Mystery Fan Conventions for 2019

2019 is going to be a great year for mystery fan conventions and here is a list of some of our favorites. Planning ahead for these conventions is a great idea because the hotels where the cons are held can sell out and airfares can become challenging closer to the dates of the conventions. 

We've given you an array to choose from and a little bit about each convention. These events can be a great way to meet like minded mystery fans, authors and have a great time while talking mystery. Oh, and most conventions give attendees free books. If you want to see what it's like to meet Harlan Coben or Laurie R. King or Jeffrey Deaver or see what the cons are like, click on the links on the author's name. 

Left Coast Crime, Vancouver Canada, March 28-31
American Guest of Honor: CJ Box
Canadian Guest of Honor: Maureen Jennings
Toastmaster: Cathy Ace 

Left Coast Crime is an annual mystery convention sponsored by mystery fans, both readers and authors. LCC is held during the first quarter of the year in Western North America. 

Malice Domestic, Bethesda, MD May 3-5
Guest of Honor: Donna Andrews
Toastmaster: Chris Grabenstein
Lifetime Achievement: Parnel Hall

Established in 1989, Malice Domestic™ is an annual fan convention in the metropolitan DC area that celebrates the traditional mystery, books best typified by the works of Agatha Christie. The genre is loosely identified as mysteries which contain no explicit sex, or excessive gore, or violence. 

Thrillerfest, NY, NY, July 9-13
Thrillermaster: John Sanford
Silver Bullet Award Recipient: Harlan Coben
Silver Bullet Award Recipient: James Rollins

Thrillerfest is the premier conference for thriller enthusiasts, bringing together famous authors and new ones along with industry professionals, agents, and fans.

Bouchercon, Dallas, Oct 31 - Nov 3
Lifetime Achievement: Peter Lovesey
American Guest of Honor: Hank Phillipi Ryan
Distinguished Contribution to the Genre: James Patterson

This is the granddaddy of the conventions, named after mystery critic and writer, Anthony Boucher (rhymes with coucher). This year it's over Halloween and features an interactive mystery dinner theater scripted by none other than Heather Graham. It's not to be missed. 

These conventions are all fan and volunteer led. Big thanks to all of those organizers who put in so much hard work. I worked on two Bouchercon committees and one Left Coast Crime committee and organizing these events is super fun, but is also a ton of work. When you go, be sure and thank a volunteer, or better yet sign up to volunteer yourself. 

I haven't covered all of the conventions here. If I missed one that you know of, add it in below in the comment section. 

- Deborah Lacy


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