By Lookout Staff

March 1, 2016 -- A former journalist and an actress who took very different paths to becoming popular mystery writers will discuss the craft of thrilling readers at the Santa Monica Public Library next week.

The discusssion between iternational bestselling author Alison Gaylin and Shari Shattuckwill take place Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 7 p.m. in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium as part of the Santa Monica's ongoing celebration of Women’s History Month.

Gaylin, who covered arts and entertainment as a journalist for more than 15 years, is "known to mystery fans for her chilling psychological thrillers," library officials said.

Gaylin is most widely known for her series featuring Brenna Spector, a New York Missing Persons investigator, who was introduced in the critically acclaimed 2012 novel "And She Was," which the Washington Post called a "stunning story."

Her debut novel, "Hide Your Eyes, was published in 2005 with nearly a quarter of a million copies in print and was nominated for the prestigious Edgar Award for a first novel. The sequel, "You Kill Me," was published the following year and garnerred rave reviews.

Gaylin's first hardcover, "Trashed," published in September 2007, launched NAL's new Obsidian imprint. Her latest novel, "What Remains of Me," a dark suspense tale centered on the murder of an Oscar-nominated director, was released last month.

Shattuck, an actress famous for her roles in the soap operas Dallas and The Young and the Restless, has "parlayed her natural storytelling skills into a career as a mystery writer," library officials said.

Shattuck is the author of several mystery novels featuring Callaway “Cally” Wilde, a wealthy Los Angeles socialite who “has beauty, brains, and too many beaus” but suffers from loneliness, and LAPD detective Evan Paley, according to the publisher Pocket Books.

The first novel in the series, "Loaded," was picked as one of the best of 2003 by Publisher's Weekly. Shattuck has also written "Eye of the Beholder" and "Speak of the Devil," a psychic series featuring Greer Sands, and two hardcover literary novels, "Invisible Ellen" and the sequel, "Becoming Ellen."

A Q&A with audience members will follow the discussion, and both authors will participate in a book sale and signing.

This program is free and seating is first come, first served. The Santa Monica Public Library is wheelchair accessible.

For special disabled services, call Library Administration at (310) 458-8606 at least one week prior to the event.

The Main Library is served by Big Blue Bus routes 1, 7, R7, 8 and 10. Bicycle parking racks are available at the library.