MOTIVE 2024 Events

Take a deep dive into the mystery genre with an international superstar.

June 7, 2024 • 7:00pm

The Past Never Says Goodbye

Walter Mosley

Meet Canadian crime and mystery writers!

June 8, 2024

June 8, 2024 • 10:30am

Crime Writers of Canada

Dive deep into the world of forensic science with this free workshop.

June 8, 2024 • 11:00am

Forensic Science: The Real CSI – As Not Seen on TV!

Murray Clayton

Workshop

Canadian thriller writers share what makes the thriller genre so endlessly appealing.

June 8, 2024 • 11:00am

Thrills from Start to Finish

Ian Hamilton and Steve Urszenyi

Join retired Toronto detectives for a wild ride through the city's crime history.

June 8, 2024 • 11:00am

Toronto’s Crime History with Toronto Crime Tours

These mystery experts offer their reflections on the development of the beloved genre.

June 8, 2024 • 12:00pm

Crime Writing Through the Ages

Otto Penzler

Authors explore the power storytelling has in challenging perceptions and igniting meaningful change.

June 8, 2024 • 12:00pm

Protagonists Push Back

Conor Kerr and Kellye Garrett

All detectives have their quirks, but these gripping mysteries happen to have some of the quirkiest.

June 8, 2024 • 12:00pm

Murder, Mayhem & Mysteries

Leonie Swann and Antti Tuomainen

Sometimes it's not one bad guy you need to worry about... it's a whole institution.

June 8, 2024 • 1:00pm

The Business of Being Bad

Katrín Júlíusdóttir and Yun Ko-eun

These authors will answer all your crime writing research related questions.

June 8, 2024 • 1:30pm

Ask The Expert: Research

Jonathan Whitelaw, Hannah Mary McKinnon, and Kimberley Howe

Try your hand at blood spatter analysis and learn all the ways blood can help solve a crime.

June 8, 2024 • 1:30pm

The Secret of Blood: From Spatter to Science

Murray Clayton

Workshop

Love cosy mysteries? Get to know unconventional protagonist Molly the maid!

June 8, 2024 • 2:00pm

Feather Dusters and Foul Play

Nita Prose

Join the experts as they explore the crucial intersection of representation, justice and community.

June 8, 2024 • 2:00pm

Looking for a Familiar Face: The Justice System and Canada’s Diverse Communities

Christa Big Canoe, Julius Haag, Keith Merith, and Kevin Donovan

Hear the latest in Canadian crime fiction!

June 8, 2024 • 3:00pm

Crime Writers of Canada Readings

Reading

These authors explore the complexities women face in a system built against them.

June 8, 2024 • 3:30pm

Resilience Rewritten: Women’s Stories of Justice and Survival

Elizabeth Flock and Sarah Weinman

A missing child. Conspiracy theories. A race against time.

June 8, 2024 • 3:30pm

The Fear Within Us

Rick Mofina and Abir Mukherjee

Learn techniques to transform a story into a compelling audio experience.

June 8, 2024 • 4:00pm

Podcasting Pro: Constructing Stories for the Ear

Laurah Norton

Get valuable tips and tricks on effectively pitching your book!

June 8, 2024 • 4:00pm

Pitch Perfect

Karen Sullivan

Hear the authors’ perspectives on two contrasting books that share the theme of revenge.

June 8, 2024 • 4:30pm

In Pursuit of Revenge

Hannah Mary McKinnon and Jonathan Whitelaw

Uncover the secrets behind the novels and hit TV series with us!

June 8, 2024 • 5:15pm

Murdoch Mysteries Uncovered

Maureen Jennings and Arwen Humphreys

Hear about the fun and the challenges of writing as part of a team from four talented authors.

June 8, 2024 • 5:30pm

Partners In Fictional Crime

Jass Aujla, H & A Christensen, and M. Z. Urlocker

Delve into the intriguing world of art theft, forgery and famous Canadian art crimes.

June 8, 2024 • 5:30pm

Caught in the Frame: Revealing Canada’s Art Fraud

Jon S. Dellandrea and Charles Reeve

Discover how to create a vivid and immersive settings in your writing.

June 8, 2024 • 6:30pm

Setting the Scene: Bringing Your World to Life

S.G. MacLean

Panelists explore the cultural phenomenon of true crime and why we are so fascinated by it.

June 8, 2024 • 6:30pm

Through a Mirror Darkly: Why We Love True Crime

Kelly Bergstrom, Kristi Lee, and Kevin Donovan

Authors in conversation about Agatha Christie’s lasting impact on the mystery genre.

June 8, 2024 • 7:30pm

The Legend & Her Legacy: Agatha Christie

Otto Penzler and Jeffrey Round

Meet Canadian crime and mystery writers!

June 9, 2024

June 9, 2024 • 10:30am

Crime Writers of Canada

Learn about the methods of identifying human remains from a case-active forensic anthropologist.

June 9, 2024 • 11:00am

Right Down to the Bone: The Identity of Jane Doe

Grace Gregory-Alcock

Workshop

Join us for a morning of mystery and fun, complete with tea, butter tarts and other treats.

June 9, 2024 • 11:30am

Tea, Cake & Murder

Kate Hilton and Elizabeth Renzetti

Two crime fiction experts will share their opinions on the best and worst tropes in the genre.

June 9, 2024 • 12:00pm

Talking Tropes: Crime Edition

Otto Penzler and Jonathan Whitelaw

Never underestimate a strong female protagonist on the hunt for justice.

June 9, 2024 • 12:30pm

Spies and P.I.s: Women on the Move

Maureen Jennings and Roberta Rich

A spine-tingling event delving into the myth and supernatural of these dark and mysterious tales.

June 9, 2024 • 1:00pm

When the Monsters are Real

Kelley Armstrong and Drew Hayden Taylor

Join retired Toronto detectives for a wild ride through the city's crime history.

June 9, 2024 • 1:30pm

Toronto’s Crime History with Toronto Crime Tours

Get valuable insights and practical tools to captivate readers and enhance your storytelling.

June 9, 2024 • 1:30pm

Dialogue Dynamics: Writing Great Conversations

Kimberley Howe

The master of mystery shares how he writes suspenseful and unforgettable stories again and again.

June 9, 2024 • 2:00pm

I Will Ruin You

Linwood Barclay

A thrilling conversation about forensic science and true crime.

June 9, 2024 • 2:00pm

To Speak For The Dead

Laurah Norton and Sarah Weinman

Hear the latest in Canadian crime fiction!

June 9, 2024 • 2:30pm

Crime Writers of Canada Readings

Reading

Embark on a journey back in time with these immersive, page-turning historical reads.

June 9, 2024 • 3:00pm

Stirring Up The Past

S.G. MacLean and Jeffrey Round

Hear about the evolution of Ontario’s opioid crisis and how it ties into criminal behaviour.

June 9, 2024 • 3:15pm

From Prescription to Peril: A Forensic Toxicologist’s Insight into the Opioid Crisis

Karen Woodall

Learn how to bring your own cast of characters to life from the award-winning German author.

June 9, 2024 • 3:30pm

The Art of Characterization: Creating Convincing Protagonists

Leonie Swann

Learn about the realities of criminal investigation and questioning from seasoned experts.

June 9, 2024 • 4:30pm

The Real World of Investigation

Dave Perry, Ralph Steinberg, Kerry Watkins, and Arshy Mann

Set sail with these clever destination novels and learn all the ways a vacation can go very wrong.

June 9, 2024 • 5:30pm

A Deadly Destination

Catherine Mack and Roz Nay