Sisters in Crime
Desert Sleuths Chapter

An Organization for Writers, Readers, and Fans of Crime Fiction and Mystery 

Welcome!

Desert Sleuths is a proud member of Sisters in Crime, an international organization that promotes the ongoing advancement, recognition, and professional development of women crime writers. Sisters in Crime helps women achieve equality in the industry by raising professionalism, serving as the voice for excellence, and achieving diversity in crime writing.

Desert Sleuths is located in the Phoenix Metropolitan area and serves members throughout the State of Arizona and beyond! Our members include bestselling, award-winning authors, emerging writers, fans of mysteries and crime stories, and other writers of other genres. We are an inclusive organization. Whatever your gender, level of experience, or genre, you are welcome to join us!

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Current Events

October

Wednesday, October 21st, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (MST)
(East Coast: add 3 hours; Central, add 2; MT, add 1; Pacific, -0)
Register with us before the event to get your Zoom registration link.
Members, please come to the chapter member meeting at 6:00 p.m.

Inside the Mind of a Criminologist: Building Crime Fiction Through Authentic Human Behavior, with Susan Magestro

Today’s crime fiction readers are remarkably sophisticated. They expect believable investigators, authentic criminal behavior, emotionally realistic victims, and characters whose decisions feel true to life. Yet many stories focus almost exclusively on the crime itself, leaving readers with characters who solve cases but don’t fully live on the page.

Criminologist Susan Magestro will draw upon her more than 40 years as an international criminologist, educator, consultant, author, and behavioral specialist to bring you behind the scenes of criminology. She will demonstrate how understanding human behavior creates stronger characters, richer relationships, and more compelling stories. In this session, she’ll help you learn:

• • How criminologists analyze behavior rather than simply solve crimes.
  • The difference between television crime and real investigations.
  • How to create fully realized characters.
  • Why motive is often misunderstood.
  • Common mistakes writers make when portraying criminals, investigators, victims, and witnesses.
  • The role of family systems, childhood experiences, personality, and environment in shaping believable characters.
    How trauma influences memory, behavior, relationships, and decision-making.
  • and more!

Susan Magestro has been an international criminologist for 40 years. She is the voice behind Criminologist’s Corner on YouTube and a nationally recognized expert supporting youth, parents, and professionals working in high-risk situations. She has published nonfiction as well as the psychological thriller Priscilla Breen, Criminologist. Contact or subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.susanmagestro.com/contact-1

 

https://www.facebook.com/susan.magestro/

https://www.instagram.com/sulamaestra/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-magestro-2a892342/ 

Sippin’ Sleuths is a monthly in-person reprieve from virtual programs for Desert Sleuths members to connect with each other informally to discuss books and writing. There is no charge to participate, but we meet in food-and-beverage venues, so there’s an expectation you’ll purchase something.

All are welcome, so if you’re not a member and want to join us, feel free.

Old Town Scottsdale Sippin’ Sleuths Happy Hour meets every 1st Wednesday, 4-5:30 p.m. Cocktails, mocktails, and much more. Oliver’s, https://www.oliversaz.com/

Southside Sippin’ Sleuths (writers love alliteration!) meets every 3rd Tuesday for a lively discussion. Connections Café, Tempe Library, https://www.tempepubliclibrary.org/.

 

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Looking Forward – 2026 Events

Scheduled 2026 events are listed on the 2026 events page
2026 Events