february, 2025
Event Details
Join Jeff Macfee for a presentation of The Contest, a light noir crime novel following Gillian Charles, a former puzzle prodigy pulled back into the competitive world she left behind. Set in the enigmatic puzzle park Miscellany, the story explores ambition, betrayal, and the complex ties of the past. Moderated by writer Chris Panatier, the event will delve into the book’s themes, characters, and the intriguing mix of puzzles and personal stakes that drive the narrative. A compelling evening for fans of thoughtful mysteries and character-driven storytelling.
About the author
Jeff Macfee is an exciting new voice in crime fiction, debuting with The Contest. A graduate of the Viable Paradise Writer’s Workshop, Macfee’s work has been featured in publications such as Needle: A Magazine of Noir and Shotgun Honey. His writing explores ordinary people navigating extraordinary circumstances, often making things more complicated along the way. When not writing, he works in IT and lives in North Texas with his wife and three children.
About the book
The Contest is a light noir crime novel perfect for fans of The Queen’s Gambit. It follows Gillian Charles, a former child puzzle prodigy who has left her competitive past behind. Struggling to make ends meet in Los Angeles and with her mother facing eviction, Gillian reluctantly accepts an offer from her childhood rival, Tommy. The task: return to Miscellany, a puzzle-themed amusement park, to investigate a leak jeopardizing the park’s latest game and its future expansion.
As Gillian navigates Miscellany’s charms and secrets, she confronts old friends, enemies, and the manipulative park founder, Sebastian. With her mother’s dire situation adding urgency, Gillian faces a dilemma: the park offers financial stability and a future she’s always wanted, but at what personal cost? Filled with intricate puzzles and deeply personal stakes, The Contest is a gripping exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the allure of the past.
Chris Panatier is an American author and illustrator based in Dallas, Texas. He has written novels such as The Phlebotomist (2020), Stringers (2022), and The Redemption of Morgan Bright (2024). In addition to his writing, Panatier creates album art for metal bands and practices law, representing individuals harmed by corporate negligence. He resides with his family and a collection of animals, including dogs and a goat
