Congratulations, James L'Etoile — 2026 Lefty Award Winner
- D. P. Lyle
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Acclaimed crime writer James L’Etoile has taken home one of the genre’s most respected honors. At the 2026 Left Coast Crime convention, L’Etoile was awarded the Lefty Award for Best Mystery Novel for his gripping book River of Lies.
The Lefty Awards celebrate excellence in mystery fiction, recognizing standout voices in a field known for its depth, suspense, and unforgettable characters. With River of Lies, L’Etoile delivers a masterfully layered story filled with tension, moral complexity, and the kind of authenticity that has become his trademark.
Winning the Lefty Ward for Best Mystery Novel is a testament to L’Etoile’s skill at crafting stories that not only captivate readers but also linger long after the final page. His dedication to the craft and his ability to illuminate the human side of crime fiction continue to set him apart.
Congratulations to James L’Etoile on this well-deserved recognition — and to readers everywhere who get to experience the powerful storytelling of River of Lies.
Join our Advanced Workshop with James: "What Authors Need to Know About What Really Happens in Prison"
Wednesday, March 18th Live on Zoom
James L'Etoile featured on the Outliers "GET TO KNOW Series": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF62igcGuac
A Writer's Guide to Prison Life with James L’Etoile [Criminal Mischief, Episode 75]:
James L’Etoile uses his twenty-nine years behind bars as an influence in his award-winning novels, short stories, and screenplays. He is a former associate warden in a maximum-security prison, a hostage negotiator, and director of California’s state parole system. His novels have been shortlisted or awarded the Lefty, Anthony, Silver Falchion, Macavity, and the Public Safety Writers Award. River of Lies and Sins of the Father are his most recent novels. Look for Illusion of Truth coming in 2026. James also serves as the Executive Vice President of Mystery Writers of America.
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