August 18 2026
Meet the Author: I am an attorney with over thirty years of experience. My legal experience has varied from a start in criminal law to intellectual property, specifically trademarks, and now healthcare. I also pursued a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the George Washington University late in my career. It is an interesting field, and I have come to find that public health affects everyone.
I am a native of Washington, D.C., raised by a single mother who was both brilliant and resourceful. I attended boarding school at St. Timothy’s in Stevenson, Maryland, a Baltimore suburb, as my mother was concerned that the black students were not being well-educated in schools facing conflict from the new policy of busing. I want my mystery novels to express the beauty in diversity. Learn more about Paula here.
About Murder in La Galeria D’Arte — A Marco in Spain Mystery
Addison Mason had no enemies. Everyone loved him, yet he’s been murdered. Marco is again teamed with Detective Alberto Flores of the Malaga police. They are tasked with investigating the death of Addison, the owner of a new cultural museum in the city.
Addison is murdered on the museum’s opening night, when a famous painting from the fifteenth century was to be unveiled. Marco and Flores must determine whether there is a link between the murder of the curator and the valuable, famous painting, which had been lost since the Spanish Civil War. The search for answers takes them to Spain, the UK, and Morocco.
The Chief of Police, the Mayor, and the town dignitaries of Vivirrambla are relying on the unlikely pair to solve the case, or both their careers could be on the line.
About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com
Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.
Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA
About Elaine’s Restaurant: A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.
About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host 
And meet the PR Director for Elaine’s Literary Salon, InkandescentPR.com’s founder, Hope Katz Gibbs. With her team of award-winning journalists, illustrators and video producers, they help writers up their PR and marketing game with professionally produced podcasts on 
