. Tickets will be sold through the Opera House box office.
