2026 LEFT COAST CRIME “LEFTY” AWARDS PRESENTED
The Lefty Awards, voted on by Left Coast Crime attendees, were presented on February 28, 2026, in San Francisco, California. Our congratulations to the winners (listed first in each category) and to all of the nominees.
| Lefty for Best Humorous Mystery Novel | |
| * | Scot’s Eggs by Catriona McPherson |
| ° | Solid Gold Murder by Ellen Byron |
| ° | Star-Crossed Egg Tarts by Jennifer J. Chow |
| ° | Bye Bye Blackbird by Elizabeth Crowens |
| ° | All’s Faire in Love and Murder by Cindy Sample |
| Lefty for Best Historical Mystery Novel (Bill Gottfried Memorial, covering events before 1970) | |
| * | The Case of the Missing Maid by Rob Osler [review] |
| ° | Huguette by Cara Black |
| ° | The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks [review] |
| ° | A Daughter’s Guide to Mothers and Murder by Dianne Freeman |
| ° | City Lights by Claire M. Johnson |
| ° | Knave of Diamonds by Laurie R. King |
| Lefty for Best Debut Mystery Novel | |
| * | Whiskey Business by Adrian Andover |
| ° | We Don’t Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry [review] |
| ° | Mask of the Deer Woman by Laurie L. Dove [review] |
| ° | The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs [review] |
| ° | Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino [review] |
| ° | Mortal Zin by Diane Schaffer |
| Lefty for Best Mystery Novel (not in other categories) | |
| * | River of Lies by James L’Etoile |
| ° | Crooks by Lou Berney [review] |
| ° | Throwing Shadows by Claire Booth [review] |
| ° | Edge by Tracy Clark |
| ° | Waters of Destruction by Leslie Karst |
| ° | The Library Game by Gigi Pandian |
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 