Across more than 55 events over one weekend in downtown Toronto, authors, readers, and storytellers explore a central idea: sometimes fiction reveals truths that headlines never can.
Now in its fifth year, MOTIVE Crime and Mystery Festival returns to Victoria University in downtown Toronto from June 5 to 7. The three-day event brings together some of the biggest names in crime and mystery writing for a packed program of more than 55 events, including author conversations, panel discussions, and masterclasses.
Among this year’s highlights are bestselling author Shari Lapena reflecting on the tenth anniversary of her breakout novel, Nita Prose discussing her acclaimed Maid series, and former UK police officer turned novelist Clare Mackintosh exploring how real-life investigations inspire fiction.
More than a literary festival, MOTIVE offers a unique chance to explore the minds of the writers who craft some of today’s most compelling mysteries, examining the motives, secrets, and human complexities that drive their stories.
The festival’s reach extends well beyond Canada. International authors join local favourites for conversations that explore crime fiction from a global perspective, including discussions of French polar fiction, a genre known for its dark, psychological approach to storytelling.
The program goes far beyond traditional author talks. Masterclasses offer aspiring writers insight into crafting believable mysteries, while sessions led by experts from the University of Toronto‘s forensic science program provide a closer look at how real-world investigations unfold.
Interactive Events
For those who prefer a more immersive experience, the festival also features a murder mystery dinner, true-crime walking tours through downtown Toronto, and even morning yoga sessions designed to help attendees unwind between tales of murder, mystery, and suspense.
The genre explores uncertainty, morality, and the often-blurred line between right and wrong. It asks readers to consider difficult possibilities and confront uncomfortable truths.
For one weekend, Toronto becomes a gathering place for those conversations, bringing together writers, readers, and experts to explore the mysteries that continue to fascinate us both on and off the page.
Whether you spend the entire weekend at Victoria University or attend just a handful of events, the festival is designed to be experienced at your own pace. Between sessions, visitors can browse the on-site bookstore, meet fellow readers, and immerse themselves in a community built around a shared fascination with mystery and suspense.
What stays with you, however, is more than the events themselves. The conversations offer a deeper understanding of why crime fiction continues to captivate readers around the world. They explore the fears, motivations, and moral questions that sit beneath every great mystery, revealing that the genre is often as much about human nature as it is about solving a crime.
You may leave with a few new books, but you’ll also leave viewing stories differently. Perhaps you’ll even see the city around you a little differently.
The Need To Know Details
- Festival: MOTIVE Crime and Mystery Festival. Presented by Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA)
- Dates & times: From Friday, June 5, to Sunday, June 7, 2026. Check the official websites for specific hours. Individual event times vary. Sessions are ticketed separately, or a festival pass is available.
- Location: Victoria University at the University of Toronto, downtown Toronto.
- Festival events: More than 55 events over three days, including author conversations, panel discussions, crime fiction masterclasses, and forensic science workshops led by experts from the University of Toronto. The festival also features interactive experiences, including a murder mystery dinner and true-crime walking tours.
- Bookstore: The University of Toronto Bookstore is the official bookseller. The festival bookstore is open all weekend. All featured authors’ books are available for purchase and signing
- Tickets: Events individually ticketed. Festival passes are available for attending multiple sessions. Pricing varies by event. Popular events sell out, so book early. Purchase through the TIFA Box Office on the official website.
- Website & info: festivalofauthors.ca/motive for the full program, author details, event descriptions, session times, and tickets. Check the website regularly, as popular events sell out quickly
