Lefty Award 2026 Nominees Announced

The 2026 Left Coast Crime Award nominees have been announced.

Known as the Leftys, there are awards for four different categories, with one category focusing on debut authors.

The categories are:

• Best Debut Mystery Novel
• Best Historical Mystery Novel
• Best Humorous Mystery Novel
• Best Mystery Novel

Rob Osler now sees his third nomination in as many categories. The Case of the Missing Maid is up for Best Historical Mystery Novel, following his “Best Humorous Mystery Novel” win in 2025, and his “Best Debut Mystery Novel” nominee in 2023.

James L’Etoile, who won the “Best Mystery Novel” award last year for Served Cold, has his fourth nominee in a row for that category, with River of Lies nominated this year.

The awards will be presented on Saturday, February 28th 2026, in San Francisco at the convention.

Congrats to all nominees. Here is the list:

Best Debut Mystery Novel

• Whiskey Business by Adrian Andover
• We Don’t Talk About Carol by Kristen Berry
• Mask of the Deer Woman by Laurie Dove
• The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs
• Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino
• Mortal Zin by Diane Schaffer

Best Historical Mystery Novel

• Huguette by Cara Black
• The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks
• A Daughter’s Guide to Mothers and Murder by Dianne Freeman
• City Lights by Claire Johnson
• Knave of Diamonds by Laurie R. King
• The Case of the Missing Maid by Rob Osler

Best Humorous Mystery Novel

• Solid Gold Murder by Ellen Byron
• Star-Crossed Egg Tarts by Jennifer Chow
• Bye Bye Blackbird by Elizabeth Crowens
• Scot’s Eggs by Catriona McPherson
• All’s Faire in Love and Murder by Cindy Sample

Best Mystery Novel

• Crooks by Lou Berney
• Throwing Shadows by Claire Booth
• Edge by Tracy Clark
• Waters of Destruction by Leslie Karst
• River of Lies by James L’Etoile
• The Library Game by Gigi Pandian

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

---

Graeme is the founder of Book Notification. Born in Scotland and now living in Canada, his lifelong love of reading began with Enid Blyton. He enjoys spy thrillers, psychological thrillers, light sci-fi, and anything to do with time travel. His favorite book is Replay by Ken Grimwood.

---