Bouchercon XX

Bouchercon is an annual convention of creators and devotees of mystery and detective fiction. It is named in honour of writer, reviewer, and editor Anthony Boucher; also the inspiration for the Anthony Awards, which have been issued at the convention since 1986. This article details Bouchercon XX and the 4th Anthony Awards ceremony.

Bouchercon
The convention was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 6, 1989; running until the 8th. The event was chaired by Deen Kogan and Jay Kogan, founders of the Society Hill playhouse.

Special guests

 * Lifetime Achievement award — Dorothy Salisbury Davis
 * Guest of Honor — Simon Brett
 * Fan Guests of Honor — William F. Deeck and Linda Toole
 * Toastmaster — Bruce Taylor
 * Distinguished Contribution award — Joan Kahn

Anthony Awards
The following list details the awards distributed at the fourth annual Anthony Awards ceremony.

Novel award
Winner:
 * Thomas Harris, The Silence of the Lambs

Shortlist:
 * Dorothy Cannell, The Widows Club
 * Sue Grafton, "E" Is for Evidence
 * Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time
 * Sara Paretsky, Blood Shot
 * Nancy Picard, Dead Crazy
 * Bill Pronzini, Shackles
 * Les Roberts, Pepper Pike

First novel award
Winner:
 * Elizabeth George, A Great Deliverance

Shortlist:
 * Mary Lou Bennett, Murder Once Done
 * Caroline Graham, The Killings at Badger's Drift
 * Linda Grant, Random Access Murder
 * Gar Anthony Haywood, Fear of the Dark
 * David Stout, Carolina Skeletons

Paperback original award
Winner:
 * Carolyn G. Hart, Something Wicked

Shortlist:
 * Michael Avallone, High Noon at Midnight
 * P.M. Carlson, Murder Unrenovated
 * David Handler, The Man Who Died Laughing
 * Lia Matera, A Radical Departure
 * Sharyn McCrumb, Paying the Piper
 * D.R. Meredith, Murder by Impulse
 * Marilyn Wallace, Primary Target