From the East End to the Deep South

The annual Hamptons Whodunit mystery and true crime festival, which debuted out east in 2023, is hitting the road. And it couldn’t have picked a better destination. Marriott Bonvoy and Hamptons Whodunit are bringing the world of mystery, thrillers, and true crime to Savannah, Georgia, from November 6 to 8, 2026. For fans of crime fiction and real-life forensics who’ve always found the Hamptons a little out of reach, this is welcome news.

Festival co-founder and CEO Carrie Doyle, who is also a successful mystery author and East Hampton Village Trustee, says the logistics and expense of the Hamptons make it a bit out of reach for many — so taking it to other cities seemed like a great solution. Savannah, with its cobblestone streets, Spanish moss, and centuries of gothic lore, turned out to be the obvious answer. Doyle calls it “the perfect choice,” noting that the city is “so mysterious and Southern and gothic” that it really lends itself to the festival.

What the Weekend Looks Like

Tribute Portfolio, a collection of independent hotels that celebrate individuality, curiosity, and unexpected discoveries, will bring Hamptons Whodunit to life, with The Alida, Savannah serving as the festival’s home. Hotel Orielle, Autograph Collection, will also host selected activities. Having two boutique Marriott properties in the mix gives the event a spread-out, neighborhood feel — very much in keeping with the festival’s signature intimacy.

The event invites readers and travelers to immerse themselves in the literary festival for a weekend of discovery with bestselling authors and industry experts, putting their detective skills to the test and discovering a different side of Savannah through interactive experiences and crime-solving puzzles. Two simultaneous programming tracks will explore mystery and thriller fiction as well as true crime and forensics — including a session called “From First Impression to Confession,” which takes attendees inside the interview room to learn how to interrogate a witness, and “So You Want to Be a Writer?”, where a bestselling author gives hands-on tips for aspiring novelists.

A Star-Studded Lineup of Authors and Experts

Participating authors include Jessica Knoll, Heather Graham, Wanda M. Morris, Emma C. Wells, and Shanora Williams. The true crime side of the program is equally impressive. The true-crime program will feature medical examiner Barbara Butcher, forensic expert Joseph Scott Morgan, and retired NYPD Sgt. Joe Giacalone. These are not just panel-sitters — the festival’s reputation is built on genuine, up-close access to talent, which is rare in the literary festival world.

Doyle says she’s excited to give the festival community a new city to discover, adding that what makes Hamptons Whodunit unique is the level of interaction the audience has with authors and experts — and that this new setting offers a fresh way to deliver that without losing the intimate atmosphere the festival is known for.

Bigger Than One Weekend

As part of the Savannah program, Hamptons Whodunit plans to work with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) on an education initiative introducing students to forensic and true-crime-related career paths. The organization, founded in 2023, is a nonprofit that brings together fiction authors, true-crime experts, and readers — and it also supports education initiatives introducing students to careers in forensic science, investigation, and criminal justice.

The Savannah event marks the first of a series of Hamptons Whodunit experiences planned to come to Marriott Bonvoy properties across the U.S. In other words, this isn’t a one-off experiment — it’s the opening chapter of a national expansion. If the gothic charm of Savannah proves to be the right backdrop for sleuths and storytellers alike, it may only be a matter of time before the whodunit comes to a city near you.