Jen Worley
The Post and Courier, South Carolina's largest newspaper and the oldest daily newspaper in the South, announces New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray as the next featured guests for its Charleston Porch Talks speaker series. The event will take place July 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the College of Charleston's Rita Hollings Science Center.
The acclaimed writing duo will take the stage to discuss their latest collaborative work, A Pair of Aces. Having previously joined forces to write the successful New York Times bestsellers The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies, Benedict and Murray have established themselves as a powerhouse collaborative team. Autographed copies will be included with tickets through Buxton Books, the official book sponsor.
"We're delighted to be discussing our new book as part of Charleston Porch Talks, which supports local journalism and fosters community conversation," said Benedict and Murray. "Independent storytelling and the building of bridges is at the heart of our novels, and our mission dovetails with The Post and Courier's own."
Benedict and Murray join a distinguished roster of past speakers. The series launched in fall 2025 with New York Times bestselling authors Elin Hilderbrand and Craig Johnson and most recently featured Grammy-nominated Avett Brothers bassist and public historian Bob Crawford.
"Our community's appetite for meaningful storytelling has made Charleston Porch Talks an incredible success," said Chris Zoeller, chief opportunity and marketing officer of The Post and Courier. "We are honored to carry that momentum forward with Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, whose voices perfectly capture the spirit of this series."
Charleston Porch Talks events feature in-depth discussions between speakers and journalists focused on ideas and storytelling rather than traditional presentations, offering audiences a front-row seat to the art of storytelling and the same curiosity and dedication to truth that drives The Post and Courier's newsroom.
All profits benefit The Post and Courier's Public Service & Investigative Fund, supporting the newsroom's investigative reporting and public service journalism.
Event Details:
- Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray: July 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
- Location: College of Charleston’s Rita Hollings Science Center, 58 Coming St., Charleston, SC
- Tickets: Public ticket sales begin April 29, 2026
- For more information: Visit CharlestonPorchTalks.com or email porchtalks@postandcourier.com.