#FIRSTLOOK: 2023 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS

Proceed with caution! The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) today announced the guest lineup and programming for the second annual MOTIVE, Canada’s largest crime and mystery writing festival, taking place June 2 to 4. Book lovers will be able to come together to enjoy over 40 in-person events at Harbourfront Centre and three free virtual offerings. MOTIVE will welcome some of the world’s leading masters of mystery to participate in readings, conversations, book signings, masterclasses, musical performances and more. Passes go on sale on May 4 at FestivalofAuthors.ca/Motive and through the Harbourfront Centre Box Office by phone at 416-973-4000.

From cosy crime to police procedural, psychological thriller to true crime, these page-turning genres have produced some of the most celebrated storytellers worldwide, who are loved by readers everywhere.

“We are thrilled to be presenting the second MOTIVE programme and to celebrate great crime and mystery writing from Canada and around the world. Crime and mystery writing continues to captivate readers. The genre’s popularity attests to the power of masterful storytelling that also allows us to reflect on our contemporary, social issues,” said Roland Gulliver, Director, Toronto International Festival of Authors. “Festival goers can experience the finest storytellers across a broad range of genres and entertaining events, which perhaps challenge preconceived notions of mystery and crime literature. As we prepare for the second year of MOTIVE, we look forward to welcoming everyone for a wonderful weekend full of mystery.”

Below is some of the wide array of programming that will be offered at this year’s MOTIVE. For more information, visit FestivalofAuthors.ca/Motive.

CONVERSATIONS AND READINGS
The Festival is pleased to welcome an incredible selection of writers from Canada and around the world including Denmark, France, Iceland, India, Norway, UK and US, to discuss their spine-chilling stories, including:

Former FBI director James Comey introduces his debut novel, Central Park West. Drawing from his decades in federal law enforcement and years in Manhattan as a mob prosecutor, the story follows a murder investigation that reveals deadly connections between high-ranking politicians and the mafia.

Prolific UK writer Anthony Horowitz, known for creating some of the most beloved TV series including Midsomer Murders, and has continued the careers of Sherlock Holmes and Ian Fleming with the third in his Bond series, With a Mind to Kill, recently published. He will take the stage to discuss his fourth book in the Detective Hawthorne series, The Twist of a Knife.

Master of suspense Linwood Barclay returns to MOTIVE with his twisty, fast-paced thriller The Lie Maker, about a man desperately trying to track down his father before his enemies can get to him.

CP24 crime specialist and retired Toronto detective Steve Ryan presents The Ghosts That Haunt Me, in which he reflects on six of the many cases in his career that greatly impacted him.

Bestselling crime and mystery writers will come together to connect through thematic conversations, including:

Canadian bestselling author Shari Lapena and the “Queen of Icelandic crime” Yrsa Sigurdardottir will discuss chilling family secrets in their thrillers.

YA writer Sheena Kamal and Ghanaian-American novelist Kwei Quartey will speak on their newest stories, featuring brave, bold women on a search.

Human rights activist and author Ausma Zehanat Khan joins writer and war veteran Kevin Powers on how crime fiction can be used to explore global issues.

Diné filmmaker and author Ramona Emerson and “Queen of French Noir” Johana Gustawsson will discuss their books involving spirits and black magic.

South Asian authors Vaseem Khan and Harini Nagendra will discuss the vibrant Indian cities featured in their latest work and how the political climate plays into their stories.

CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS
Each day, authors and experts will examine thrilling themes of the culture and politics that shape the world around us and the books we read. Presented in partnership with the Provocations Festival. Highlights include:

Bearing Witness, with legal scholar Kent Roach and journalist Tamara Cherry on complexities, issues and realities of reporting crime.

Cybercrime, with novelist Vaseem Khan and Cameron Field, vice-president at VIDOCQ, a firm that designs tailored investigation, intelligence and risk management solutions.

True Crime Histories, with Canadian authors Susan Goldenberg, Sharon Ann Cook and Margaret Carson, exploring how class, gender representation and prejudice lead to miscarriages of justice.

SPECIAL EVENTS
TIFA will host a number of thrilling special events throughout the weekend, including:

Newfoundland Noir: The Toronto launch of Perry Chafe’s Closer By Sea with his long-time creative collaborator, and fellow Newfoundlander, Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle). This dual interview and kitchen party-style jam session includes live musical performances by Maureen Ennis of The Ennis Sisters, and special guests.

Anthony Horowitz on James Bond: internationally bestselling author will do a deep dive into the rich history behind the iconic James Bond series, including his own latest Bond novel, With A Mind to Kill.

Tea, Cake and Murder, with Jessa Maxwell and Amy Stuart: an afternoon tea and cake served with a delicious slice of murder as they dig into their latest books.

MASTERCLASSES
In these creative writing workshops, aspiring writers will learn how to craft compelling stories and bring captivating characters to life through hands-on lessons from industry experts. Some events include:

French-Swedish crime writer Johana Gustawsson explores character-building.

Podcaster and writer Catherine Fogarty will help transform true crime stories into unforgettable reads.

Author Melodie Campbell will show you how to kill with comedy.

American author Ryan Gattis offers immersive storytelling techniques.

TIFA KIDS
Engaging and inspiring young book lovers, TIFA will feature a special event for elementary and middle school students on June 2 to meet, hear and learn from UK author Anthony Horowitz about his bestselling YA series, Alex Rider, now in its third series on Amazon Prime. Ideal for grades 5–8.

FREE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES
Alongside the event programme, TIFA offers an enhanced festival experience with a wide variety of free events and books signings for all audiences to enjoy at Harbourfront Centre:

Lunchtime Taster with Ryan Gattis, Johanna Gustawsson and Harini Nagendra: bring your lunch and enjoy a picnic with a taste of suspense with these celebrated authors.

Ask the Expert, with Margaret Cannon, Karen Sullivan and Bjarni Þorsteinsson about how to write and publish a crime novel.

Outdoor readings from numerous authors including Roxanne Bouchard (Whisper of the Seal), Daniel Kalla (Fit to Die), Marcie R. Rendon (Sinister Graves) and Jonathan Whitelaw (The Bingo Hall Detectives).

MOTIVE Bookstore browse the specially curated bookstore for your next favourite read, presented in partnership with Indigo and digital bookseller Rakuten Kobo.

DIGITAL SERIES
Additionally, three pre-recorded digital events featuring international authors will be available to watch for free all week long:

Scottish author Neil Forsyth on his captivating heist book The Gold, inspired the hit BBC drama coming to Canada in June.

Indian author Deepti Kapoor’s second novel, Age of Vice, part crime thriller and family saga.

British novelist Martin Edwards on The Life of Crime: Detecting the History of Mysteries and their Creators, the first major history of crime-fiction released in several decades.

This year, MOTIVE will introduce a Festival Pass, allowing attendees to explore as much of the Festival as they wish, with either a three-day pass ($64.99 – $99.99) or one-day pass ($24.99 – $39.99), including entry to all standard events. Premium three-day passes ($99.99 – $149.99) and one-day passes ($39.99 – $59.99) include priority entry to all standard events plus entry to date-applicable Premium events. A limited number of single tickets will be released for Premium events on May 23. Masterclass tickets are excluded from the Festival/Premium passes and are $49. MOTIVE’s free offerings include outdoor activities at Harbourfront, book signings and digital events to enjoy.

Visit FestivalofAuthors.ca/Motive to view the full programme lineup and to book passes.