2024 Lefty Awards Nominees Announced

The nominees for the 2024 Lefty Awards are out!

The Lefty Awards, an esteemed recognition in the mystery and crime fiction community, celebrate outstanding contributions to the genre. Established to honour authors who have made exceptional strides in captivating readers with gripping narratives, intriguing characters, and masterful storytelling, the Lefty Awards have become a prestigious event within the literary world. In this article, we will explore the origins, categories, and significance of the Lefty Awards in the realm of mystery literature.

Founded on the “left” coast, a playful nod to the West Coast of the United States and Canada, the Lefty Awards emerged from a desire to spotlight and commend exceptional mystery novels and their authors. Organized by the Left Coast Crime (LCC) convention, these awards have become a hallmark of recognition for writers who have demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity in the mystery genre.

The Lefty Awards encompass various categories that honour different aspects of mystery literature. These categories may include Best Mystery, Best Debut Mystery, Best Humorous Mystery, and Best Historical Mystery. Nominees are judged based on the quality of their writing, the intricacy of their plots, the development of their characters, and their overall contribution to the mystery genre.

Here is a list of the nominees for the 2024 Lefty Awards:

Best Humorous Mystery Novel

• Hot Pot Murder by Jennifer Chow
• The Great Gimmelmans by Lee Goldberg
• A Sense for Murder by Leslie Karst
• Hop Scot by Catriona McPherson
• Dying for a Decoration by Cindy Sample
• Cheap Trills by Wendall Thomas

Best Historical Mystery Novel

• Night Flight to Paris by Cara Black
• The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos
• Death Among the Ruins by Susanna Calkins
• Time’s Undoing by Cheryl Head
• Evergreen by Naomi Hirahara

Best Debut Mystery Novel

• Play the Fool by Lina Chern
• Scorched Grace by Margot Douaihy
• Dutch Threat by Josh Pachter
• The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
• Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

Best Mystery Novel

• Hide by Tracy Clark
• All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby
• Odyssey’s End by Matt Coyle
• Everybody Knows by Jordan Harper
• Face of Greed by James L’Etoile
• The Raven Thief by Gigi Pandian

Congratulations to all of the nominees!

The Lefty Awards, rooted in the “Left” Coast’s vibrant literary community, stand as a testament to the rich tapestry of mystery literature. By honouring outstanding works in various categories, these awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also contribute to the collective appreciation and advancement of the mystery genre. As mystery enthusiasts eagerly await each year’s Lefty Awards, the event continues to play a vital role in shaping the landscape of mystery literature on the West Coast and beyond.

For more information on the awards, please visit LeftCoastCrime.org.