Authors Visiting in Des Moines is back for another year! The 2025 lineup features an incredible lineup of bestselling and award-winning writers. From thrilling mysteries and heartfelt romances to thought-provoking literary fiction and engaging children's books, this series has something for every reader. It's your chance to hear from your favorite writers in a personal setting. Mark your calendar and help us celebrate reading during this year's AViD series.
C.J. Box at the DSM Book Festival
Saturday, March 22 | 4:30 PM | Franklin Events Center (4801 Franklin Avenue)
C.J. Box is the New York Times bestselling author of 30 novels including the award-winning Joe Pickett series. Box has won several awards, including the Edgar Award for Best Novel and the Barry Award. His novels have been translated into 27 languages and sold more than 10 million copies.
Amina Luqman-Dawson
Thursday, April 3 | 6:30 PM | Central Library
Amina Luqman-Dawson loves using writing to tell stories and to build an understanding of race, culture and community. Her debut novel, Freewater, is a New York Times Bestseller, a John Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award winner. Amina, her husband, and 14-year-old son, reside in Arlington, VA.
David Baldacci
Monday, April 21 | 7 PM | Franklin Event Center (4801 Franklin Avenue)
David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. He is most well known for his Memory Man series, featuring tough-nosed detective Amos Decker.
Abby Jimenez
Thursday, May 15 | 7 PM | Central Library
Abby Jimenez is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of laugh-out-loud, pull-at-your-heartstrings romantic fiction. Her novels have sold over 1.5 million copies and been translated into 28 languages. Before her writing career, Abby became the champion of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars and founded the award-winning Nadia Cakes bakery.
Kevin Wilson
Tuesday, June 3 | 7 PM | Central Library
Kevin Wilson is the New York Times bestselling author of five novels and two story collections, including Now Is Not the Time to Panic, Nothing to See Here, and The Family Fang. His work has received the Shirley Jackson Award and been selected as a Read with Jenna book club pick.
Nikki Erlick
Monday, June 23 | 7 PM | Central Library
Nikki Erlick's debut novel, The Measure, was an instant New York Times bestseller upon publication in June 2022, and has been translated in 24 languages. As a journalist and travel writer, Erlick's work has been featured in New York Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Literary Hub, and other publications.