Wednesday, February 1, 2017

2017 Mystery Fan Conventions

Carol and Mary Higgins Clark at Bouchercon (and me)

One of the best ways to get involved in the mystery community is to go to a fan convention. It's actually how I met most of the bloggers and authors that write for Mystery Playground, including Kerry Hammond. I've been to many of these conferences multiple times and I can tell you that mystery lovers are a friendly and fun crowd. 

All of these conferences offer book signing opportunities and unlike other fan conventions, there isn't a separate charge to get something signed - book, t-shirt, bag - whatever. they also have wonderful book rooms, full of new and old book delights for sale and free books in your registration bag. Many of the conferences also have sessions oriented towards authors rather than fans, but that's part of the fun. 

Here's the schedule for 2017, with a few details on what you can expect. There's a little something for everyone.




Sleuthfest, Feb 23-26 
Boca Raton, Florida

Sleuthfest is oriented towards mystery writers instead of fans, but everyone is welcome. It's a smaller conference and the interaction is high. I've met so many long-time friends at this conference, it's a favorite. 

Keynote:  David Baldacci

Guest Authors: Jeff Lindsey, SJ Rozan, Jane Cleland, Jess Lourey, Reed Farrel Coleman




Left Coast Crime, March 16-19
Honolulu, Hawaii
Left Coast is a medium sized convention with 400-500 attendees. It's big enough to draw big name authors, but small enough so you can actually meet them. There are tours available so you can see sights outside of the convention with other mystery-loving fans. 

Lifetime Achievement Guests of Honor: Faye and Jonathan Kellerman

Guests of Honor: Dana Stabenow, Colin Cotterill

Toastmaster: Laurie R. King




Malice Domestic, April 28-30
Focused on traditional mysteries in the style of Agatha Christie, "Malice" as it's affectionately called, draws between 300-500 people each year. Despite it's name, you couldn't find a friendlier bunch of friends and fans. 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Charlaine Harris

Guest of Honor: Elaine Viets

Fan Guest of Honor: Lucy Zahray

Toastmaster: Marcia Talley

Poirot Award: Martin Edwards





New England Crime Bake, November 10-12
Held in New England each year, Crime Bake hosts a many authors from that region but also around the country. This conference is for both readers and writers. I love the intimacy of this conference. 

Guest of Honor: Lisa Gardiner 




Bouchercon, October 12-15, Toronto 
This is the granddaddy of all the mystery conventions, which also makes it the biggest with between 1000-1700 attendees. Because this convention is bigger, it draws more authors both new and established for you to get to know. The best place to meet your favorite authors here is in the book signing line or at the bar. 

Canadian Guest of Honor: Louise Penny

American Guest of Honor: Megan Abbot

International Guest of Honor: Christopher Brookmyre

Bcon 4Kids Guest of Honor: Chris Grabenstein

Distinguished Contribution to the Genre: Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine





These are just the conventions that I've attended. If you have a mystery event that I missed, please feel free to add it below and I'll include it on our list.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Deborah, you missed one of the best conferences of the year (every two years, actually): California Crime Writers Conference (Jun 10-11, Culver City CA). Though geared for writers more than fans, it's limited to only 200 attendees, so you can really get up close and personal to your favorite authors. http://www.ccwconference.org/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Craig! Always great to hear about other conferences.

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