Welcome writers and readers! We are the Sacramento, California chapter of Sisters in Crime, an international mystery writers organization dedicated to enhancing visibility and representation of diverse voices in the genre and across the marketplace. 

October Monthly Meeting

Saturday, Oct. 19, at 1 p.m. PT on Zoom

Join us on Saturday, October 19th at 1 p.m. Pacific time for a special monthly meeting where we will have a quick how-to presentation on the new Sisters in Crime online community. SinC LinC is for Sisters in Crime members only. With its large variety of interest groups, you'll find  your own special group(s). These include: Indie Authors, Research Questions, and Cozy Comedy Writers. You’ll learn how to navigate it and how to use it to further your writing journey.

Then stick around to virtually meet the authors of the Capitol Crimes 2024 Farm to Foul Play AnthologyYou’ll be the first to hear what their short stories are about!


Click here to register

November Monthly Meeting

Saturday, Nov. 16, 1 p.m. PT on Zoom

The fact is that anybody who has survived his childhood has enough information about life to last him the rest of his days. 

   - Flannery O’Connor 

Mysteries are built on the past traumas that shape our characters. But what are some ways we can use this information to prevent the dreaded backstory dump? 

We’ll look at examples from fan favorites like Longmire by Craig Johnson, Mick Herron’s Slow Horses and Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad series for guidance. 

Join us as we examine how scar and secret tropes are used to create multidimensional characters. We’ll also discuss how various subgenre expectations will shape your most page turning story.  

At the end of this workshop, participants will be leave with tools to identify and employ fundamental mystery tropes such as forced proximity and ticking time bombs, in addition to scars and secrets. 

Jennifer Hilt is a USA Today Bestselling author of The Trope Thesaurus: An Author Resource, a five book series. She has written twenty-four books across four pen names plus her urban fantasy trilogy: The Undead Detective. She works as a plotter and concept creator. As a frequent podcast guest, she has appeared on Joanna Penn's The Creative Penn, Bryan Cohen's Sell More Books, Matty Dalrymple's The Indy Author Podcast, and Kobo's Live Writing Life among many others. She teaches authors about story development in workshops and classes across the US.

With degrees in linguistics and literature, Jennifer loves collecting dictionaries in unfamiliar languages, binges scandi-noir series, and shouts out tropes from the comfort of her couch. Visit www.jenniferhilt.com for her events, classes and workshops information.


Click here to register

Upcoming Events

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Capitol Crimes Shops Local

Join Capitol Crimes every other month for our in-person gatherings at one of Sacramento's great, independent bookshops! We'll hear from the booksellers themselves, talk writing and crime, and hopefully buy some books. Afterwards, we usually grab drinks and a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant.

Go to our Events page to RSVP, and be sure to checkout our Local Booksellers page for a list of fabulous bookstores where you can find your next great read.




Capitol Crimes Shares Members' Good News

We want to get the word out about our fabulous members, and we need your help!

If you are a current Capitol Crimes member, hit us with your good news about:

  • Book release date and/or launch event
  • Author event
  • Writing award
  • Publication in a magazine or anthology
  • New contract w/agent and/or publisher

Learn more and submit your news here! (You must be logged in as a member to access the page. Want to become a member? Join here!)

Books by Capitol Crimes Members

Take a look at some amazing books by talented Capitol Crimes members. Learn more about a book by clicking on the cover!

And don't forget to check out Members Marketplace. Seven authors, with help from media expert Terry Shepherd  put together videos promoting their latest books, which we showcased during Members Marketplace 2022.

Watch the videos and buy their books by going to our Members Marketplace page!

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Find Us

Email us at capitolcrimes@gmail.com



Mission Statement

We are the Sacramento, California chapter of Sisters in Crime. We promote the ongoing advancement, recognition and professional development of women crime writers.

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