Dressed to Kill: Tensions, Secrets, and Keeping Up Appearances
Dressed to Kill: Tensions, Secrets, and Keeping Up Appearances
October 14, 2026 @ 7:00 - 9:00 PM | Three Cities Social, 320 W Ohio St #7E | Chicago, IL
Join us for a special edition of the Chicago Literary Salon devoted to the deliciously unsettling world of thriller, suspense, and mystery fiction.
What makes us willingly enter a story where we know something terrible is about to happen? Why are we fascinated by characters who lie, keep secrets, make questionable choices, and sometimes behave very badly? And how does an author create the kind of tension that convinces us to read just one more chapter—even when we know we should go to bed?
This salon brings together three acclaimed Chicago-area authors—Marisa Walz, Mia P. Manansala, and Allison Buccola—whose books approach suspense from distinctly different angles, from psychological tension and dark secrets to clever mysteries and characters whose choices keep us guessing.
Moderated by Sheila Schuenemann of Booked & Busy Reader, our conversation will go behind the scenes of writing suspense: how authors plant clues without giving too much away, create believable red herrings, develop characters we aren't quite sure we can trust, and build toward the twists and revelations readers crave.
Your evening includes:
An intimate panel conversation with three thriller, suspense, and mystery authors
A welcome cocktail to begin the evening sponsored by Inspiro Tequila
A curated selection of wine from Grand Cru Chicago
An exclusive offer from M.M. LaFleur of $100 off of $500 or more as a special thank-you for joining the event
A pop-up of Three Avenues Bookshop featuring books by our participating authors
Complimentary Tarot Card Readings by Trisha Tay Tarot
Printed conversation prompts designed to inspire thoughtful discussion and connection
Time to meet the authors, purchase books, and have them signed following the conversation
An evening surrounded by fellow readers who understand the particular joy of a book you simply cannot put down
Whether you devour psychological thrillers, prefer your mysteries with a cozy edge, or simply love a story that keeps you guessing until the final pages, this evening is an opportunity to explore how some of our favorite page-turning stories are made.
The Chicago Literary Salon is designed to feel both elevated and welcoming—a place to discover new writers, engage deeply with ideas, and connect with fellow readers over stories worth talking about.
Event Terms & Acknowledgment
By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Tickets to the Chicago Literary Salons are non-refundable. However, reservations may be transferred to another guest.
To request a name change, please contact us at ashley.hasty@gmail.com within the designated window. We regret that we are unable to accommodate any changes within 48 hours of the event.
In the unlikely event the author has to cancel, the event will still take place and signed bookplate will be provided.
Food & Beverage Accommodations
This event features a thoughtfully curated menu in partnership with a partner restaurant or caterer. Dishes may be served individually plated, family-style, or as a self-serve buffet.
By attending, guests acknowledge that the hosts are not responsible for any allergic reactions, dietary restrictions, or adverse effects related to food or beverage consumption during the event.
If you have food allergies or dietary needs, please indicate them during registration and contact the venue directly in advance. Final accommodations are at the discretion of the venue and cannot be guaranteed without sufficient notice.
Media & Photography Consent
This event may be professionally photographed or filmed for promotional purposes, including use on social media, websites, and marketing materials associated with the host and venue.
By attending, you consent to the use of your image or likeness in these materials.
Please review these policies carefully before completing your purchase.
The Evening Will Feature
Marisa Walz writes books about people behaving badly. Her debut novel, Good Intentions, was an instant USA TODAY bestseller.
A lifelong writer and alum of The Writers' Loft in Chicago, Walz began writing at seven, filling painstakingly detailed childhood diaries and trying her hand at some admittedly terrible poetry. She later wrote for her college newspaper before eventually finding her way to fiction.
Today, she fits her writing around life with two young children and lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, kids, and a labradoodle known for throwing balls to itself—and eating entire socks.
Mia P. Manansala is a Chicago writer who loves books, baking, and bad-ass women. Her debut novel, Arsenic and Adobo, earned starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Shelf Awareness and became an ABA Indie Bestseller.
Her work has earned numerous honors, including Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards, as well as recognition from the Chicago Reader. Across her writing, Manansala deftly intertwines mystery with family, food, love, and community, creating stories in which solving the crime is only part of what keeps readers turning the pages.
A lover of all things geeky and cozy, she spends her time writing, reading, gaming, procrasti-baking, eating, and staring adoringly at her dog, Gumiho.
Allison Buccola is the author of The Ascent and Catch Her When She Falls. Her novels explore the unsettling territory between what we believe, what we remember, and what may actually be true, drawing readers into psychologically charged stories filled with secrets and uncertainty.
Buccola holds a JD from the University of Chicago and lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and their two young children.
Moderated by Sheila Schuenemann of Booked & Busy Reader
Sheila Schuenemann is the creator of Booked & Busy Reader, a Chicago-based platform dedicated to helping readers discover books worth their time. She has been reading more than 100 books a year for over 11 years and shares her curated recommendations with a community of more than 500,000 readers.
She is also the founder of the Booked & Busy Book Club, where she selects one standout book each month and creates space for thoughtful conversation among readers. Known for her approachable, insightful recommendations across genres, Sheila has built a community around one simple pleasure: finding a book you can't wait to tell someone else about.
About The Alston
Located in Chicago, The Alston provides an elevated setting for an evening of cocktails, conversation, books, and suspense. Guests will be welcomed with a cocktail before settling in for the panel conversation, with additional food and beverages available for purchase throughout the evening.
About M.M.LaFleur
M.M.LaFleur is a New York-based fashion brand celebrating women through thoughtfully designed clothing, personal styling, and a community of more than 100,000 purposeful women. This salon remains proudly supported by M.M.LaFleur as we anticipate the grand reopening of their new Chicago location.
At the heart of M.M.LaFleur is the belief that when women succeed, the world becomes a better place—a mission reflected in its longstanding commitment to supporting women through community, purposeful design, and initiatives advancing gender equality.
