Left Coast Crime, the first in the annual cycle of major conventions for mystery writers and fans, was held in San Francisco in late February. Next up is the Malice Domestic gathering April 24-29, where the Agatha Awards will be announced. Then come the Edgar Awards on April 29. Finally, Bouchercon is Oct. 21-25, with the Anthony Awards.
As an aspiring mystery writer, I follow these awards and conventions to learn about current authors, titles and trends. And to add to my TBR (to be read) list. I share the award winners in case you want to as well.
This year’s “Lefty” awards will sound familiar to anyone who read about last year’s awards; that’s because two of the four author winners are repeats (James L’Etoile and Rob Osler).
How the Lefty Awards Work
Those registered to attend the convention nominate books in four categories. Attendees then select the award winners, which are announced on the final night of the gathering. To be eligible, books must have been published in 2025.
This year, three of the four winners feature female protagonists:
Lefty Award for Best Debut Mystery Novel
Whiskey Business by Adrian Andover. The first in Andover’s Mixologist Lounge mystery series. Here’s the quick summary from Bookshop.org:
“After breaking off an engagement with his fiancée, Reece Parker opens Subplot, a literary-themed underground cocktail lounge in his quaint hometown of Hope Mills, Pennsylvania.
While launching a new business temporarily distracts him from self-pity, Reece’s regret is compounded when he stumbles upon a customer’s body behind the lounge after a whiskey club meeting gone wrong. As if he wasn’t already on the rocks, his ex-fiancée’s big brother is a police officer on the case.”
Lefty Award for Best Humorous Mystery Novel
Scot’s Eggs by Catriona McPherson. Book 8 in the author’s Last Ditch mystery series. From Bookshop.org:
“It’s egg-hunt season, but Lexy Campbell is spending Easter hunting a killer!
Not even Cuento’s Easter bonnet parade can distract Lexy Campbell from conception woes and missing tourists Bill and Billie Miller. The Millers’ vintage Mustang has been abandoned, its interior covered in blood.
Is this a double murder, and if so, where are the bodies? Why were the Millers spending the night in their car? Did they pitch up at the Last Ditch Motel only to be turned away? Are they really dead? The Trinity for Trouble are quickly on the case!“
Lefty Award for Best Historical Novel
The Case of the Missing Maid by Rob Osler. The first in Osler’s Harriet Morrow Investigates series. Osler won the same award in 2025 for his novel Cirque du Slay, featuring a different sleuth. From Bookshop.org:
“Chicago, 1898. Rough-around-the-edges Harriet Morrow has long been drawn to the idea of whizzing around the city on her bicycle as a professional detective, solving crimes for a living without having to take a husband. Just twenty-one with a younger brother to support, she seizes the chance when the prestigious Prescott Agency hires her as its first woman operative. The move sparks controversy—with skeptical male colleagues, a high-strung office secretary, and her boss, Mr. Theodore Prescott, all waiting for her to unravel under the pressure … “
I loved so much about this book, from the unconventional protagonist to the deeply researched historical setting, as I shared in my earlier review.
Lefty Award for Best Mystery Novel
River of Lies by James L’Etoile. The second in L’Etoile’s Detective Emily Hunter mystery series. L’Etoile won the same award in 2025 for his novel Served Cold, featuring a different detective. From Bookshop.org:
“The homeless camps spread throughout the city of Sacramento are a topic of heated debate among residents. They’re considered undesirable-a nuisance-an eyesore. But when the camps fall victim to a string of devastating arson attacks, Detective Emily Hunter and her partner, Javier Medina, dive into the investigation and become acquainted with the real people whose lives have been destroyed …
The investigation becomes politically charged when Emily discovers who stands to gain from burning the homeless out of their shelters. She struggles to balance the high-stakes investigation with caring for her Alzheimer’s-stricken mother, whose condition is rapidly deteriorating. The investigation uncovers an unlikely suspect and a reluctant witness standing between Emily and the shocking truth. Can Emily overcome resistance and her personal obstacles to halt the attacks?“
I’m most intrigued by this mystery, particularly after learning from L’Etoile’s bio that he “uses his twenty-nine years behind bars as an influence” for his work. He’s a former associate warden in a maximum-security prison, a hostage negotiator, and director of California’s state parole system.
So an author with intimate knowledge of the criminal justice system writing about social issues? Sign me up! This one goes on my ever-expanding TBR.
Click here to see all nominees in the four categories and to learn more about the awards.
FemaleSleuths.com 