In May 2024, more than 65 readers of mystery and suspense novels had the opportunity to gather at the Grande Bibliothèque de Montréal for the first edition of the Montréal Mystery Festival, and meet their favourite writers – and discover new ones!
The event, co-founded by Rotarian Jacinthe Paillé and partner Dustin Harris, assembled 23 authors from Canada, the US and beyond who discussed their craft and delighted the audience with stories of questionable internet searches, the impact of setting on the story, and more. There were panels in French and in English and a local independent bookstore (Librairie Bertrand) was onsite to sell the authors’ books. The writers also took part in book signing sessions. The many volunteers (including Rotarians and non-Rotarians) manned the registration desk, sold bags with the festival logo, and even took photos, which was essential to the success of the event.
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| Participants purchasing books | Guillaume Morrissette & Isabelle Lafortune with interviewer René Vézina | Shari Lapena & Lilja Sigurdardottir |
All photos Isabelle Jetté
The main sponsor for the festival was the Passport Rotary club, and several other organizations, such as Crime Writers of Canada, as well as individual donors, who helped cover the costs. The festival will return in 2025 for its second edition entitled ‘Second Degree.’ Join us there next year! For more information and photos, follow us on social media (on Instagram: @montrealmysteryfestival) and check out our website: https://montrealmystery.weebly.com/