A mystery story contest that is becoming one of the major crime-writing contests in Canada is open to all Canadian citizens or permanent residents previously unpublished in the mystery or crime genre.

The deadline for story entries is May 15. For contest rules, please visit www.sceneofthecrime.ca.

With no fees required to enter, the contest has helped to launch a number of successful writing careers.

Winners will be presented with their prizes at the annual Scene of the Crime Festival set to be held on Saturday, Aug. 9.  

First prize is $100 and second and third prizewinners will receive $50 and $35 respectively. Honourable mentions will take home gift certificates from Kingston’s Novel Idea Bookstore.

The Scene Of The Crime Festival honours Canada’s first crime writer, Grant Allen, who was born at the Baron de Longueuil family manor on Wolfe Island, just a short ferry ride from Kingston.

For more information about the short story contest, contact Sue Pike at deadlock@sympatico.ca or call 613-730-0715.

Information and tickets for the Scene of the Crime Festival are available by e-mail at info@sceneofthecrime.ca.