- September 8, 2026
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Killer Author Club w/Eriq La Salle
September 8, 2026 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
From ER, to behind the camera, to on the page, the multi-talented Eriq La Salle joins us to discuss his thrilling new novel The Laws of Solomon.
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- September 15, 2026
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Killer Author Club w/Tess Gerritsen
September 15, 2026 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Confession time: we’re obsessed with Tess Gerritsen's The Shadow Friends.
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- September 28, 2026
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Read Like a Writer Book Club
September 28, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Sidekick Coffee & Books, 1310 1/2 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA 52246, USAMonthly Book Club Pick: Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
A monthly book club dedicated to exploring the craft of writing through shared reading of current releases. Together, we’ll analyze storytelling techniques, discuss craft elements, unpack the tools and tricks authors use to in mastering narration, dialogue, and crafting unforgettable characters and settings. We'll also discuss choices the writer is making-from word choice to plot structure and how these choices set the stage for creating compelling unforgettable stories. And we'll talk about how reading is a pivotal part of being a writer and how the books we read influence our own work.
The September book club will take place on Monday, September 28th at 1 pm for "Mad Mabel" by Sally Hepworth. Please note this book club is for published writers or aspiring writers.
When reading "Mad Mabel" we encourage you to please note the author’s use of setting and place and how it influences the story.
Pick up your copy in store at Sidekick!
Read Like a Writer Book Club
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- September 29, 2026
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Killer Author Club w/Lucy Foley
September 29, 2026 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Danger, deceit, and one unforgettable story — join us for Lucy Foley and Murder at the Grand Alpine Motel.
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- October 1, 2026
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River Lights - Dubuque, IA William Kent Krueger in Conversation w/Heather Gudenkauf
October 1, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Steeple Square, 101 E 15th St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USAPlease join us as we celebrate an evening with William Kent Krueger and the release of God’s Country, the latest book in the wildly popular Cork O’Connor series.
William Kent Krueger will be joined by Heather Gudenkauf for a lively conversation, followed by Q&A from the audience. Book signings will take place at the end of the evening.
Books will be available to purchase at the event and at River Lights Bookstore beforehand.
Doors open at 5:30 - Cash bar available
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- October 13, 2026
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Killer Author Club w/Sarah Paretski
October 13, 2026 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Keep your lights on. Sarah Pareski is joining us to talk all about Bad Company.
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- October 27, 2026
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Killer Author Club & Jonathan Edward Durham
October 27, 2026 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
You’ll never look at your favorite childhood book the same after reading Winterset Hollow by Jonathan Edward Durham.
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- October 28, 2026
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Des Moines Public Library Fall Author Series: Craig Johnson w/Heather Gudenkauf
October 28, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Heather Gudenkauf will be in conversation with Craig Johnson, the New York Times bestselling author of the Walt Longmire mysteries, the basis for Netflix’s hit drama Longmire. He’s also the winner of the Spur, Owen Wister, and Le Prix 813 awards. The Brothers McKay, his newest book, is the 22nd installment in his Walt Longmire series.
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- November 10, 2026
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Killer Author Club w/Cara Black
November 10, 2026 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Just when you thought it was safe to read again… Huguette by Cara Black arrives!
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- November 16, 2026
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Carter Wilson & Heather Gudenkauf at Sidekick Coffee & Books
November 16, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thriller author Carter Wilson is coming to Sidekick November 16th in conversation with author Heather Gudenkauf, and we can’t wait to read his new psychological suspense, “When They Find Me”! 📚Go to TopGet Your Tickets HereJoin us in celebrating the release:📅 Monday, November 16th⏰ 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)📍 Sidekick Coffee & Books🎟️ Buy 1, admit 1Preorder now on our website for 10% off and reserve your spot for the event. Pick up your copy on release day or at the event- November 24, 2026
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Killer Author Club & Marisa de los Santos
November 24, 2026 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Think you’ve got it figured out? Marisa de los Santos and The Trusted are here to prove you wrong.
- December 8, 2026
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Killer Author Club & Carter Wilson
December 8, 2026 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Danger, deceit, and one unforgettable story — join us for Carter Wilson and When They Find Me.
- April 23, 2027
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The Creepy Book Club Retreat
April 23, 2027 - April 25, 2027
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 333 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USAThriller readers' favorite weekend of the year. Meet bestselling authors, make new book besties, and celebrate all things creepy.
The Creepy Book Club presents our biggest and best Creepy Retreat yet.
- April 24, 2027
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The Creepy Book Club Retreat
April 23, 2027 - April 25, 2027
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 333 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USAThriller readers' favorite weekend of the year. Meet bestselling authors, make new book besties, and celebrate all things creepy.
The Creepy Book Club presents our biggest and best Creepy Retreat yet.
- April 25, 2027
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The Creepy Book Club Retreat
April 23, 2027 - April 25, 2027
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 333 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USAThriller readers' favorite weekend of the year. Meet bestselling authors, make new book besties, and celebrate all things creepy.
The Creepy Book Club presents our biggest and best Creepy Retreat yet.
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New York Times Bestselling Author
Heather Gudenkauf
