MOTIVE CRIME & MYSTERY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FIFTH EDITION

Over 50 authors from around the world gather in Toronto to showcase bestselling books, from true crime to cozy mystery, and a focus on French crime writing

The Toronto International Festival of Authors(TIFA) is dialling up the suspense with the announcement that the MOTIVE Crime & Mystery Festival will return for its fifth year, from June 5-7, 2026 at Victoria University in the University of Toronto. Celebrating a milestone year, MOTIVE 2026 unveils its most expansive and riveting programme to date, featuring more than 55 events, author talks, and immersive workshops designed to captivate crime and mystery lovers of all kinds.

This year’s lineup brings together an exceptional collection of bestselling authors and literary heavyweights, including former UK police officer Clare Mackintosh, in conversation with the award-winning author of The Maid, Nita Prose. In Canada Bleeds, acclaimed writers Shari Lapena, Margaret Cannon, and Steven Beattie dive into the evolution of Canadian crime fiction, while renowned British novelist and biographer Nicholas Shakespeare leads a fascinating re-examination of the works of literary icon Graham Greene. 

MOTIVE 2026 goes beyond the page with an expanded slate of interactive experiences, including hands-on workshops presented by the University of Toronto Mississauga Forensic Science Program; fiction masterclasses with acclaimed crime and mystery writers; morning yoga classes to get attendees blood flowing; a Godfather-themed murder mystery dinner; and the return of the delicious Tea, Cake and Murder conversations. 

Internationally, MOTIVE 2026 shines a spotlight on the dynamic world of French ‘Polar’ crime writing with Crime Scene: France, featuring major voices such as Hannelore Cayre, Olivier Norek, Sophie Hénaff, and Johana Gustawsson. Presented in partnership with the Quais du Polar Festival in Lyon.

This landmark edition of MOTIVE comes at an especially exciting moment for TIFA, following its recent transition to a fully independent organization.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for TIFA and for MOTIVE,” said Roland Gulliver, Artistic Director & recently appointed CEO of the Toronto International Festival of Authors. “As an independent organization, we have the opportunity to dream bigger and push boundaries with MOTIVE 2026. From world-class authors to creative one-of-a-kind experiences, we’re inviting audiences to dive deeper into the stories they love and discover new voices from Canada and around the globe.”

Passes for MOTIVE are on sale now, starting at $24
Tickets and more information available at https://festivalofauthors.ca/motive/ 

View the full press release here.