Wednesday: British crime writer Peter Lovesey is known for his witty, classic mysteries -- impeccably researched (his Sgt. Cribb series is set in Victorian England), meticulously plotted (like any good mystery writer, he likes red herrings) and award-winning (way too many to list). His latest novel, "Stagestruck," 11th in the Peter Diamond series, has Superintendent Diamond investigating a murder in Bath's 250-year-old Theatre Royal -- but he must first conquer his fear of theaters before he can get much done. Lovesey's book launch took place in the Theatre Royal, which leads us to believe that the Diamond character must not be autobiographical. Lovesey is on a whirlwind trip to the States -- California, Arizona, Houston, New Orleans, New York, Minneapolis. Catch him while you can. (7 p.m. Wed. Free. Once Upon a Crime, 604 W. 26th St., Mpls. 612-870-3785. www.onceuponacrimebooks.com.)
LAURIE HERTZEL
