Left Coast Crime 2026 San Francisco Schemin' presented the Lefty Awards in four categories at our 36th annual convention. The categories were: Humorous, Historical, Debut, and Best.
2026 Lefty Award nominees for books published in 2025:
Lefty for Best Humorous Mystery Novel:
Scot’s Eggs by Catriona McPherson
Lefty for Best Historical Mystery Novel for books set before 1970. (The Bill Gottfried Memorial):
The Case of the Missing Maid by Rob Osler
Lefty for Best Debut Mystery Novel:
Whiskey Business by Adrian Andover
Lefty for Best Mystery Novel (not in other categories):
Rivers of Lies by James L’Etoile
Left Coast Crime Conventions are annual events sponsored by mystery fans, both readers and authors. Held in the western half of North America, LCC’s intent is to host an event where readers, authors, critics, librarians, publishers, and other fans can gather in convivial surroundings to pursue their mutual interests. Lefty Awards have been given since 1996.
Returning to The City, where Left Coast Crime held its first two conventions, the 36th Annual Left Coast Crime Convention took place in San Francisco, February 26 – March 1, 2026. This year’s Guests of Honor were authors Robin Burcell and Gary Phillips. Randal Brandt was the Fan Guest of Honor, and author Leslie Karst served as Toastmaster.
Left Coast Crime is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation holding annual mystery conventions in the West. Each LCC convention raises money to support a local literary organisation, and is staffed entirely by volunteers. This year the charity was the San Francisco Public Library literacy program.
Congratulations to all the nominated authors and winners.
