Your chance to dive deep into the minds of those who craft and solve the most compelling cases – both on the page and in real life.

Festival Schedule:

Thursday, April 10, 2025

6-8pm: The Kick-Off Cocktail Party at the Maidstone Club.

6-8pm Party $150
Enjoy an intimate evening socializing with renowned mystery and thriller authors and true crime experts at the exclusive Maidstone Club. Located in the dunes on the Atlantic Ocean, this historic club rarely opens its doors to the public. Tickets include complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres, as well as a chance to chat one-on-one with some of the leading figures in the mystery and crime world.

5-8pm VIP Preview + Party $300
An exclusive offer to mingle with authors and true crime experts for one hour before the Kick-Off Cocktail Party begins! This is your chance to get up close and personal, have a photo taken and shake hands with our noted attendees. Plus you can enjoy a special caviar tasting courtesy of Black River Caviar.

Friday, April 11, 2025

8-8:50am: HAMPTON COFFEE COMPANY PRESENTS Coffee & Crime with Joe Giacalone

Our True Crime Consultant, Retired NYPD Sergeant SDS, Expert on Law Enforcement & Author

Location: Clinton Academy

9-9:50am:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

Forensically Speaking: An Examination of Long Island’s Most Infamous Cases
With death investigator Joseph Scott Morgan and law enforcement expert Joseph Giacalone

Leading forensic expert Joseph Scott Morgan and retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone will explore famous Long Island cases that have captivated the public for years. From the Amityville tragedy to the Gilgo Beach murders, forensic evidence can be the key to solving the most brutal crimes. Whether it’s examining DNA, fingerprints, fiber analysis, or digital footprints, the hard science can often lead directly to the killer and is integral to building a case for prosecution.

Location: East Hampton Library

FICTION PANEL:

Gallery Books presents Class of 2025: Debut Thrillers
Anna Sophia McLoughlin, Ande Pliego, Sophie Stava

Moderator: Abby Endler

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

10-10:50am:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

The Truth About Tupac
With Sheryl McCollum, crime scene investigator and the Director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute

For almost 30 years the murder of Tupac Shakur has been talked about, and many theories have surfaced. With the explosive new details and charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs, the family of Tupac Shakur has recently hired an attorney to investigate a possible link between his 1996 murder and Combs.

Crime scene investigator Sheryl McCollum worked directly with Shakur’s mother for years trying to uncover the truth. Duane “Keffy D” Davis, who was arrested last year and charged with the murder, had previously accused Combs of being involved in the planning but Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department never seriously considered Combs a suspect in Shakur’s death.

McCollum says the connection has been there all along.

Location: East Hampton Library

FICTION PANEL:

New York, New York: Crime in the City
Steve Cavanagh, Alyssa Cole, Jessa Maxwell

Moderator: Clémence Michallon

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

11-11:50am:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

Unanswered Questions: The Gabby Petito Story
With Emmy Award-winning Investigative Reporter Kristin Thorne

The murder of Gabby Petito has captivated the public for years. Although the death of Brian Laundrie officially closed the case, there are still many unanswered questions. Having worked closely with the families, five-time Emmy Award winning investigative journalist Kristin Thorne has an insider perspective. Join her as she explains not only the details of the case, but the people and events that contributed to the complexity of this tragedy and why there is still more to tell.

FICTION PANEL:

Guest of Honor Interview: Shari Lapena
In conversation with Abby Endler

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

12-12:50pm:

Atria Tea & Book Signing featuring Steve Cavanagh and Jessa Maxwell

Location: East Hampton Library

Book Signing featuring Fiction & true crime authors from morning panels

Location: Clinton Academy

1-1:50pm:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

College Town in Chaos: The Idaho Murders
With forensics expert Joseph Scott Morgan and Howard Blum, author of WHEN THE NIGHT COMES FALLING

In a case that grabbed national headlines, four University of Idaho students were brutally murdered in their home in Moscow, Idaho on November 13th, 2022. Leading Forensic expert Joseph Scott Morgan and author Howard Blum, WHEN THE NIGHT COMES FALLING, will discuss the inside story of these horrific murders.

Having covered this case from its start, Edgar Award-winning investigative reporter Howard Blum takes readers behind the scenes of the police manhunt that eventually led to suspected killer, Bryan Christopher Kohberger, and uncovered larger, lurid questions within this unthinkable tragedy. Joseph Scott Morgan will speak to the importance of forensics in this case and how managing a crime scene can make all the difference in solving such a complex case.

Location: East Hampton Library

FICTION PANEL:

Friends or Frenemies? Characters with Secrets
Lucinda Berry, Lucy Foley, Vera Kurian

Moderator: Abby Endler

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

2-2:50pm:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

Unfaithful, Accused, and Convicted: The Case Against Scott Peterson
With True Crime Broadcast Journalist & Anchor Laura Ingle and Attorney Misty Marris

Laura Ingle has covered the case of Scott Peterson, the man convicted of murdering his pregnant wife Laci Peterson and their unborn child in 2002, for over 20 years.

A 2023 TV special that Ingle reported on to mark the 20th anniversary of her original coverage. The special includes interviews with Peterson’s sister-in-law, detectives, and a reporter who covered the crime. Ingle has covered the case extensively for NewsNation, including reporting on the Los Angeles Innocence Project’s request to retest DNA evidence from a burnt-out van found near the crime scene.

In 2005, Ms. Ingle earned an Edward R. Murrow award for her reporting on the Scott Peterson trial. Additionally, she hosted a 20-year anniversary special on the case entitled, “Reporter’s Notebook: The Scott Peterson Case.”

Location: East Hampton Library

FICTION PANEL:

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Circumstances
Steve Cavanagh, Joseph Finder, Carter Wilson

Moderator: A. J. Finn

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

3-3:50pm:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

The Search for the Boston Strangler / Blood in the Water
With New York Times bestselling author and renowned investigative journalist Casey Sherman

Our True Crime Chair Casey Sherman takes you on the hunt for the real Boston Strangler, one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. From 1962 to 1964, eleven women were brutally murdered in the Boston area. The youngest and final victim, 19-year-old Mary Sullivan, was Sherman’s beloved aunt.

Questions about the guilt of the self-confessed Boston Strangler, Albert DeSalvo, led Sherman to embark on a decades long investigative quest to find answers for his family, a quest that made headlines around the world. Sherman will detail his shocking re-investigation with never-before-seen photos and details about his face to face confrontations with the real killers.

Location: East Hampton Library

FICTION PANEL:

Killer Women: Rewriting the Crime Fiction Narrative
Emiko Jean and Clémence Michallon

Moderator: Abby Endler

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

4-4:50pm:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

The Curious Case of Luigi Mangione and the Murder of Brian Thompson
With Scott Duffey and Sheryl McCollum, moderated by Laura Ingle

When the CEO of UnitedHealthcare was murdered in cold blood on the streets of New York City, questions immediately arose about the motive behind this brutal killing. Brian Thompson was walking down a NYC street when an unknown assailant came up and shot him to death. Very quickly the individual was identified as Luigi Mangione, who was eventually charged with the murder.

He has since pled not guilty. But just as this case seemed shocking enough, the public's reaction proved to be even more shocking. Sympathy for Mangione spread and he soon became a celebrated hero for, what some believed, was taking a stand against the greed and corruption of the healthcare industry. Join Scott Duffey, Laura Ingle and Sheryl McCollum who will examine this case in detail and provide insight into why Mangione is no Robin Hood.

Location: East Hampton Library

Sourcebooks Tea & Book Signing:

Featuring Carrie Doyle, Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau, Anna Sophia McLoughlin, Casey Sherman, and Carter Wilson

Location: East Hampton Library

Book Signing featuring Fiction & true crime authors from afternoon panels

Location: Clinton Academy

5-5:50pm: The Goody Garlick Graveyard Tour – free

In 1658, before Salem, there was the not-so-wicked witch of the Hamptons called Goody Garlick. Hear her story from Town Crier Hugh King in the graveyard where it all took place. Guests should meet by the graveyard at 4:50pm. Parking at the Gardiner Windmill. The tours also takes place on Saturday at the same times.

Location: 28 James Lane. Rain or shine. Numbers are limited, please sign up.

FICTION PANEL:

Make or Break: High-Stakes Thrillers
Ashley Elston, Alex Finlay, Guest of Honor Tess Gerritsen

Moderator: Carter Wilson

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

6-6:50pm: Spotlight on ‘The Better Sister’, a Series Adaptation

Step inside the world of THE BETTER SISTER with an exclusive book-to-screen conversation featuring New York Times bestselling author Alafair Burke and the visionary co-showrunners of the upcoming Prime Video adaptation, Olivia Milch (Ocean’s 8) and Regina Corrado (Mayor of Kingstown) moderated by NBC News Entertainment correspondent, Chloe Melas.

Location: Guild Hall

7-9pm:

Murder Mystery Game

Sponsored by Book of the Month and hosted by our Fiction Director Abby Endler of @crimebythebook, you can join our featured authors for a night of mystery-solving fun. Participate in an interactive detective game alongside some of your favorite crime writers where you gather clues, interrogate your fellow players, and see if you can solve a Whodunit Murder Mystery. This event will put your crime-solving skills to the test!

Tickets: $75 includes beverages and small plates

Location: St. Luke’s Hoie Hall

PRESENTs Wine & Crime:

Hosted by Sheryl “Mac” McCollum, crime scene investigator and the Director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute

Be a rookie detective in a simulated war room of a homicide unit to help try and solve a real cold case. Interact with forensics experts, investigators and members of law enforcement to help refine your deductive skills while enjoying a delicious glass of wine!

Tickets: $75 includes beverages and small plates

Location: East Hampton Fire Department, I Cedar Street

5-9pm: Escape Rooms

“Murder at the Manor”

While attending a dinner party in the private library of Dennis Fabiszak during the Hamptons Whodunit festival, your host stumbles into the room and collapses on the ground, dead. At first glance, there does not appear to be anything indicating how your host has mysteriously died. Accusations start flying and someone calls the police. You have 20 minutes to find out who of the remaining guests committed the crime, what weapon they used, and in what room the dastardly deed was committed.

Location: East Hampton Library, 159 Main Street.

Saturday, April 12, 2025

8-9:30am: HAMPTON COFFEE COMPANY PRESENTS Coffee & Crime with Joe Giacalone

Our True Crime Consultant, Retired NYPD Sergeant SDS, Expert on Law Enforcement & Author

Location: Clinton Academy

9:30-10:20am:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

Gangs, Mafia, and Extortion
With Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist Anthony DeStefano, and our True Crime Honorary Chair and moderator Casey Sherman

One of the foremost Mafia experts writing today, Anthony DeStefano is the author of BROADWAY BUTTERFLY VIVIAN GORDON: THE LADY GANGSTER OF JAZZ AGE NEW YORK. This definitive book covers one of the most notorious murders in Jazz Age New York history, that of Vivian Gordon, the high-end escort, con artist, and blackmailer connected to gangsters like “Legs” Diamond and Arnold Rothstein, whose death exposed the dark underbelly of police corruption throughout the city. This fascinating case gives insight into the hidden secrets of the Mafia.

Location: East Hampton Library

FICTION PANEL:

Going Global: International Thrills
Joseph Finder and Alex Finlay

Moderator: Carter Wilson

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

10:30-11:20am:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

Murder and Fraud in Art Investigations
Nick Petraco, Forensic Expert & Consultant and Art Fraud Investigator in conversation with Helen A. Harrison

Noted forensic expert, author, and professor, Nick Petraco has worked on thousands of forensic investigations including homicides, suicides, accidental deaths, arson, explosion, terrorist attacks, assault, burglary and robbery, insurance fraud; kidnapping, sex crimes, child abuse; as well as art fraud, stolen art identification, art authentication, and historical preservation cases.

Professor Petraco specializes in laboratory analysis of forensic evidence, trace evidence, art authentication as well as Crime Scene Investigation, and Crime Scene and Event Reconstruction. He will join author Helen A. Harrison in discussing his work and the authentication of the last Jackson Pollack painting.

Location: East Hampton Library

FICTION PANEL:

Trust No One: Psychological Thrillers
Lucinda Berry, Alyssa Cole, Jason Rekulak

Moderator: Clémence Michallon

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

11:30am-12:20pm:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

Little Sister: The Mysterious Death of Natalie Wood
Lana Wood will virtually join CSI Investigator Sheryl McCollum for a conversation

Was it accident or murder? The mysterious drowning death of actress Natalie Wood in 1981 has for years captivated the public’s attention. Questions surrounding how she died and who was to blame have long been debated and there are still conclusions yet to be found.

Natalie’s sister, Lana Wood, will join Sheryl McCollum virtually to speak her truth about the case. An actress herself, Lana has an insider perspective into the world of Hollywood glitz and glamour. Through her own investigative research, Lana’s knowledge of the case can help provide answers to the many questions surrounding Natalie’s tragic death.

Location: East Hampton Library

FICTION PANEL:

Guest of Honor Interview: Lucy Foley
In conversation with Abby Endler

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

12:30-1:30pm:

William Morrow Tea & Book Signing

Featuring Alyssa Cole, Guest of Honor Lucy Foley, and Honorary Founding Co-Chair A.J. Finn

Location: East Hampton Library

Book Signing featuring fiction & true crime authors from morning panels

Location: Clinton Academy

1-1:50pm:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

A Jury of My Peers: Secrets of the Jury Selection Process
Trial Attorney & Civil Rights Lawyer, Cary London and Trial Consultant & Lawyer, Jacob Rolls

How does implicit bias factor in to jury selection? What are the consequences? This presentation will explore our right to a trial by jury by tracing the history of discrimination in jury selection – from the framing of the U.S. Constitution to the present day. We'll see how lawyers fight for it, how judges allow it, and how pop culture has documented it.

Location: East Hampton Library

2-2:50pm:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

Podcasts and the Creation of the Armchair Detective
With Podcast Host, Death Investigator & Author, Joseph Scott Morgan

The emergence of the true crime podcast has radically changed the public’s involvement in high profile criminal cases. By reaching vast audiences across the world, podcasts highlight both the fascination society has for crime and justice and the integral part they can play in solving these crimes. Join Joseph Scott Morgan, host of the widely popular podcast ‘Body Bags’, as he explores a world that not many have had a chance to visit, the realm of death.

Joe Scott Morgan and co-host Dave Mack lead listeners on a journey through the blood-soaked death scenes of America and then into the autopsy room to fully understand the science behind each case. Joe Scott Morgan is one of America’s leading experts on applied forensics and is regularly featured on ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’, ‘The Piketon Massacre’, Court TV, and more.

Location: East Hampton Library

FICTION PANEL:

From YA to Adult Thrillers: Cross-Genre Bestsellers
Ashley Elston and Emiko Jean

Moderator: Carrie Doyle

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

3-3:50pm:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

The Art of FBI Interrogation
With Scott Duffey, FBI Supervisory Special Agent, retired

Scott Duffey can tell when you are lying. And he knows how to get the truth out of you. And you. And you. Now retired as an FBI interrogator, he’s willing to share the tricks of his trade. More.

Location: East Hampton Library

FICTION PANEL:

When the Past Comes Calling
Vera Kurian, Jessa Maxwell, Carter Wilson

Moderator: Tessa Wegert

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

4-4:50pm:

TRUE CRIME PANEL:

Wrongly Accused and Rightfully Exonerated
Special Counsel Martin H. Tankleff, wrongfully convicted and exonerated after 17 years, in conversation with Broadcast Journalist Kristin Thorne

Martin H. Tankleff was wrongfully convicted on June 28, 1990, for the murder of his parents, Seymour and Arlene, two years earlier.

At the time of his arrest, Mr. Tankleff was a 17-year-old student, embarking on his senior year of high school. After being sentenced to two consecutive terms of 25 years to life, Mr. Tankleff filed a 2003 appeal with new evidence from almost two dozen witnesses. Marty’s conviction was overturned, and he was released on December 27th, 2007 after nearly 17½ years in prison.

After Marty was exonerated, he was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2020. Marty now works as Special Counsel at Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, a boutique litigation firm where he specializes in wrongful convictions, prisoner and civil rights, while working hand in hand with other members of the firm on criminal defense, civil matters, and related legal matters. Marty’s zealous advocacy for those who have been wrongly convicted stems from his own personal experience, which he will discuss with award-winning veteran broadcast journalist Kristin Thorne.

Location: East Hampton Library

FICTION PANEL:

Skeletons in the Closet: Family Secrets
Shari Lapena, Clémence Michallon, Jason Rekulak

Moderator: Abby Endler

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

5-5:50pm:

The Goody Garlick Graveyard Tour – free

In 1658, before Salem, there was the not-so-wicked witch of the Hamptons called Goody Garlick. Hear her story from Town Crier Hugh King in the graveyard where it all took place. Guests should meet by the graveyard at 4:50pm. Parking at the Gardiner Windmill.

Location: 28 James Lane. Rain or shine.

FICTION PANEL:

Guest of Honor Interview: Tess Gerritsen
In conversation with A. J. Finn

Location: St Luke’s Hoie Hall

6-6:50pm: Book Signing featuring Fiction & true crime authors from afternoon panels

Location: Clinton Academy

5-6:30:

I THINK I KNOW WHODUNIT

Happy Hour with Forensic Experts

Join our forensic experts for happy hour at Village Bistro to test out your theory of the cases that haunt you. Or if you want to further discuss the panels that you witnessed during our festival and share your thoughts on what really happened, this is the time to do it! No tickets required.

Food and beverages at discounted prices.

Location: Village Bistro, 10 Main Street

Trivia Night, 7-9pm
Join some of your favorite authors and fellow festival goers to test your knowledge of all things crime and thriller! Hosted by our Fiction Director Abby Endler of @crimebythebook and sponsored by Bottle Hampton, this event will allow attendees to work together alongside bestselling crime writers to answer trivia questions in a pub quiz-style special event.

Tickets: $75 includes beverages and small plates.

Location: St. Luke’s Hoie Hall

Sunday, April 13, 2025

9-11am: Coffee & Crime: Fiction Drop-In Book Signing & Coffee Hour

Location: BookHampton

10-10:50am: TRUE CRIME PANEL

Crimes of the Hamptons

Mayor Jerry Larsen, Former East Hampton Village Police Department Chief.

As a former detective and Chief of Police, East Hampton Village’s current mayor will delve into a local criminal case, long unsolved but not forgotten. In the summer of 1955, a babysitter working for a prominent East Hampton family was attacked.

Mayor Larsen will be joined via Zoom by the only known witness, one of the children being babysat that night, and by Hilary Osborn Malecki who believes she has solved this 70-year-old crime.

Location: East Hampton Library

11-11:50am: TRUE CRIME PANEL

Family Influence on Crime Writing: Why We Write

With true crime author Jim Thomson and true crime & fiction author, Stella Sands. Moderated by True Crime Honorary Chair Casey Sherman.

Jim Thomson is the author of A BETTER ENDING: A BROTHER’S TWENTY-YEAR QUEST TO UNCOVER THE TRUTH ABOUT HIS SISTER’S DEATH. Stella Sands has written six true crime books including BABY-FACED BUTCHERS, THE DATING GAME KILLER and BEHIND THE MASK.

Location: East Hampton Library

12-12:50pm: TRUE CRIME PANEL

Escaping Alcatraz

With Nanci LaGarenne, author of SCAPE GHOST, a novel based on the 1962 Alcatraz escape, and Sheryl McCollum, Founder, Cold Case Investigative Research Institute (CCIRI).

Alcatraz is the most famous prison in American history and has captivated the attention of both crime enthusiasts and historians. Both fiction and non fiction books, movies, tv shows and documentaries have covered the mysteries surrounding one of the most visited tourist sites. Crime scene investigator Sheryl McCollum’s passion and knowledge for one of the most famous prisons in American history is unmatched.

For years she has done extensive research, worked with family members of the inmates and explored all the secrets Alcatraz has to offer. Sheryl will join author Nanci LaGarrene, author of the novel SCAPE GHOST about the Alcatraz escape in 1962, to discuss the fascination with this infamous prison.

Location: East Hampton Library

1pm: BOOK SIGNING

Joe Giacalone, Nanci LaGarenne, Stella Sands and Jim Thomson

Location: East Hampton Library

Fest Date: April 10 - 13, 2025

Locations:
East Hampton Library, 159 Main Street
St. Luke’s Hoie Hall, 18 James Lane
The Maidstone Club, 50 Old Beach Lane
Guild Hall, 158 Main Street
BookHampton, 41 Main Street
Graveyard, 28 James Lane

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