New Blood Showcase: Criminally Good Class of 2018

Val McDermid has unveiled her four ‘New Blood’ debut crime novelists for 2018.

Val McDermid co-founded the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival with literary agent Jane Gregory and arts charity, Harrogate International Festivals in 2003.

Since 2004, she has hosted her annual New Blood panel at the festival, which has become one of the most anticipated events on the publishing calendar. Just four debut novels are picked out of 50 submissions the ‘Queen of Crime’ receives each year.

Over the years, McDermid has introduced some formidable new talents to the Harrogate audience, and through them to a wider readership.

Val McDermid said: “Choosing the four debut novels for the New Blood panel at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and presenting them to the 700-strong audience is the best job in crime fiction. I get to immerse myself in new voices and fresh ideas. My quartet this year have each produced a provocative and entertaining excursion into their very distinctive worlds. I guarantee each of these books is a riveting read.”

2018 New Blood authors are:

DARK PINES by Will Dean

A deaf journalist investigates the case of an eyeless corpse in this promising debut novel set in rural Sweden.

THE RUIN by Dervla McTiernan

This unsettling crime debut draws us deep into the dark heart of Ireland as the secrets of the past will expose the crimes of the present.

THE CHALK MAN by CJ Tudor

Already a 2018 must-read, this thrilling and suspense-filled debut will have readers glued to every word and guessing until it’s shocking sinister finale.

THE SEVEN DEATHS OF EVELYN HARDCASTLE by Stuart Turton

With time loops, body swaps and a psychopathic footman, Turton’s debut is a dazzling take on the murder mystery.

New Blood authors Val has picked over the years include Jane Harper, SJ Watson, Stuart MacBride, Clare Mackintosh, Belinda Bauer and Dreda Say Mitchell. Dreda said: “Being invited onto the New Blood panel hosted by the amazing and legendary Val McDermid was one of the key springboards that launched my career.”

New Blood takes place during the 2018 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival on Saturday 21 July, 12 noon, at the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate.

Tickets go on sale Monday 23rd April, 10am. Box office: 01423 562303 harrogateinternationalfestivals.com