Mystery/Crime Fiction

Among those participating are Dr. Kathy Reichs, Eric Van Lustbader, Lee Child, Maxine Paetro, Heather Graham, and David Morrell. Events include author signings, a complete on-premise bookstore, a readers' reception and cocktail party, and giveaways of advance copies of up-coming thrillers.

One of the highlights of the four-day event is the presentation of the ThrillerMaster Award, whose past receipients include Clive Cussler and James Patterson. This year's honor goes to Sandra Brown , whose latest novel, "Smoke Screen" is coming out in August.

Nominees for the Thriller Award for Best Novel include "No Time for Goodbye" by Linwood Barclay, "The Watchman" by Robert Crais, "The Ghost" by Robert Harris, "The Crime Writer" by Gregg Hurwitz, and "Trouble" by Jesse Kellerman.

Nominated for the Best First Novel are "Interred with their Bones" by Jennifer Lee Carrell, "Big City, Bad Blood" by Sean Chercover, "From the Depths" by Gerry Doyle, "Volk's Game" by Brent Ghelfi, and "Heart-Shaped Box" by Joe Hill.

ThrillerFest is being held in and around the Grand Hyatt near the city's Grand Central Station. Day passes and four-day passes are both available. For more information on registration, visit the ThrillerFest Web site.