Bouchercon
Welcome to the World Mystery Convention’s webpage. We are here to answer all of our questions about BoucherCon, an annual convention honoring mystery fiction author Anthony Boucher. Read our Frequently Asked Questions section to find out more about this legendary conference. We hope you can join us at the next BoucherCon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BoucherCon?
BoucherCon is an annual mystery and crime fiction convention held every year at a designated location. It is a nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers. The convention honors Anthony Boucher, the world renowned mystery fiction critic, editor and author. This conference is the leading event worldwide that brings together every part of crime and mystery fiction community. It is for anybody and everybody who reads or creates detective and mystery fiction.
When is BoucherCon?
BoucherCon is typically held each year in the fall. It has been ongoing since 1970. Every year it is hosted by a different city with an entirely different group of volunteers running the show. The convention is usually held over a weekend, typically beginning on a Thursday and finishing on the following Sunday.
Where is this year’s BoucherCon?
This year’s BoucherCon will be held in Cleveland, Ohio from October 4th – 7th . Guests of honor this year include Elizabeth George, Mary Higgins Clark, Robin Cook, and many more! Be on the lookout for surprise guests, because everyone knows that mystery is full of surprises! Registration is ongoing, so be sure to reserve a spot if you are planning to attend.
Who can attend?
Anybody and everybody who loves crime and mystery fiction! The more the merrier. Also, if you are really interested, consider becoming a volunteer to help run and host the next BoucherCon meeting! Attendees include fans, writers, bibliophiles, publishers, and many more people who read and enjoy all the different aspects and nuances of crime and mystery fiction.
What happens at BoucherCon?
Lots of things! In addition to hanging out and meeting other fans, authors, publishers and professionals, there are workshops, panels, lectures, and guest appearances. Furthermore, attendees of BoucherCon are called ‘members’, and receive voting writes at the convention. Every year, the attendees and volunteers at BoucherCon nominate and vote for awards in excellence for crime and mystery fiction, including categories such as: Best Plot Line, Best Twist, Best Story, Best First Story, Best Adaptation, Best Novel, and many more.
There are also signing tables for you to meet your favorite mystery writers face to face and get your books or posters signed.
If you’re new to mystery fiction, this is an incredible opportunity to explore every aspect of the genre. Meet daily during the convention for workshops on writing tips, panel discussions from professionals on everything from historical mystery fictions to how to hold your readers attention. BoucherCon has something for everyone, from season veterans of the genre to newbies looking to dive write in!
Why mystery fiction?
Mystery stories get people excited about reading. They appeal to people of all age groups and backgrounds because they are so intriguing. Mystery stories are real page turners – often, once you get started reading one, you can’t put it down until you have finished! Furthermore, mysteries contain interesting (and sometimes slightly terrifying) characters, that hold our attention. And of course, there are heroes and heroines in mystery novels, from Sherlock Holmes to Nancy Drew – there is something for everyone in a mystery novel. Mysteries are inspiring and captivating, and what better way to share our love with the genre than to hold an annual convention honoring one of the most esteemed authors and editors in the entire genre.
Who was Anthony Boucher?
Anthony Boucher was an esteemed writer of mystery and crime fiction. He also reviewed and edited many volumes of mystery fiction, and science fiction, and was a very influential figure in the genre. Anthony Boucher was not his real name, he was born William Anthony Parker White, and wrote by the name Anthony Boucher. He also wrote under the name H.H. Holmes, which was a name he adopted from a famous late 19th-Centuy serial killer from America.
Where was he from?
Boucher was originally from Oakland, California. He was born there on August 21st, 1911. Boucher spent most of his life in California.
How and when did he die?
Boucher died April 26th, 1968. He passed away due to complications from lung cancer in Oakland, California.
What did he write?
He wrote a 7 novels, including one called Nine Times Nine, which was also voted the 9th best locked-room mystery story of all time.
What did he edit?
Boucher was highly regarded for his editing. He edited science fiction novels and mystery reviews, and even translated a story from Spanish to English for a renowned Mystery Magazine. Boucher was the editor for a number of highly regarded mystery magazines, and won numerous awards for his editing.
