Book Clubs, Killer Nashville, and Ministry Through Mystery

The past few weeks have been some of the busiest—and most rewarding—of my author journey. From book signings and speaking engagements to my first-ever panel appearances at the Killer Nashville Conference, I’ve seen doors open that I could never have imagined a year ago. Even more importantly, I’m starting to see how the Abbey Rhodes mysteries are resonating with readers in ways that feel deeply personal and meaningful.

Connecting with Book Clubs

One of the biggest blessings has been the chance to interact with book clubs. Recently, I spoke at the Rarity Bay Women’s Club just south of Knoxville, with over 60 people in attendance. The event went wonderfully—readers engaged with my books, asked thoughtful questions, and many purchased copies of both Watergrave and The Least of These.

From that one meeting, doors opened for more opportunities:

• A member invited me to speak at her smaller book club.

• Another reached out from Johnson City, asking me to join their group after my Barnes & Noble signing there.

• And yet another group, which I couldn’t attend in person, sent me a list of questions I was able to answer and return to them.

These conversations are so rewarding because they’re not just about books—they’re about relationships, faith, and the themes that matter most in life.

The most common question I’ve received? “How can a man write so convincingly from a woman’s point of view?” My answer is simple: I’ve spent my life listening. As a pastor, counselor, coach, and father of four daughters, I’ve had countless opportunities to hear, observe, and honor women’s voices. Those experiences helped me shape Abby Rhodes into a character readers find authentic and relatable.

Lessons from Killer Nashville

Attending Killer Nashville was a milestone for me. It was my first time not only attending but also speaking—and I didn’t just get one panel invitation, but three. I spoke on:

• Creating characters designed for a series.

• Using red herrings effectively in mysteries.

• Building story arcs that span multiple books.

With 300 authors in attendance, book sales were small, but the value was in the connections. I discovered that my niche—the Christian element woven into my mysteries—set me apart. While most of the writers there didn’t approach their work from a faith-based perspective, several approached me afterward, saying how refreshing it was to see someone openly blending faith with fiction. Some even shared that my example encouraged them to consider weaving faith into their own writing more boldly.

What I’ve Learned from Live Events

Between Rarity Bay, Killer Nashville, and recent signings, I’ve sold more books than I ever expected. At one event I sold 49 books, at another 36—well above my 25-book target. But the biggest takeaway isn’t about numbers. It’s this: readers don’t want to sit and listen to a lecture. They want dialogue. They want to ask questions, to hear a passage read aloud, to feel like they’re part of the story.

That’s a lesson I’ll carry into every future event.

Fiction as Ministry

At the heart of it all, my goal hasn’t changed. I’ve always wanted my stories to reach those who’ve been hurt by the church, those who’ve pulled away from God because of painful experiences. Through Abby Rhodes’ struggles, readers are seeing reflections of their own journeys—and many are sharing my books with friends or family members they believe will benefit.

That, to me, is the greatest reward.

Staying Connected

We’re also preparing to launch a regular newsletter for readers who’ve subscribed through my website. It will include updates on events, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and encouragement along the way. If you’d like to join that community, you can sign up at mitchellskarnesauthor.com.

The ripples keep spreading—like tossing a stone into a pond, each event, each connection, and each reader expands the circle just a little more. I can’t wait to see where the next few months lead.