Looking for that last minute holiday gift? One that the mystery lover on your list will use and not want to return? How about the person on your list who is writing a novel and needs a jumpstart on their writing?

Or how about a gift for you?

Think about the 2011 Sleuthfest.

Think about Fort Lauderdale in March.

Then make your plans to come.

Unlike other conferences, Sleuthfest is a writing conference, geared to aspiring writers and published authors. And fans are welcomed, too.

Sleuthfest, sponsored by the Florida chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, begins March 3, 2011, with the Third Degree Workshop and continues March 4-6. Editors, agents, authors and forensic experts will be on hand to discuss writing.

If your holiday gift list includes mystery fans and would-be authors, Sleuthfest registration makes a good present.

Early registration is $235 until Jan. 15, 2011, and $255 after that date for MWA members; for nonmembers, the early rate is $255 and then, after Jan. 15, 2011,

it rises to $275. The rate includes some meals. One-day attendance also is available. Information and registration is at www.sleuthfest.com.

As in years past, Sleuthfest will feature two guests of honor. Meg Gardiner, author of “The Liar's Lullaby” and “The Dirty Secrets Club,” will be the Friday guest. Gardiner won the 2009 Edgar award for Best Paperback Original for her novel “China Lake.” Long published in England, Gardiner first came to the attention of American readers when Stephen King praised her work in an Entertainment Weekly column.

Multi-award winner Dennis Lehane, author of “Mystic River,” “Gone Baby Gone” and “Shutter Island,” will be the guest of honor Saturday. Lehane built his career with Boston private detectives Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro, who returned in his recent novel “Moonlight Mile.”

In addition, mystery authors S.J. Rozan, James W. Hall, Ace Atkins, Michael Koryta, Dana Cameron, Deborah Crombie, Lisa Unger, Julie Compton, Marcia Talley, and more will attend.