Left Coast Crime 2010: New Panels & Events

Have you put off registering for Left Coast Crime 20, March 11-14, 2010. Wait no more. Lots of new events and authors have registered, and you won't want to miss this! Day passes also available, so if you're local, you can come for the day.

Left Coast Crime 20 takes over the Omni Los Angeles Hotel March 11-14 to honor best-selling authors Lee Child and Jan Burke. Bill Fitzhugh serves as toastmaster and I am the Fan Guest of Honor. O.k, that's another reason I think you'll want to attend.

Dubbed “Booked in L.A.,” the annual convention kicks off with a special tour of California Forensic Science Institute to study DNA, blood analysis, fingerprinting and evidence handling. The weekend features author panels, the presentation of mystery awards, an auction, book signings, and unique outings to experience L.A.’s “noir” literary history. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Los Angeles Public Library Foundation’s Adult Literacy Program.

Programming highlights include a reception hosted by author Michael Connelly at Angels Flight, a panel featuring the entire family of mystery-writing Kellermans, book launches for Stephen Cannell, Naomi Hirahara, Denise Hamilton, editor of Los Angeles Noir 2: The Classics, and Gary Phillips and T. Jefferson Parker, editors of Orange County Noir. Among the mystery all-stars scheduled to appear are Robert Crais, Laurie King, April Smith and William Link, producer of Columbo and Murder, She Wrote.

Over 200 authors will be in attendance as well as representatives from publishing companies. The event is open to the public, and day passes are available. For registration and additional information, go to at www.leftcoastcrime.org/2010