Elizabeth George Comes Clean About ‘Deception’ at UCI

Mystery writer Elizabeth George will discuss her work and read from her latest novel, “Deception on His Mind,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Crystal Cove Auditorium in the UC Irvine Student Center.

A question-and-answer session, an informal reception and a signing will follow the Huntington Beach author’s talk. General admission is $15; UCI students are admitted free. Early registration is recommended. Information: (714) 824-5414.

Also this week:

* Comedian and author Steve Allen will sign his new mystery, “Die Laughing,” at 1 p.m. today at Mystery Ink/Upchurch Brown Booksellers, 384 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.

* Poets Donna Gebron, Monica Brett-Serle, Jana, and Catherine Speak will read at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Gypsy Den Cafe, in the Lab, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa.

* Sherman Alexie, author of “Indian Killer,” will read at noon Tuesday at the UC Irvine Bookstore in the student center.

* Poets Jaimes Palacio and Rick Lupert will read at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Alta Coffee House, 506 31st St., Newport Beach.

* Rochelle Krich, author of “Fertile Ground,” and Marianne Wesson, author of “Render Up the Body,” will sign at 6 p.m. Thursday at Book Carnival, 348 S. Tustin Ave., Orange.

* James McEachin, author of “Farewell to Mockingbirds,” will sign at 7 p.m. Thursday at Barnes & Noble in the Huntington Beach Mall, 7777 Edinger Ave.

* Former MGM flight attendant Diana Benson, author of “Mile High Club,” will discuss the nicest and the nastiest celebrities she has flown with at 7 p.m. Friday at Barnes & Noble in Main Place/Santa Ana, 2800 W. Main St.

* Cartoonist Kevin Fagan, whose “Drabble” cartoon strip appears in The Times, will sign his collection, “Son of Drabble,” at 7 p.m. Saturday at Borders Books and Music, 429 Associated Road, Brea.

* Gar Anthony Haywood, author of “When Last Seen Alive,” will sign at 11 a.m. Saturday at Book Carnival, 348 S. Tustin Ave., Orange. Haywood also will sign at 1 p.m. Saturday at Coffee, Tea & Mystery, 13232 Springdale St., Westminster.

* Author Jordan Young will discuss biographies at the National Writers Assn. luncheon at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Claim Jumper, 18050 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley. Nonmembers, $25. Reservations: (714) 960-2581 by Wednesday.

* Author Don Lynch and artist Ken Marschall, authorities on the Titanic who served as consultants for the current movie about the ill-fated ship, will sign “Titanic: An Illustrated History” at 10 a.m. Saturday at Barnes & Noble in Metro Pointe, 901 South Coast Drive, Costa Mesa.

* A book sale will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Canyon Hills Library, 400 Scout Trail, Anaheim Hills.

Send information about book-related events at least 10 days before event to Dennis McLellan, O.C. Books & Authors, Life & Style, The Times, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.