Sunday, February 28, 2016

Left Coast Crime 2016 Recap #LCC2016







I attended The Left Coast Crime convention in beautiful downtown Phoenix this weekend. It's an annual event sponsored by fans of mystery literature for fans of mystery literature, including both readers and authors. This year's guests of honor were Ann Cleeves (Vera & Shetland), Greg Hurwitz (Orphan X), and fan guest of honor, Chantelle Osman, with award-winning author Catriona McPherson serving as Toastmaster. 

Here's Ann Cleeves during her Guest of Honor interview:

Photo Courtesy of Darrel Hoemann Photography

I loved it when she was talking about libraries as creative incubators:

"We need people to be creative. The way they learn that is by learning about narrative. They learn that in libraries." 
                                            - Ann Cleeves

Here's Guest of Honor, Greg Hurwitz, with conference organizer, Ingrid Willis. 




Here are wine country authors, Carlene O'Neil, and Nadine Nettman.  If you like wine and mysteries, these are the authors for you. 




Here are authors Tammy Kaehler and Rochelle Staab at the Tiara table for the awards banquet. Author's sponsor different themed tables at the event with special giveaways that often include their books.

Photo: Darrell Hoemann Photography




Each year, five "Lefty" Awards are given out as voted upon by the convention attendees. The 2016 winners are: 

Photo: Darrell Hoemann Photography


Donna Andrews, Lord of the Wings (Minotaur Books) for Best Humorous Mystery Novel    

Rhys Bowen gets her Lefty from Catriona (Photo: Darrell Hoemann Photography)

Rhys Bowen, Malice at the Palace (Berkley Prime Crime) for Best Historical Mystery Novel (Bruce Alexander Memorial)    

Photo: Darrell Hoemann Photography


Gigi Pandian, The Accidental Alchemist (Midnight Ink) for Best LCC Regional Mystery Novel

Louise Penny, The Nature of the Beast (Minotaur Books) for Best World Mystery Novel (Ms. Penny did not attend so we don't have a photo of her accepting her award).

Other highlights of the weekend included 

  • Meeting Ann Cleeves and Greg Hurwitz
  • The humor panel with Simon Wood, Catriona McPherson, Jess Lourey, Johnny Shaw and Alice Duncan
  • Playing Match Game with Chantelle Aimee Osman, Glen Erik Hamilton, Janet Rudolph, Lesa Holstein and SW Lauden and 
  • Game Night with Kendall Lynn, Diane Vallere, Gigi Pandian, Dru Ann Love, and Stacey Allen.



Here's Dru Ann Love from Dru's Book Musings

Photo: Darrell Hoemann Photography


Here are some of the goodies from the Left Coast Crime book bag: 




Next year, Left Coast Crime will be in Hawaii. You can learn all about it here

3 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Deb, great recap of a great weekend -- and what fun it was to see you!

    ReplyDelete