O, Canada We Love You! Let's Celebrate!

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: It is rare that a blog can be so full of multiple meanings and layers of irony and importance. But today, here it is. We love you, Canada! And with all the chaos in the world, and all the complications, and all the incredible unpleasantness, I am especially overjoyed to introduce you to Dustin Harris and Jacinthe Paillé, co-founders of Montréal Mystery / Montréal Mystère.

If you ever needed proof that nothing brings the world together like reading and the shared love of books and writing, this is it. Although, we around here don’t need proof… We are living it!

And so are Jacinthe and Dustin. 

What a fascinating and intimidating thing to do, to create a mystery festival. And imagine the juggling and complications of doing it as a bilingual event!  And woo hoo, I am going to Montréal! And I hope you will join us.

Et voilà,  here’s the whole scoop, and then some prizes at the other end. 

H: This is such an incredible undertaking! How–and why–did you decide to do it?

Dustin and Jacinthe: We first met at Iceland Noir, an incredible celebration of mystery and crime writing in the heart of Iceland. We were totally inspired by the festival’s mix of local Icelandic voices and international authors, all coming together to share stories, culture, and lots of suspense. We thought: why not do something just as thrilling in Montréal, a city that lives and breathes books, culture, and creativity? We wanted to create a festival that shines a spotlight on both French and English-language authors, and features Canadian literature front and center on a global stage.

H: It’s bilingual, too, which is brilliant.

D et J: Montréal Mystery, also known as Montréal Mystère, celebrates the city’s rich cultural identity by bringing together authors and readers in both French and English, creating space for meaningful conversations, shared stories, and literary discovery across linguistic lines. We introduce French-language authors to English-speaking audiences—sometimes for the very first time—and host conversations with English-language authors in French, embracing the full bilingual spirit of the city.

It’s not just about translation; it’s about connection. That’s why our festival logo features the Jacques Cartier Bridge, a symbol of Montréal and a powerful metaphor for building bridges between cultures, languages, and communities.

H: So give us the scoop! Who are the special guests, and what are the special attractions, and what are you excited about?

D and J: We’re especially thrilled to welcome Johana

Gustawsson as our Guest of Honour this year! Known as the Queen of French Noir, Johana will be visiting Montréal for the first time as an author. Her books weave together historical and contemporary mysteries, tackling timely social issues with signature dark twists—and she’ll be discussing her work in both French and English throughout the festival.

We’re also proud to spotlight major Québec talents Martin Michaud and Steve Laflamme, who will take the stage for our French-language Saturday Night Mystery event. Even if you don’t speak French, you can follow along by reading three of Martin Michaud’s books translated into English, all taking place right here in Montréal.

And that’s just the beginning. There are so many other incredible panels, including a conversation between Canadian favorites Shari Lapena and Nita Prose hosted by Hank Phillippi Ryan. Check out the full schedule on montrealmystery.com!

H: I am incredibly honored to interview Shari and Nita–two of my favorite authors in the universe! What a joy for me, thank you! And this entire festival is a wonderful way for the community to gather and celebrate!

D et J: One of the absolute highlights of the festival has been connecting with the incredible community of Canadian mystery and thriller readers. We’ve loved seeing attendees deep in conversation between panels, swapping book recs over coffee at the library café, and gathering at nearby restaurants. We also had the chance to meet some of Canada’s most passionate bookstagrammers, whose support has meant the world to us.

And yes—the Montréal Mystery cookies were an unexpected smash hit. They vanished almost instantly (we swear it wasn’t part of a crime plot), so we’re bringing them back this year by popular demand. Arrive early to make sure you get one!

H: So how can we all get involved?

D and J: Montréal Mystery is a festival built by and for readers, and we’re so excited to welcome mystery lovers from all over. With over 20 incredible authors joining us, you’ll have the chance to attend engaging panels, get your books signed, and ask those burning questions you’ve been saving up. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering a new favorite, this festival is your chance to connect with the storytellers behind the suspense. If you’d like to help out, we’re currently seeking volunteers. You’ll find the details on our website.

This year we have even more in store for the festival. We’re rolling out programming year-round, including online bookstagram collaborations, a cozy Fall Mystery event in Montréal, and contests for free festival tickets. Follow us on Instagram for the latest news and chances to join in. (https://www.instagram.com/montrealmysteryfestival/)

And if you want to support the festival in style, check out our brand-new merch line featuring totes, mugs, and apparel. They’re perfect for repping your love of Canadian crime fiction wherever you go!

H: Oh, this is so terrific. (And I got two t-shirts, one tiny black one and one oversized  pink one, I could not resist!) Tell us the festival specifics!

D et J: Montréal Mystery takes place May 23–24, right as the city bursts into its most beautiful spring weather. The festival is hosted at the stunning Grande Bibliothèque in downtown Montréal, just steps away from amazing restaurants, cozy cafés, and plenty of spots to sneak in a few chapters between panels.

Tickets are available now at montrealmystery.com. The festival sold out last year, and so we recommend you hurry. We can’t wait to see you in Montréal!

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN:  Doesn’t this sound amazing? Isn’t this fantastic? I am sneakily trying to extend my visit to be more than just those two days, I hope I will be able to. 

AND. Drumroll.  Hannah Mary McKinnon (my partner in First Chapter Fun)  and I, will meet in person for the very first time. Isn’t that astonishing? After five years being together on First Chapter Fun virtually,  we have only met in person once before, and nobody remembers it except someone sent us a photo. So it is incredibly exciting.

And look at the lineup of the other people who will be there! It is a total rockstar level event! 

Reds and Readers, any possibility of you coming? What should I see in Montréal? Have you ever been there?

And a copy of the book by me, Shari Lapeña, or Nita Prose, to one lucky commenter.  You get to choose which author’s book you want. No pressure :-)