CRIME PAYS IN THE HAMPTONS: Fourth Annual 'HAMPTONS WHODUNIT' Returns In April

EAST HAMPTON — The quiet streets of East Hampton are about to become the epicenter of mystery, mayhem, and forensic intrigue as the Fourth Annual Hamptons Whodunit prepares to kick off its 2026 season. From April 16 to 19, the village will transform into a playground for true crime aficionados and aspiring thriller writers alike.

Since its inception in 2023, the festival has evolved from a local initiative to boost off-season business into Long Island’s premier mystery event. Founded by Mayor Jerry Larsen, village trustee Carrie Doyle, Lisa Larsen, and Jackie Dunphy, the "Whodunit" has consistently drawn top-tier talent, hosting over 40 New York Times bestselling authors in just four years.

A Star-Studded Lineup

This year’s guest list reads like a "who’s who" of the thriller world. The 2026 Guests of Honor include:

• Jack Carr: The former Navy SEAL sniper turned author of the acclaimed James Reece series.
• Attica Locke: The Edgar Award-winning novelist and screenwriter presenting Guide Me Home, the finale of her Highway 59 trilogy.
• Lisa Unger: Co-President of the International Thriller Writers Organization, celebrating the release of her latest novel, Served Him Right.
• Barbara Butcher: Former Chief of Staff at the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner and a leading expert in death investigation.

From Cold Cases to the Silver Screen

The 2026 festival introduces a high-stakes addition: the “Whodunit Pitchfest.” In collaboration with Blackfin (a Lionsgate subsidiary), attendees and storytellers are invited to pitch original documentary or unscripted series ideas. Led by award-winning producer Geno McDermott—the mind behind Netflix’s Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez—the winner will walk away with a $10,000 prize and professional development backing.

For those who prefer the screen to the page, Saturday night features a marquee event at the historic Guild Hall. The festival will host a screening of Hunt for the Missing: Chicago, followed by a Q&A with the production team and retired detective Pamela Childs.

"We wanted to bring affordable, interesting programming to the community while introducing students to careers as future protectors," says the founding committee.

Engaging the Next Generation

True to its community roots, the festival continues its educational outreach at the local high school. Experts in law enforcement and medical examination will lead students through interactive crime scene activities, teaching them the meticulous art of cracking a case.

For the general public, the four-day schedule is packed with:

• Interactive Panels: From "Criminal Minds" to "Character vs. Conspiracy."
• Immersive Experiences: Graveyard tours and murder mystery games.
• Social Events: The kick-off cocktail party where fans can mingle with their favorite authors.
• Screening: From the producers behind the show, attend a screening of "Hunt for the Missing: Chicago" followed by a Q&A session.

How to Attend

Aspiring sleuths and fans are encouraged to act fast. Pitchfest submissions are due by April 10, and festival tickets are available now at hamptonswhodunit.org.