The Fall Author Series is back for another fun year!
An amazing librarian, a cat-and-mouse suspense novel with an Iowa connection, and a twisty legal drama — you can find it all at the 2025 Fall Author Series! Three great events mark this year’s series. All events are free and open to the public, with book signings before and after each event.
Hank Phillippi Ryan
Thursday, October 16 | 7 PM | Central Library
Hank Phillippi Ryan is a USA Today bestselling author of 16 thrillers, a 37-time Emmy-winning investigative reporter, and winner of five Agathas, five Anthonys, and the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Her newest book, All This Could Be Yours (release date: September 9) features scenes set at the Des Moines Public Library.
This program will be moderated by bestselling Iowa author Heather Gudenkauf.
Past Author Events
David Ellis
Wednesday, September 17 | 7 PM | Central Library
David Ellis is a judge and an Edgar-award-winning author of ten novels of crime fiction, as well as eight bestselling books co-authored with James Patterson. His novels have been translated into more than ten languages worldwide. He won the 2002 Edgar Award for Best First Novel with his debut book, Line of Vision. In December 2014, Dave was sworn in as the youngest-serving Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court for the First District. He lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children.
This program will be moderated by Dean Strang, associate professor, Drake University Law School.
Amanda Jones
Wednesday, October 8 | 7 PM | Olmsted Center, Drake University (2875 University Avenue)
Amanda Jones is an American librarian and anti-censorship advocate. Jones has been heavily involved in anti-book-banning movements throughout the US. Her book, That Librarian, is a powerful look at the nationwide book banning crisis, revealing how extremists target libraries, and how one community’s fight became a rallying cry for intellectual freedom.
This program will be moderated by Sam Helmick, president, American Library Association.
