One of the great benefits of having served on the Crime Writers of Canada Board of Directors since 2017 has been the opportunity to get to know fellow authors in a variety of sub-genres under the Mystery/Crime umbrella. I was especially fortunate to have served as Vice Chair under Mike Martin’s leadership, and he mentored me well for the role of Chair. If you’re not familiar with Mike’s Sgt. Windflower cozy mysteries, set in Newfoundland, do take the time to check them out. That said, today’s post is about something exciting that Mike, as a partner in Writers First, is taking on, and taking it on in a big way. I’ll let Mike tell you about it in his own words.

There’s good news for fans of Canadian crime and mystery writing. From May 24-28 some of Canada’s top mystery writers will be gathering for the first ever Virtual Canadian Mystery Conference. The idea for a Canadian conference has been brewing for years, ever since the demise of Bloody Words, a fabulous meet-up of writers and fans. Out of the ashes of the old comes the Maple Leaf Mystery Conference. This year on Zoom and next year… one can only dream.

So, who’s all coming to the Maple Leaf Mystery Conference? Besides international mystery giant Ian Rankin and Murdoch Mystery’s Maureen Jennings there is a stellar line-up of Canadian mystery and crime writers. That includes our host today, Judy Penz Sheluk who’s chairing an Author Panel called Maple Leaf Murder East featuring some of eastern Canada’s great mystery writers.

Thank you, Judy. While we’re still working out the full schedule, Judy’s panel will be on Saturday May 28 at 2 pm, right before an Author Spotlight with Vicki Delany. The conference will run 7-9:30 Tuesday-Thursday and 2-7:30 on Friday and Saturday. There will be daily Author Spotlights and Author Panels. Author Spotlights include sessions with Ian Rankin, Maureen Jennings, Vicki Delany, Rick Mofina and Iona Whishaw.

Other Author Panels include:

• It Really Happened
• Cozy Corner
• Thrilling and Chilling
• Changing Faces in Crime/Mystery Writing
• Love with a Murderous Twist
• Deadly Laughter
• The Big Short
• Maple Leaf Murder West
• New Voices in Canadian Mystery.

This year’s conference is sponsored by Crime Writers Canada and Sisters in Crime Toronto Chapter. There will be an Online Bookstore and guests who register before April 1st will receive a complimentary conference tote bag.

Tickets for the entire 5-day event can be purchased for just $25! Click here for Registration.

Visit maple-leaf-mystery-conference/ for full conference details.

Mike Martin, Conference Organizer, Maple Leaf Mystery