Lanzarote to Host 5th Crime Novel Meeting Focusing on Social Critique

Modern Spanish crime fiction has evolved from simple escapism into a sharp tool for examining the cracks in our society. With this in mind, the 5th Crime Novel Meeting—which recently announced its program—aims to be a space for critical discussion on power and inequality. Organizers confirmed the event will take place in Tías, Lanzarote, from November 12 to 14, hosted at the José Saramago House Museum and the San Antonio Chapel.

Organized by the University of La Laguna’s Antonio Lozano Cultural Chair in collaboration with the local council and the House Museum, the event aims to go beyond the typical literary fair. The program features conversations between three prominent national authors—Marta Sanz, Carlos Zanón, and Teresa Cardona—and four established writers from the Canary Islands: C. J. Nieto, Miguel Aguerralde, Víctor M. Bello, and Mar Arias Couce.

The guest authors bring diverse approaches to the genre. Sanz is known for her satirical look at social norms, while Zanón focuses on themes of displacement and personal failure. Cardona brings the precision of procedural investigations, often exploring moral dilemmas through collaborative storytelling.

The event also highlights the growing strength of local literature by giving Canarian authors a central stage. Discussions will cover topics such as writing under constraints, how landscapes shape suspense, the link between history and crime fiction, and how journalism influences the way we view modern conflicts. By showcasing these local voices, the meeting has successfully established its own identity after starting as an extension of Tenerife Noir.

All sessions are free to attend, though space is limited. You can find the full schedule and further details at novelacriminalentias.com. With this edition, Tías continues to establish itself as a cultural hub, championing the crime novel as a vital way to question reality and uncover the contradictions of everyday life.