Read Between the Wines 2025

Join us for a FUN evening with local author Anita Paddock for Read Between the Wines. Dinner, reading, and a live auction to follow on some great items to support literacy in Crawford County.

Our Featured Author: Anita Paddock is the award-winning writer of four true-crime novels, all set in Arkansas. She began writing her first novel, Blind Rage, after she retired as the branch manager for the Fort Smith Public Library. The book was so popular, it is still selling well today. This novel of a troubled family was set in Van Buren. Her next book, Closing Time, recounted the double murder of a jeweler and his daughter and was also set in Van Buren. Her third book, Cold Blooded, dealt with the triple murder in Van Buren of three well-known people with ties to Fort Smith. Her latest true-crime novel, The Killing Spree, explores the aftermath following the murder of a devoted Fort Smith officer.

Paddock, who’s been writing for nearly fifty years, has also taught the craft to hundreds of local students. Her daughter, Jennifer, is the author of three novels, which were picked up by New York publishers. Paddock, who’s eighty-four years old, is actively writing. She spends her spare time with family, friends, and her precious pup, Lilly.

Local Bookstore Chapters on Main will be joining us at Read Between the Wines so you can purchase any of Anita Paddock's books (cash or check only please.)