The good people who arrange the annual Malice Domestic conference are impressively organized. The 2011 conference in Bethesda, Maryland, just ended a couple of weeks ago -- probably some of those who attended haven't even unpacked -- and already the details for the 2012 conference are up.
That is inspiring. Makes me want to reorganize all my drawers and kitchen shelves.
Of course, anyone who has organized a conference knows that you have to keep on top of things at all times. You start planning for the next conference before the current one has even begun.
Malice Domestic is one of my favorite conferences but, unfortunately, I haven't been able to attend for about five years because of other conflicts and timing. But I want to get back there as I always enjoyed the conference.
Malice Domestic celebrates the traditional mystery, such as those written by Agatha Christie.
As much as I admire Christie's work, I think that today's authors of the traditional mystery have surpassed even Dame Christie's work.
Many traditional mysteries come down to family relations, workplace situations and daily life.
The amateur sleuth novels that revolve around occupations give us an insider's window to worlds we are curious about.
Those are exactly the types of novels that the 2012 Malice guests of honor write.
Guest of honor will be Jan Burke, top, the multi-award winner of the Irene Kelly series and several stand-alone thrillers and short stories. Her new Irene Kelly novel Disturbance comes out in June.
Toastmaster will be Dana Cameron, at left, who writes the Emma Fielding series of archaeological mysteries and some excellent short stories.
Simon Brett, who writes delightful British cozies, will pick up the Lifetime Achievement
The late Tony Hillerman will be the honoree of the Malice Remembers. Hillerman, of course, showed us the Southwest and the Native American culture in his long-running series.
The Poirot Award will go to Lee Goldberg, author, TV producer, and scriptwriter.
And since Malice is a fan-based convention, the Fan Guest of Honor will be Ruth Sickafus.
Malice Domestic 24 will be April 27 - 29, 2012, at the Hyatt in Bethesda, MD. Start packing your bags.
PHOTOS: Jan Burke, top, Dana Cameron.
Mystery writers not only are among the nicest people around but they also are eager to help those in need. 
