Savannah has no shortage of ghost tours, but this is the first time a mystery and true crime festival has set up here. Hamptons Whodunit, which started in East Hampton, New York in 2023, takes over The Alida and Hotel Orielle November 6-8.

The lineup is mostly authors and forensic people. Jessica Knoll (Luckiest Girl Alive) is coming, along with Heather Graham, Wanda Morris and Brendan Slocumb. On the true crime side you’ll find medical examiner Barbara Butcher and retired NYPD Sgt. Joe Giacalone.

The one I’d point a food fan toward is Wine and Crime, $125. You enjoy a “Southern dinner” while working a real unsolved case with cold case investigator Sheryl “Mac” McCollum, and a forensic expert sits at every table. There’s also a $75 Sunday brunch with the authors, a trivia night, and $25 workshops on things like eyewitness memory.

Some of it costs nothing. The mock crime scene and book signings are free, and the happy hours are open to the public. Panels do require a festival pass, so don’t plan on wandering in.

Tickets: Eventbrite

Full schedule: hamptonswhodunit.org

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