Murder, Mystery, Motorcycles
4.14.2025
A Bookstagrammer’s Weekend at the Hamptons Whodunit Festival
When it’s not quite motorcycle season here on the East End, I often find myself searching for inspiration elsewhere. Luckily, this past weekend delivered exactly that thanks to the Hamptons Whodunit Festival in East Hampton.
This was my first time attending the event, and I was honored to be selected as an official Bookstagrammer for the festival. The role came with a few wonderful perks—insider ticket pricing, access to an exclusive breakfast with the authors, and plenty of opportunities to capture footage, meet writers, and soak in every literary moment.
But honestly? Even without those bonuses, the festival would have been unforgettable.
Maybe I’ve taken the charm of the Hamptons for granted. After all, I worked retail in East Hampton for years. But this weekend reminded me just how special this place really is. Despite the cool, overcast weather, the historic village buzzed with creativity. The moody skies only added to the cozy atmosphere—the perfect backdrop for fireside conversations and deep dives into the world of crime and mystery fiction.
The venues themselves were equally magical. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, with its rich historic character, offered a dramatic and soulful setting for author panels. Meanwhile, the beautifully renovated East Hampton Library struck the perfect balance between modern warmth and old-world elegance. If a library could feel like a castle, this one certainly did.
The short walk between the two venues made it easy to bounce between fiction panels and true crime discussions.
(Seriously—what could be better?)
Each panel offered a fascinating glimpse into the minds of some of today’s most compelling mystery and crime writers. Authors spoke candidly about their creative process, their publishing journeys, and the personal experiences that shape their work. Many shared stories of loss, resilience, and inspiration—reminding the audience that great storytelling often comes from life’s most complicated moments.
The moderators guided the conversations beautifully, asking thoughtful questions that allowed each author’s voice to shine.
If I had one tiny critique? Trivia night could have used a little more true crime flair—but maybe that’s something to look forward to next year. (I happily volunteer to write the questions.)
Of course, one of the greatest joys of the weekend was meeting some of the authors whose books I absolutely adore.
I was thrilled to finally meet Lucinda Berry, whose psychological thrillers have hooked me from the very first page. As someone endlessly fascinated by the complexities of the human mind, her work has always resonated deeply with me.
I also discovered new authors who quickly stole my heart—like Emiko Jean, whose warmth and energy matched the magic in her storytelling, and Tessa Wegert, whose sharp and twisty mysteries have now landed firmly on my TBR list.
And for the fellow dog lovers out there—yes, I also had the pleasure of meeting Ike, the sweet pup of A. J. Finn. As someone who reads most books curled up next to my Great Dane, it was a small but meaningful full-circle moment.
I’m incredibly grateful to all the authors who braved the rainy weather to share their stories—and their hearts—with readers in the Hamptons.
But for me, this weekend meant something deeper than simply attending panels and book signings.
It marked the first time I truly reconnected with my literary roots since completing my MFA program at Fairfield University in the early 2010s—a program that, if I’m being honest, often left me feeling boxed in and creatively stifled.
That perspective shifted during a brief but memorable conversation with Shari Lapena. In just a few moments, she offered exactly the encouragement I didn’t realize I needed. She acknowledged that MFA programs don’t always nurture the kind of creative freedom writers crave, and reminded me that writing from the heart—about the things you truly love—is where the magic happens.
And the proof?
Out of the 20+ authors I listened to over the weekend, not a single one mentioned having an MFA.
Let that sink in.
This weekend reignited something in me.
A love of dark, twisty stories.
A passion for writing that doesn’t need permission to exist.
And the realization that I don’t have to choose between the things that inspire me most.
Books and bikes belong together.
Inspired by authors like Tess Gerritsen—who spoke about writing across genres and refusing to be confined by labels—I’m officially giving myself permission to step outside the box.
From this moment on, North Fork Moto will reflect everything that fuels my soul: motorcycles, books, storytelling, and the freedom to create without boundaries.
“Don’t be afraid to break your own mold. You weren’t made to fit into someone else’s box.”
— Tess Gerritsen
If you’ve been following along for a while, you may have sensed a shift coming.
North Fork Moto is slowly moving away from being purely a business centered on products like coffee, candles, and merchandise—and returning to its roots as a passion project.
That doesn’t mean those things are disappearing. Far from it.
I’ll still be pouring candles in small batches. I’ll still be playing with fragrance and celebrating the magic of scent.
But there will also be more reading. More writing. More storytelling.
And there will always be a book tucked into my pannier—ready to be opened beside a campfire after a long day of riding.
Because storytelling is a road that never ends.
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
— George R. R. Martin
Thank you for following along on this journey.
Whether you’re here for the mystery, the motorcycles, or both—I hope you’ll stay for the next chapter.
From the Saddle — North Fork Moto
Motorcycles. Backroads. Books. And the stories we collect along the way.
