Scene of the Crime 2011
Another sell-out year, another great festival.
The 11th annual Wolfe Island Scene of the Crime Festival was held on August 13, 2011. It
was once again a perfect day on the small rural island as more than a hundred eager
mystery fans came over on the free ferry to participate in a full day of criminous
activities.
The 2011 Grant Allen Award for contributions to Canadian crime writing went to Maureen
Jennings, author of the hugely popular Murdoch mysteries set in Toronto circa 1890 as well
as the contemporary Christine Morris series, and a new trilogy set in England during World
War II. Joining Maureen on stage were authors Elizabeth Duncan, C.B. Forrest, R..J.
Harlick, and Howard Shrier.
The 2011 author line up: Maureen Jennings, Howard Shrier, Elizabeth Duncan, C.B. Forrest, R.J. Harlick, Vicki Delany
The morning began with a coffee and muffin breakfast at the Island Grill where many of the
festival attendees had the chance to mix with their favourite author. Another batch of
festival-goers made their way to the public school for an intense workshop on writing
believable antagonists, led by Vicki Delany. Everyone met up later at the UnitedChurch
for readings by the guest authors and a delicious lunch. Fortunately the day was warm and
sunny so those who wanted to do so could take their lunch outside on the lawns.
After lunch, it was a short walk to the Anglican Church (with a stop for free ice cream)
for the afternoon programme. Vicki Delany moderated a discussion among all of the guest
authors about how they in particular manage to write believable antagonists. Following
the panel, this year's guest lecturer was Staff Sergeant Kristina Patterson of the
Belleville Police Service whose topic was Tactical Survival: A police officer discusses
keeping police officers safe. Not, as Vicki said in her introduction, "Keeping police
officers straight." Kris's talk was funny and informative and questions could have gone on
for much longer, but it was time for Board Member Chris Carr to present Maureen Jennings
with the 2011 Grant Allen Award. Once again the beautiful award was a stained-glass
kaleidoscope designed by WolfeIslandartist Linda Sutherland. Following the presentation,
Maureen read from her new book, Season of Darkness, and was interviewed by the Kingston
Whig-Standard's Greg Burliuk.
Then it was time to eat! We adjourned to St. Margaret's Hall for a delicious traditional
church supper, and the presentation of the short story awards, when we heard a few words
from third place winner Michael Januska.
Our sincere thanks to everyone for attending.
Registration for the 2012 Festival with Grant Allen Award winners The Lady's Killing
Circle will be open shortly.
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