Table of Contents Email the editor

Walter Mosley, Sharan Newman And Monterey, Too! That's What Left Coast Crime 2004 Promises

By: Ken Fermoyle

(Editor's Note: I apologize. Since this issue of The Standard is so late in going live, this event was held this last weekend. Hopefully Ken Fermoyle can report on it in the next Standard issue. I'm sure it went very well indeed, as always.)

Walter Mosley, award-winning author of the story collection Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned and its sequel, Walkin' the Dog, as well as five Easy Rawlins mysteries. His novel RJ's Dream was a finalist for the NAACP Award in Fiction. (Photo Credit: Anthony Barboza)

As if the location wasn't enough, Left Coast Crime 2004 organizers report that the February 19-22 event in Monterey, CA will feature Walter Mosley and Sharan Newman as Guests of Honor. Toastmistress will be Gillian Roberts (Judy Greber) and Fan Guests of Honor will be Bryan Barrett and Thom Walls. All this insures that LCC 2004 will once again be the year's premier West Coast convention for mystery authors and dedicated fans.

We attended the LCC 2003 event in Pasadena, CA and were mightily impressed. Robert Crais was Guest of Honor and did his usual fine job as a speaker. Walter Mosley is a great choice to follow the popular Crais. I've heard him speak a number of times in recent years and can confirm that his talks are as provocative and insightful as his writing. Mosley's best-known book, Devil in a Blue Dress, introduced Easy Rawlins. One of his latest, Fear Itself, brings Rawlins back and in more trouble than ever.

Sharan Newman specializes in historical mysteries. Her Catherine Levendeur Medieval Mystery Series now consists of eight books, with release of the latest, Outcast Dove, on November 5, 2003.

The 14th event in the LCC series will be held at the Double Tree Hotel in Monterey, CA, setting of some of John Steinbeck's most famous novels and not far from the John Steinbeck Library in Salinas. Monterey itself, of course, offers Fisherman's Wharf, a greatly sanitized and commercial Cannery Row with its colorful John Steinbeck Plaza, the famous Aquarium and capping it all, the gorgeous Monterey Bay.

LCC Guest of Honor Sharan Newman writes the Catherine Levendeur Medieval Mystery Series.

Special events available to registrants include a wide variety of: panels, goodies and programs. Among them will be the Opening Reception at the Monterey Aquarium; Noir Film Night with Eddie Muller, Award and Guest of Honor special Luncheon, Continental Breakfast Daily, Bookbag and free books, the Dealers Book Room (where you can find great books) and the opportunity to meet fans, writers, editors, agents, publishers in fantastic Monterey, one of the most beautiful sites in America.

And, there's more. There will be several special publications available only to registered participants: Program book; book of original short stories written for LCC by guests of honor Walter Mosley, Sharan Newman, Judy Greber (Gillian Roberts) and Richard Lupoff; Bibliography of attending authors; and pocket program.

Outcast Dove is latest in Sharan Newman's Catherine Levendeur series

Nearly 250 mystery authors had already registered to attend as this article was written (11/03). Mystery Organizations that will be represented at LCC 2004 include:

Black Raven Press (Chris Aldrich)
Deadly Alibi Press Ltd. (Margo Power)
Deadly Serious Press (Kate Derie)
Friends of Chester Himes
Friends of Mystery (Jay Margulies)
Jen's Book Exchange (Jenifer Nightingale)
Little Bear Productions (Rochelle R. Bernet)
Mystery Place Online (Stephanie Shea)
Mystery Readers International (Janet Rudolph)
Poisoned Pen (Barbara Peters)
Sisters in Crime
St. Martin's Minotaur (John Cunningham)

The Double Tree Hotel is sold out. Here are some other possibilities:

The Monterey area boasts eye-catching vistas, like this view of Carmel River Beach, in every direction.

The San Carlos Days Inn is walking distance (8-10 minutes) from the convention center. Rates range from $89-$129, depending on the room type. Phone 1-800-227-6332.

Casa Munras Garden Hotel (least expensive, short walk or drive to the convention center); phone number is 1-800-222-2446 from CA and 1-800-222-2558 anywhere else in the US.

Scenic Monterey Bay includes a bustling marina, so you can even come to LCC 1004 by boat if you're so inclined.

Hotel Pacific is around the corner from the Doubletree, a gem and pricey. Wonderful suites. Phone 1-800-554-5542. Reference number is 6996 or Left Coast Crime. Reservations should be made early for the "gourmet" hotel, as rooms go real fast at this time of the year.

The Monterey Hotel at 406 Alvarado St. Phone 1-831-375-3184. Room rates are at special group rate of $115 plus tax. Rooms are on a first hotel registration basis and are limited in number. Please note that this hotel is located in a restored building from 1906 and is not recommended for persons with disabilities.

To register on-line or to find out more about Left Coast Crime 2004, go to: http://www.lcc2004.com/

View Stats