All events are free to attend unless otherwise stated! Please give us a call if you have any questions or concerns.
If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms or have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, we ask that you please do not attend in-person events. Instead, feel free to order the book over the phone so we can have it signed for you to pick up when you're out of the woods!
Sign up for our weekly newsletter at the bottom of this page to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and book clubs!
If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms or have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, we ask that you please do not attend in-person events. Instead, feel free to order the book over the phone so we can have it signed for you to pick up when you're out of the woods!
Sign up for our weekly newsletter at the bottom of this page to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and book clubs!
S. T. "SAint" Gibson in conversation with Andrew Joseph White: Evocation
saturday, july 27, 1:00pm
@ mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church
Join us at Mary Riley Styles Public Library in Falls Church, VA as we bring USA Today bestselling author of A Dowry of Blood S. T. "Saint" Gibson to the DC-area! She will be in conversation with NYT and Indie bestselling author Andrew Joseph White ("Hell Followed With Us"; "The Spirit Bares its Teeth"). They will be discussing her newest release Evocation, a new urban romantic fantasy set around a Boston secret society of occultists.
The tour-exclusive pink dust jackets will be available at this event. We will have at least one (1) per attendee; any leftover dust jackets may be given away at the end of the event after everyone that wants one has received one.
As a teen, David Aristarkhov was a psychic prodigy, operating under the shadow of his oppressive occultist father. Now, years after his father’s death and rapidly approaching his thirtieth birthday, he is content with the high-powered life he’s curated as a Boston attorney, moonlighting as a powerful medium for his secret society. But with power comes a price, and the Devil has come to collect on an ancestral deal. David’s days are numbered, and death looms at his door.
Reluctantly, he reaches out to the only person he’s ever trusted, his ex-boyfriend and secret Society rival Rhys, for help. However, the only way to get to Rhys is through his wife, Moira. Thrust into each other’s care, emotions once buried deep resurface, and the trio race to figure out their feelings for one another before the Devil steals David away for good…
The event is free, but RSVPs are required with the library at mrspl.org/events - you may also reserve a copy of one of Gibson's books in advance at bardsalley.square.site (or linked below). Copies of Evocation (as well as White's books) will be available for purchase on-site and the authors will be signing their books after the discussion.
The tour-exclusive pink dust jackets will be available at this event. We will have at least one (1) per attendee; any leftover dust jackets may be given away at the end of the event after everyone that wants one has received one.
As a teen, David Aristarkhov was a psychic prodigy, operating under the shadow of his oppressive occultist father. Now, years after his father’s death and rapidly approaching his thirtieth birthday, he is content with the high-powered life he’s curated as a Boston attorney, moonlighting as a powerful medium for his secret society. But with power comes a price, and the Devil has come to collect on an ancestral deal. David’s days are numbered, and death looms at his door.
Reluctantly, he reaches out to the only person he’s ever trusted, his ex-boyfriend and secret Society rival Rhys, for help. However, the only way to get to Rhys is through his wife, Moira. Thrust into each other’s care, emotions once buried deep resurface, and the trio race to figure out their feelings for one another before the Devil steals David away for good…
The event is free, but RSVPs are required with the library at mrspl.org/events - you may also reserve a copy of one of Gibson's books in advance at bardsalley.square.site (or linked below). Copies of Evocation (as well as White's books) will be available for purchase on-site and the authors will be signing their books after the discussion.
Stacie Murphy in conversation with Katharine Schellman: The Witch's Secret
Wednesday, August 7, 6:00PM
Join us at Bards Alley for a conversation between historical mystery authors Stacie Murphy and Katharine Schellman, celebrating Murphy's newest release The Witch's Secret and Schellman's upcoming release A Scandal in Mayfair. Copies of both will be available for purchase at the event.
Stacie Murphy began her career in 2021 with A Deadly Fortune. Its sequel, The Unquiet Dead, followed in 2022 with both novels receiving starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. The Witch's Secret is her third novel following a young witch who discovers a murderous plot to turn the tide of the Civil War—which also might be the key to getting her powers and place in society back, if it doesn’t kill her first.
After using a forbidden spell to wring a confession from her faithless lover, young witch Joya Shaw finds herself stripped of her power and banished to the magical backwater of the Colorado Territory. When Joya arrives at a homesteader’s cabin and discovers the occupants savagely slain, she knows it is no mere murder: traces of demon magic cling to the bodies. When a Union patrol is later wiped out the same way, Joya begins to suspect that someone is trying to create a new weapon for the rebel arsenal. Trapped, Joya enters into an uneasy alliance with a demon. She must find a way to free herself or bend its power to her will. If she fails, she will forfeit not only her life, but also her soul—along with the chance to stop the tide of the war from turning in an unspeakable direction.
Katharine Schellman's debut historical mystery was The Body in the Garden, a whodunnit set in Regency England and the first of her Lily Adler mystery series; the fifth installment, A Scandal in Mayfair, releases on August 20th, 2024. She is also known for her Nightingale Mysteries series, the third installment having released in June.
A Scandal in Mayfair will delight Bridgerton fans in this Regency-era mystery featuring an intrepid sleuth, plenty of intrigue, and a touch of romance. It's 1817, and the London Season is beginning once more. Lily Adler’s return to her home on Half Moon Street feels different this year. No longer a recent widow, she has a life and friends waiting for her. It doesn’t take long for Lily’s growing reputation to bring a desperate young woman to her doorstep. But helping her means unraveling a tangled web of family secrets. Soon, a missing will, a dead body and the threat of blackmail leave Lily facing danger every way she turns. The glittering society of Mayfair conceals many secrets, and the back alleys of London hide even more. Lily Adler will need to find the connection between them quickly if she wants to stop a killer before it’s too late.
Stacie Murphy began her career in 2021 with A Deadly Fortune. Its sequel, The Unquiet Dead, followed in 2022 with both novels receiving starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. The Witch's Secret is her third novel following a young witch who discovers a murderous plot to turn the tide of the Civil War—which also might be the key to getting her powers and place in society back, if it doesn’t kill her first.
After using a forbidden spell to wring a confession from her faithless lover, young witch Joya Shaw finds herself stripped of her power and banished to the magical backwater of the Colorado Territory. When Joya arrives at a homesteader’s cabin and discovers the occupants savagely slain, she knows it is no mere murder: traces of demon magic cling to the bodies. When a Union patrol is later wiped out the same way, Joya begins to suspect that someone is trying to create a new weapon for the rebel arsenal. Trapped, Joya enters into an uneasy alliance with a demon. She must find a way to free herself or bend its power to her will. If she fails, she will forfeit not only her life, but also her soul—along with the chance to stop the tide of the war from turning in an unspeakable direction.
Katharine Schellman's debut historical mystery was The Body in the Garden, a whodunnit set in Regency England and the first of her Lily Adler mystery series; the fifth installment, A Scandal in Mayfair, releases on August 20th, 2024. She is also known for her Nightingale Mysteries series, the third installment having released in June.
A Scandal in Mayfair will delight Bridgerton fans in this Regency-era mystery featuring an intrepid sleuth, plenty of intrigue, and a touch of romance. It's 1817, and the London Season is beginning once more. Lily Adler’s return to her home on Half Moon Street feels different this year. No longer a recent widow, she has a life and friends waiting for her. It doesn’t take long for Lily’s growing reputation to bring a desperate young woman to her doorstep. But helping her means unraveling a tangled web of family secrets. Soon, a missing will, a dead body and the threat of blackmail leave Lily facing danger every way she turns. The glittering society of Mayfair conceals many secrets, and the back alleys of London hide even more. Lily Adler will need to find the connection between them quickly if she wants to stop a killer before it’s too late.
Story Time & craft with Gabriella Aldeman: Squawk of Spanish
Sunday, August 25, 2:00PM
Local author Gabriella Aldeman ("Paula's Patches") will be returning to Bards Alley to lead a craft and story time of her sophomore picture book, Squawk of Spanish. Attendees will be creating their own squawking parrots to help them read along during story time - best for ages 3-7 but all ages are welcome to attend!
Squawk of Spanish follows Max, a boy who isn't confident in his Spanish or his words. He's finding trouble rolling his R's and pronouncing certain things, and his cousins always tease him about it. But he loves spending weekends baking with his Spanish-speaking abuela while Lorito, a talkative pet parrot, helps translate. But when Lorito disappears for a day, Max and his abela must figure out how to communicate; Max's Spanish doesn't have to be perfect, and Abuela can attempt a little English...
This heartwarming picture book is about the interconnectedness of family and pushes the importance of trying even if you're not perfect at something yet! Practice makes perfect, and you may even be surprised at your own skills and knowledge! Free to attend, but we are requesting RSVPs below (or at bardsalley.eventbrite.com) to ensure we have enough craft supplies for everybody!
Squawk of Spanish follows Max, a boy who isn't confident in his Spanish or his words. He's finding trouble rolling his R's and pronouncing certain things, and his cousins always tease him about it. But he loves spending weekends baking with his Spanish-speaking abuela while Lorito, a talkative pet parrot, helps translate. But when Lorito disappears for a day, Max and his abela must figure out how to communicate; Max's Spanish doesn't have to be perfect, and Abuela can attempt a little English...
This heartwarming picture book is about the interconnectedness of family and pushes the importance of trying even if you're not perfect at something yet! Practice makes perfect, and you may even be surprised at your own skills and knowledge! Free to attend, but we are requesting RSVPs below (or at bardsalley.eventbrite.com) to ensure we have enough craft supplies for everybody!
Andrew Joseph White in conversation with Alice Scott: Compound Fracture
Tuesday, September 3, 6:00pm
@ Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Pl, oakton
Join us at Oakton Library for NYT and Indie bestselling author Andrew Joseph White's launch event for his newest young adult novel Compound Fracture, a queer Appalachian thriller following a trans autistic teen who's drawn into the generational struggle between the rural poor and those who exploit them. He will be in conversation with author and bookseller Alice Scott ("The Practical Man's Guide to Cheating Death") to discuss all things monster, human and not. He will be signing copies of his books after the discussion.
On the night Miles Abernathy—sixteen-year-old socialist and proud West Virginian—comes out as trans to his parents, he sneaks off to a party, carrying evidence that may finally turn the tide of the blood feud plaguing Twist Creek: Photos that prove the county’s Sheriff Davies was responsible for the so-called “accident” that injured his dad, killed others, and crushed their grassroots efforts to unseat him.
Miles becomes the feud’s latest victim as the sheriff’s son and his friends sniff out the evidence, follow him through the woods, and beat him nearly to death. In the hospital, the ghost of a soot-covered man hovers over Miles’s bedside while Sheriff Davies threatens Miles into silence. But when Miles accidently kills one of the boys who hurt him, he learns of other folks in Twist Creek who want out from under the sheriff’s heel. To free their families from this cycle of cruelty, they’re willing to put everything on the line—is Miles?
A visceral, unabashedly political page-turner that won’t let you go until you’ve reached the end, Compound Fracture is not for the faint of heart, but it is for every reader who's ready to fight for a better world. Hand this story to teens pushing for radical change.
On the night Miles Abernathy—sixteen-year-old socialist and proud West Virginian—comes out as trans to his parents, he sneaks off to a party, carrying evidence that may finally turn the tide of the blood feud plaguing Twist Creek: Photos that prove the county’s Sheriff Davies was responsible for the so-called “accident” that injured his dad, killed others, and crushed their grassroots efforts to unseat him.
Miles becomes the feud’s latest victim as the sheriff’s son and his friends sniff out the evidence, follow him through the woods, and beat him nearly to death. In the hospital, the ghost of a soot-covered man hovers over Miles’s bedside while Sheriff Davies threatens Miles into silence. But when Miles accidently kills one of the boys who hurt him, he learns of other folks in Twist Creek who want out from under the sheriff’s heel. To free their families from this cycle of cruelty, they’re willing to put everything on the line—is Miles?
A visceral, unabashedly political page-turner that won’t let you go until you’ve reached the end, Compound Fracture is not for the faint of heart, but it is for every reader who's ready to fight for a better world. Hand this story to teens pushing for radical change.
Books 'n Brews: a Boozy book fair
Sunday, September 8, 4:00-6:00pm
@ Caboose Tavern, 520 mill st ne, Vienna
Our next collaboration with Caboose Tavern will be on September 8th! Come hit up your favorite indie bookstore and favorite local brewery for an afternoon full of books, beer, and great food. Caboose will also be offering happy hour at this time for $1 off of food, $2 off of wine and cocktails, and $3 off of beer.
We'll focus primarily on new adult paperback and hardcover releases that fit an early Fall vibe. Dark academia, stunning literary masterpieces, cozy romances, badass women, spine-tingling thrillers, world-bending fantasy — we'll have something for everyone at our book fair. Come for the books, stay for the atmosphere and great food, and don't forget to bring your friends and make a day of it!
We'll focus primarily on new adult paperback and hardcover releases that fit an early Fall vibe. Dark academia, stunning literary masterpieces, cozy romances, badass women, spine-tingling thrillers, world-bending fantasy — we'll have something for everyone at our book fair. Come for the books, stay for the atmosphere and great food, and don't forget to bring your friends and make a day of it!
Story Time & Activity with Deepa Iyer: We Are the Builders!
Saturday, September 21, 11:00AM
Local author Deepa Iyer will lead a story time and activity at Bards Alleyfeaturing her debut children's picture book, We Are The Builders!, illustrated by Romina Galotta. Best for ages 3-7, but all ages are welcome to attend! The reading will be accompanied by an activity, engaging with a map of social change and coloring!
We Are The Builders! follows a group of children at a neighborhood Community Day. All the kids want to know where they fit in! Could they be builders, restoring old furniture for new neighbors? Or caregivers, nurturing friends who are sad or lonely? Or frontline responders, preparing for emergencies? What they discover is that there is a place for every person, a role to meet every need - and that collaboration is what makes their community strong.
This is a story that emphasizes the importance of collaboration and helping your community, with gorgeous and colorful illustrations to engage your little one. The event is completely free to attend, and you may pre-order the book below to guarantee your copy!
We Are The Builders! follows a group of children at a neighborhood Community Day. All the kids want to know where they fit in! Could they be builders, restoring old furniture for new neighbors? Or caregivers, nurturing friends who are sad or lonely? Or frontline responders, preparing for emergencies? What they discover is that there is a place for every person, a role to meet every need - and that collaboration is what makes their community strong.
This is a story that emphasizes the importance of collaboration and helping your community, with gorgeous and colorful illustrations to engage your little one. The event is completely free to attend, and you may pre-order the book below to guarantee your copy!
Story Time with Gabriella Aldeman: Squawk of Spanish
Saturday, September 28, 11:00am
@ Patrick henry Library, 101 Maple Ave E, Vienna
Missed our event in August? You can join us at Patrick Henry Library for another story time with local author Gabriella Aldeman! We are celebrating her sophomore picture book Squawk of Spanish, fantastic for ages 3-7, but all are welcome to attend!
Squawk of Spanish follows Max, a boy who isn't confident in his Spanish or his words. He's finding trouble rolling his R's and pronouncing certain things, and his cousins always tease him about it. But he loves spending weekends baking with his Spanish-speaking abuela while Lorito, a talkative pet parrot, helps translate. But when Lorito disappears for a day, Max and his abela must figure out how to communicate; Max's Spanish doesn't have to be perfect, and Abuela can attempt a little English...
This heartwarming picture book is about the interconnectedness of family and pushes the importance of trying even if you're not perfect at something yet! Practice makes perfect, and you may even be surprised at your own skills and knowledge! Free to attend, and RSVP links will be added once it is available.
Squawk of Spanish follows Max, a boy who isn't confident in his Spanish or his words. He's finding trouble rolling his R's and pronouncing certain things, and his cousins always tease him about it. But he loves spending weekends baking with his Spanish-speaking abuela while Lorito, a talkative pet parrot, helps translate. But when Lorito disappears for a day, Max and his abela must figure out how to communicate; Max's Spanish doesn't have to be perfect, and Abuela can attempt a little English...
This heartwarming picture book is about the interconnectedness of family and pushes the importance of trying even if you're not perfect at something yet! Practice makes perfect, and you may even be surprised at your own skills and knowledge! Free to attend, and RSVP links will be added once it is available.