Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2026 announce Chair

‘Queen of the psychological thriller’ Lisa Jewell 

to chair

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2026

with first headliners announced

Festival Dates: 23rd to 26th July 2026

www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

#TheakstonsCrime

Wednesday 26 November 2025: Harrogate International Festivals today announced bestselling psychological thriller writer Lisa Jewell as Festival Programming Chair for the 2026 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the globally renowned celebration of crime fiction which will take place from 23 to 26 July 2026.

An opening line up of stellar Special Guests including global bestsellers and reader favourites David Baldacci, Nadine Matheson, Gillian McAllister, Steve Cavanagh and Alice Feeney has also been announced, with more headliners to be revealed in early 2026.

Lisa Jewell is the author of twenty-three novels, most recently the dark psychological thrillers Then She Was Gone, The Family Upstairs, None of This is True and Don’t Let Him In. She is a number one bestselling Sunday Times and New York Times author who has sold over ten million books worldwide, been published in more than thirty languages and has had numerous books optioned for film and TV. Previous Programming Chairs include Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Elly Griffiths, Denise Mina, Lee Child, Vaseem Khan, Ruth Ware and Mick Herron.

Lisa Jewell, 2026 Programming Chair of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival says:

“I have been bewitched by the concept of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival for as long as I have been writing thrillers and my first visit more than lived up to my expectations. I've been every year since and grown more and more familiar with the special world that is created in Harrogate every July, so to be invited to head up the programming committee for 2026 was an honour beyond my wildest imaginings. I worked in fashion retail before I became an author and was a voracious magazine reader and that is the sensibility that I have applied to the format of this year's panels and author events, focussing on 'real life' issues that affect writers in their day to day to lives and thus in turn, inform the things they write about and the way in which they write about them. I'm delighted to see a stellar line up of writers coming together for 2026 and cannot wait to be there, watching all the behind-the-scenes work come to magical life for another glorious and unforgettable festival.”  

The Headliner events include:

Global crime writing icon David Baldacci - one of the world’s most-loved thriller writers - returns to the Festival for the first time in fifteen years with his highly acclaimed new series featuring undercover spy Walter Nash.

Fan favourites and bestselling authors Nadine Matheson and Gillian McAllister introduce their gripping new high-concept thrillers and discuss how their legal backgrounds inform their fiction.

Steve Cavanagh, bestselling Irish author and former Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Novel of the Year winner, discusses Two Kinds of Stranger, the latest in the Eddie Flynn series, featuring a conman-turned-trial lawyer.

Multi-million copy bestselling author Alice Feeney showcases My Husband’s Wife, her nerve-shredding new psychological thriller that will make readers question all they know about love, identity and revenge.

Now in its twenty-third year, the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival (23–26 July 2026) is the jewel in the crown of the global crime fiction community, offering readers from around the world a unique opportunity to meet literary superstars and discover exciting new talent. The prestigious Festival offers a packed programme of thrilling panels, talks and inspiring creative workshops, with a special event celebrating the legacy of Agatha Christie, who stayed at the Old Swan Hotel, now the Festival venue, 100 years ago when she mysteriously disappeared.

Simon Theakston, Chairman of T&R Theakston Ltd, said:

“It is a privilege to support the world’s best crime writing Festival for an incredible twenty-third year, and I’m thrilled that Lisa Jewell is taking on the role of 2026 Festival Programming Chair. After our most successful event ever in 2025, I can’t wait to be back in Harrogate next summer celebrating the world’s best loved genre once again.”

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“Crime fiction fans around the world love Lisa Jewell’s spine-tingling contemporary thrillers, so we are delighted that she has agreed to be Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival’s 2026 Programming Chair as it promises to be a landmark year as Harrogate International Festivals celebrates six decades of arts Festivals. With her focus on topical real-life issues and character driven fiction, Lisa brings a unique sensibility to her programming, and we’re excited to reveal five of the exceptional Special Guests headliners she has selected - with more to be announced in January.”

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is delivered by the north of England’s leading arts Festival organisation, Harrogate International Festivals and forms part of their diverse year-round portfolio of events, which aims to bring immersive cultural experiences to as many people as possible.

Weekend Break Packages are on sale now. To book, please call the Festivals team on +44(0)1423 562 303 or email info@harrogate-festival.org.uk. Rover tickets and individual event tickets go on sale in Spring 2026. More information about tickets and packages can be found here.

Thriller Awards 2025

 

The International Thriller Writers Organization (ITW) announced the winners of the Thriller Awards on Saturday 21 June 2025 during ThrillerFest. 

BEST SHORT STORY

Jackrabbit Skin by Ivy Pochoda

BEST FIRST NOVEL

Deadly Animal by Marie Tierney

BEST YOUNG ADULT NOVEL

Darkly by Marisha Pessl

BEST AUDIOBOOK

No One Can No by Kate Alice Marshall (Narrated by Karissa Vacker)

BEST STANDALONE MYSTERY NOVEL

Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett

BEST STANDALONE THRILLER NOVEL

The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak 

BEST SERIES NOVEL

To Die For by David Baldacci

Congratulations to all the winners and the nominated authors.

2025 ITW Thriller Award Nominees

Congratulations the finalists of the 2025 ITW Thriller Awards have been announced.

BEST STANDALONE THRILLER NOVEL

The Paris Widow by Kimberly S. Belle

The Chamber by Will Dean

Worst Case Scenario by L.J. Newman, 

The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak, 

The Truth about the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline, 

BEST STANDALONE MYSTERY NOVEL

Negative Girl by Libby Cudmore, 

The Night We lost Him by Laura Dave

Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett, 

The Life and Death of Rose Doucette by Harry Hunsicker, 

What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan, 

Lake County by Lori Roy

BEST SERIES NOVEL

To Die For by David Baldacci, 

The Last Few Miles of the Road by Eric Beetner, 

The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves, 

Shadowheart by Meg Gardiner, 

Flashback by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen, 

A Forgotten Kill by Isabella Maldonado, 

BEST FIRST NOVEL 

Rabbit Hole by Kate Brody, 

After Image by Jaime deBlanc, 

The Astrology House by Carinn Jade,

Blood in the Cut by Alejandro Nodarse, 

Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney

BEST AUDIOBOOK 

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth, Narrated by Jessica Clarke

Hollywood Hustle by Jon Lindstrom, Narrated by Jon Lindstrom

No One Can Know by Kate Alice Marshall, Narrated by Karissa Vacker

Beyond All Doubt by Hilton Reed, Narrated by George Newbern

Listeen for the Lie by Amy Tintera, Narrated by January LaVoy and Will Damron

BEST YOUNG ADULT NOVEL

Influencer by Adam Cesare, 

The Other Lola by Ripley Jones, 

Darkly by Marisha Pessl, 

49 Miles Alone by Natalie D. Richards, 

Girls Like Her by Melanie Sumrow, 

BEST SHORT STORY 

Not a Dinner Party Person by Stefanie Leder, 

Double Parked by Twist Phelan, 

Jackrabbit Skin by Ivy Pochoda, 

The Doll's House by Lisa Unger, 

And Now, an Inspiring Story of Tragedy Overcome by Joseph S. Walker,

Congratulations t all the nominated authors - Winners will be announced at ThrillerFest XX on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the New York Hilton Midtown, New York City. 

New Bouchercon Scholarship Award Program

 SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

A new Bouchercon Scholarship Award Program (BSA) has been created to assist fans and writers of the mystery genre by offering a financial subsidy. This subsidy addresses registration fees and associated costs needed to attend and participate in a current annual Bouchercon convention.

One of the richest and greatest benefits of attending a Bouchercon convention is participation as a volunteer. The opportunity to have one-on-one contact with: fellow mystery buffs, high profile authors, Guests of Honor and industry professionals, is a side treat that adds to the experience that is Bouchercon. Subsidy recipients will be required to volunteer for no less than four hours.

The BSA Program includes a paid registration fee and reimbursement for up to Five-Hundred Dollars ($500.00). 

Who May Apply?

A. Anyone who will be attending the next upcoming Bouchercon convention, an

B. Anyone willing to contribute up to four hours of volunteering during the eligible convention.

What is the Financial Assistance Offered?

1. The registration fee is waived.

2. Travel and lodging costs are reimbursed up to $500.00 for up to five awardees.

3. Awardees will be sent a reimbursement check within seven business days at the conclusion of Bouchercon and after receipts have been scanned/mailed to the Bouchercon Treasurer.

What is the Process?

- 300 to 500 word essay on the applicant’s interest in attending Bouchercon, the mystery genre (fan or author) and need for assistance.

- Past Bouchercons attended

- The BSA will be awarded on the basis of strength and clarity of the essay, interest in the crime/mystery genre, and likely benefit from the scholarship funds.

- A panel, one each of three persons, from the fields of: fans, authors and industry professionals, shall judge submittals and make the determinations. This is separate from the board or the LOC.

- Awardees will need to submit photos and bios in order to promote the program and recognize the recipients

Deadline: Send applications to bouchercon@bouchercon.com no later than May 1st, 2023

Scholarships will be announced on June 1st, 2023.

Books to Look Forward to From Pan Macmillan

July 2021

The Killling Tide is by Lin Anderson. After a fierce storm hits Scotland, a mysterious cargo ship is swept ashore in the Orkney Isles. Boarding the vessel uncovers three bodies, recently deceased and in violent circumstances. Forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod's study of the crime scene suggests that a sinister game was being played on board, but who were the hunters? And who the hunted? Meanwhile in Glasgow DS Michael McNab is called to a horrific incident where a young woman has been set on fire. Or did she spark the flames herself? As evidence arises that connects the two cases, the team grow increasingly concerned that the truth of what happened on the ship and in Glasgow hints at a wider conspiracy that stretches down to London and beyond to a global stage. Orcadian Ava Clouston, renowned investigative journalist, believes so and sets out to prove it, putting herself in grave danger. When the Met Police challenge Police Scotland's jurisdiction, it becomes obvious that there are ruthless individuals who are willing to do whatever it takes to protect government interests. Which could lead to even more deaths on Scottish soil . . .

A daring escape from a Cairo prison. An assassin who kills with a single touch. A vicious drug war on the streets of America. Suspecting these events are related, ex-MI6 officer Scott Pearce uncovers a chilling plot to unleash a terrifying new toxin on an unsuspecting world. When Pearce's team deploy to fight the menace on two fronts an undercover operation goes horribly wrong, leaving Pearce in a race against time to stop this deadly new threat. Pearce has burned the espionage rulebook, but now he is about to find out he's not the only one who can light a fire, and his enemies are determined to see the world burn . . . Red Wolves is by Adam Hamdy.

August 2021

Brian Murphy and his family are enjoying a relaxing summer vacation when his wife, Emma, comes down with mild flu-like symptoms. Their leisurely return home to New York City quickly turns into a race to the ER when her condition dramatically deteriorates. At the hospital, she is diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a rare and highly lethal mosquito-borne viral disease caught during one of their evening cookouts. Worse still, Brian and Emma's young daughter exhibits alarming signs of the same illness. An already harrowing hospital stay turns even more fraught when Brian receives a staggering hospital bill that his insurer refuses to pay out on, citing dubious clauses in his policy. Forced to choose between the health of his family and bills he can't afford, and furious at both an indifferent healthcare system and the lack of public awareness about a virus that poses a growing threat, Brian vows to seek justice.As he uncovers the dark side of a historically ruthless industry that preys on the sick and defenceless, it becomes clear he must take his revenge against those responsible by whatever means necessary Viral is by Robin Cook.

The Guilt Trip is by Sandie Jones. They went away as friends. They came back as suspects . . .Jack and Rachel. Noah and Paige. Will and Ali. Five friends who've known each other for years. And Ali, Will's new fiancee. To celebrate the forthcoming wedding, all three couples are having a weekend get-away together in Portugal. It's a chance to relax and get to know Ali a little better perhaps. A newcomer to their group, she seems perfectly nice and Will seems happy after years of bad choices. But Ali is hiding more than one secret . . . By the end of the weekend there'll be one dead body and five people with guilty consciences wondering if they really know each other so well after all. Because one of them has to be the killer . . .

September 2021

The Heron's Cry is by Ann Cleeves. North Devon is enjoying a rare hot summer with tourists flocking to its coastline. Detective Matthew Venn is called out to a rural crime scene at the home of a group of artists. What he finds is an elaborately staged murder - Dr Nigel Yeo has been fatally stabbed. His daughter Eve is a glassblower, and the murder weapon is a shard of one of her broken vases. Dr Yeo seems an unlikely murder victim. He's a good man, a public servant, beloved by his daughter. Matthew is unnerved though to find that she is a close friend of Jonathan, his husband. Then another body is found - killed in a similar way. Matthew finds himself treading carefully through the lies that fester at the heart of his community and a case that is dangerously close to home …

The Vacation is by John Marrs. How far would you run to escape your past? Venice Beach, Los Angeles. A paradise on earth. Tourists flock to the golden coast and the promise of Hollywood. But for eight strangers at a beach front hostel, there is far more on their mind than an extended vacation. All of them are running from something. And they all have secrets they'd kill to keep...

October 2021

State of Terror follows a novice Secretary of State who has joined the administration of her rival, a president inaugurated after four years of American leadership that shrank from the world stage. A series of terrorist attacks throws the global order into disarray, and the secretary is tasked with assembling a team to unravel the deadly conspiracy, a scheme carefully designed to take advantage of an American government dangerously out of touch and out of power in the places where it counts the most. This high-stakes thriller of international intrigue features behind-the-scenes global drama informed by details only an insider could know. State of Terror is by Hilary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny.

'Contrary to what you think, I'm carrying out this investigation as best I can. But let's do this: if I get stuck, if I find I can't go forward or back, then I'll let you know, and you can step in. And offer me a way out. You've gained a bit of detective work through me, haven't you? What do you say?' I'm game,' said the Author . . . When Inspector Montalbano receives an early-morning phone call it proves to be the start of a very trying day. For the caller expects Montalbano to arrive imminently at a rendezvous with some friends. But before he can reply the caller announces himself as someone called Riccardino and hangs up. Later that day news comes in of a brutal slaying in broad daylight by an unknown assassin who makes his getaway on a motorbike. And when the Inspector learns of the victim's identity - a man called Riccardino - his troubles are only just beginning. For soon he must contend with the involvement of a local bishop and a fortune teller who reports some strange goings-on in her neighbourhood. All roads soon lead to a local salt mine but the case proves stubbornly intractable until Montalbano receives another unexpected call . . . Riccardino is by Andrea Camilleri.

The Lonely Ones is by Håkan Nesser. A trip behind the Iron Curtain would change their lives forever . . . It begins in 1969. Six young people arrive in Uppsala. Different circumstances push the three young couples together and, over the course of a few years, they become friends. But a summer trip through Eastern Europe changes everything, and when their time at Uppsala University is over it also signals the end of something else. Years later, a lecturer at Lund University is found dead at the bottom of a cliff in the woods close to Kymlinge. And chillingly, it is the very same spot where one of the Uppsala students died thirty-five years before. Detective Inspector Gunnar Barbarotti takes on this ominous case of history repeating itself, and is forced to confront an increasingly grave reality.

November 2021

Sunset Swing is by Ray Celestin. Los Angeles. Christmas, 1967. A young nurse, Kerry Gaudet, travels to the City of Angels desperate to find her missing brother, fearing that something terrible has happened to him: a serial killer is terrorising the city, picking victims at random, and Kerry has precious few leads. Ida Young, recently retired Private Investigator, is dragged into helping the police when a young woman is discovered murdered in her motel room. Ida has never met the victim but her name has been found at the crime scene and the LAPD wants to know why . . . Meanwhile mob fixer Dante Sanfelipe has put his life savings into purchasing a winery in Napa Valley but first he must do one final favour for the Mob before leaving town: find a bail jumper before the bond money falls due, and time is fast running out. Ida's friend, Louis Armstrong, flies into the city just as her investigations uncover mysterious clues to the killer's identity. And Dante must tread a dangerous path to pay his dues, a path which will throw him headlong into a terrifying government conspiracy and a secret that the conspirators will do anything to protect . . .

The Adventures of Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Thief is by Maurice Leblanc. The inspiration for the hit Netflix show, LUPIN, Arsène Lupin is charming, clever and bold. A master of disguise, he steals from the rich, he always outsmarts the police and he’s generous to those in need. And above all, he never takes himself too seriously. This gallic Robin Hood has charmed readers for generations and the stories about his dazzling escapades have been adapted countless times for television, stage and film. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition of The Adventures of Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Thief uses the classic English translation by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos with an introduction by Emma Bielecki. In the opening stories, Lupin is arrested, only to engineer his own incredible escape. What follows are wonderfully entertaining and action packed stories that finish with a brief encounter with none other than Sherlock Holmes. These stories were first published together in 1907. 

Also published in November is Never by Ken Follett and Mercy by David Baldacci

Crime goes online in 2021 with Granite Noir

 

Organisers of Granite Noir have announced that Aberdeen’s Crime Fiction festival will return between 19^th to 21^st February 2021 as an online celebration of the very best of home grown and international crime writing

Granite Noir is inspired by the Granite City – its history, its atmosphere and its strong sense of place – and produced by Aberdeen Performing Arts on behalf of partners Belmont Filmhouse, Aberdeen City Libraries and Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives.

All events are free to view.

From the Programme -

Welcome to Granite Noir 2021, online this year and staying true to everything that’s best about the festival. We have Jo Nesbo and Camilla Lackberg leading our Nordic contingent, Ian Rankin, Stuart MacBride and Peter May representing the cream of Scottish crime writing, David Baldacci joining us live from Virginia and Attica Locke in Los Angeles. We have authors, bloggers and podcasters, headliners and our Bold New Voices Panel featuring the ones to watch . 

With the festival’s roots steeped firmly in the stories, history and heritage of Aberdeen and the North-east, we are delving into the city and shire archives again to bring you our Criminal Portraits webinar and Isla Traquair, also known in podcast land as The Storyteller, digs deep into two notorious murders in the North-east. 

We bring you a very special collaboration with the Backlisted Podcast and Val McDermid to celebrate Josephine Tey’s 125th anniversary and Peter May talks about his novel Lockdown, about a deadly global flu pandemic, written 15 years ago, and rejected for its unrealistic storyline. 

Be part of Granite Noir 2021 from the comfort of your own home, as we delve into the heart of darkness with a thrilling line up of events to celebrate crime fiction, in all its forms. 

Some of the events incude -

Friday 19 February, 

7pm Chaired by Fiona Stalker 

The Police Procedural is Dead! Long Live the Police Procedural! 

Stuart MacBride and Ian Rankin 

Fiction is a dedicated follower of fashion, and every few years one genre (or sub-genre) bubbles up to prominence, while another’s declared dead in the water. Except that’s not really how we read, is it crime lovers?   Here to discuss why stories about cops chasing baddies will never join the choir invisible are two of Scotland’s finest practitioners, Ian Rankin and Stuart MacBride. Between them they’ve sold millions of books earning their places at the forefront of the tsunami that is Tartan Noir. 

Friday 19 February,

8.30pm Chaired by Alex Clark 

A Voice of America 

Attica Locke 

Attica Locke is one of America’s most exciting writers, whose work not only encompasses award- winning novels, but writing and producing for television, including Netflix’s When They See Us and Hulu’s Little Fires Everywhere, and an upcoming adaptation of Waiting to Exhale.   Heaven My Home is the thrilling follow-up to the Edgar Award-winning Bluebird, Bluebird. It finds Texas Ranger Darren Matthews on the hunt for a missing boy whose family are infamous white supremacists. It’s set in a small town whose economy thrives on nostalgia for the ante-bellum era, a place where that era’s racism still thrives. In his race to save the boy, Darren has to battle centuries-old suspicions and prejudices, while facing fresh threats reignited by America’s current political climate. 

NB: This event was pre-recorded. There will not be audience Q&A. 

Saturday 20 February, 

10am Chaired by Theresa Talbot 

Bold New Voices

Femi Kayode, Susie Yang and Saima Mir 

It’s always exciting meeting the bestsellers of the future, and we’re delighted to showcase three debut authors whose novels are some of the hottest properties around. 

Saturday 20 February, 

2pm Chaired by Bryan Burnett 

Paying it Forward 

Will Dean, Catherine Ryan Howard, S.J. Watson 

To outsiders, success can look meteoric and instantaneous - but we know it’s about hard work, talent, and yes, a dash of luck. Join us for an hour with three superstars who go from strength to strength. Find out how they’ve handled success, and their ongoing outreach efforts to help others up the ladder, designed to inspire anyone who’s stuck, or new writers at the start of their careers. 

Saturday 20 February, 

3pm 

Celebrating Josephine Tey’s 125th Anniversary 

Backlisted Podcast at Granite Noir Andy Miller, John Mitchinson, and special guest Val McDermid 

Inverness-born Josephine Tey (real name Elizabeth MacKintosh), was a popular Golden Age crime writer. Her first novel, The Man in the Queue (1929), introduced Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard. The most famous Inspector Grant mystery, 1951’s The Daughter of Time, was voted the greatest mystery novel ever written by The British Crime Writers’ Association.   Bestselling author Val McDermid, an ardent fan of Tey’s work, has chosen Miss Pym Disposes as the centrepiece of this collaboration between Backlisted podcast and Granite Noir. McDermid’s most recent novel, her 40th, is the bestselling Still Life. 

Saturday 20 February, 

6pm Chaired by Alex Clark 

Enter The Gilded Cage 

Camilla Läckberg 

Granite Noir welcomes the Queen of Swedish Crime Fiction, bestselling author Camilla Läckberg, whose books have sold over 28 million copies worldwide.   A former economist, Läckberg grew up in Fjällbacka, a small fishing community located on the west coast, almost exactly halfway between Uddevalla and Strömstad. Her Fjällbacka novels were adapted for television in 2012, and the following year saw the premiere of the film The Hidden Child, based on the fifth book in the Fjällbacka series. 

Saturday 20 February, 

8pm Chaired by Jacky Collins 

An Audience with Jo Nesbo 

Jo Nesbo is one of the world’s bestselling crime writers, and the creator of Harry Hole, one of the most intriguing characters in crime fiction. He’s an international number one bestseller whose books are published in 50 languages, selling over 33 million copies around the world. Before becoming a crime writer, Nesbo played football for Norway’s premier league team Molde, but injury put paid to that career. Nesbo’s most recent novel, The Kingdom, the story of two brothers coping with a devastating family legacy, is a simmering, complex thriller delivering shocks and surprises at every turn. 

Sunday 21 February, 

2pm Chaired by Theresa Talbot 

Stranger Than Fiction? 

Behind the scenes at The Storyteller and Crime Noir Isla Traquair and Candice Gaines. True crime podcasts have captured the public’s imagination, but how are they made? Join international television host, producer, and journalist Isla Traquair, of The Storyteller, and Candice Gaines, of Crime Noir, as they reveal how they do what they do, and why!   We’ll be asking how they choose which cases to delve into, and what kind of research is involved. We’ll examine how they turn all that information into a compelling narrative, and why they chose the podcast format to connect with audiences. 

Sunday 21 February, 

4pm Chaired by Alex Clark 

Vengeful Hearts 

Stina Jackson, Eva Bjorg Aegisdottir, Lesley Kara 

Mary Higgins Clark said, “When someone is mean to me, I just make them a victim in my next book.” Join our panel of writers as they discuss the allure - and dangers - of revenge, and explain how they’ve explored this in their work. 

Sunday 21 February, 

6pm Chaired by Bryan Burnett 

Going Viral 

Peter May 

Bestselling Scottish author Peter May has seen his career encompass successes and setbacks, both as the author of award-winning novels and the force behind popular television programmes. Now, having sold more than 4.5M books worldwide, he’s at the forefront of international crime writing. He’ll talk about his fascinating career, and the two recent books whose stories pivot on the timely theme of how humanity behaves in times of tremendous upheaval.

Sunday 21 February, 

8pm Chaired by Lee Randall 

High Stakes Conspiracies 

In Conversation with David Baldacci 

Granite Noir is excited to welcome American author David Baldacci - a global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world’s favourite storytellers - for his first appearance at the festival. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide, and have been adapted for films and television. His established links to government sources give his books added authenticity. With his wife, he’s the cofounder of the Wish You Well Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America.   He talks to festival programmer Lee Randall about his life and work, and delves into the conclusion of his thrilling Atlee Pine trilogy, featuring a unique FBI agent on a personal mission of discovery. 

A complete list of all the events and more information about the individual events can be found here.

2020 International Thriller Award nominees!

BEST HARDCOVER NOVEL

One Good Deed by David Baldacci (Grand Central Publishing)...
Rag and Bone by Joe Clifford (Oceanview Publishing)
Recursion by Blake Crouch(Crown)
They all Fall Down by Rachel Howzell Hall (Forge Books)
The Chain by Adrian McKinty (Mulholland Books)
Conviction by Denise Mina (Mulholland Books)

BEST FIRST NOVEL

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing (Berkley)
Miracle Creek By Angie Kim(Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
The Good Detective by John McMahon (G.P. Putnam’s Son)
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (Celadon Books)
American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson (Random House)

BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL NOVEL

Girl Most Likely by Max Allan Collins (Thomas a& Mercer)

Never Look Back by Alison Gaylin (William Morrow Paperbacks)

Jihadi Bride by Alistair Luft (Black Rose Writing)

The Scholar by Dervla McTiernan (Penguin Books)

The Bird Boys by Lisa Sandlin (Cinco Puntos Press)

Such a Perfect Wife by Kate White (Harper Paperbacks)

BEST E-BOOK ORIGINAL NOVEL

Night Man by Brett Battles (Brett Battles)

The Deep Abiding by Sean Black (Sean Black)

Murder Board by Brian Shea (Severn River Publishing)

Leave No Stone by LynDee Walker (Severn River Publishing)

Close to You by Kerry Wilkinson (Bookoutre)

BEST SHORT STORY

“Turistas” by Hector Acosta (Down & Out Books)

“Call Me Chuckles” by Michael Cowgill (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine)

“The Long-Term Tenant” by Tara Laskowski (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine)

“Snow Job” by Lia Matera (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine)

“Fathers-in-Law” by Twist Phelan (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine)

BEST YOUNG ADULT NOVEL

Seven Ways to Get Rid of Harry by Jen Conley (Down & Out Books)

Catfishing on Catnet by Naomi Kritzer (Tor Teen)

We Speak in Storms by Natalie Lund (Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers)

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay (Kokila/Penguin Young Readers)

Keep This To Yourself by Tom Ryan (Albert Whitman & Company)

 

Books to Look Forward to from Pan MacMillian

August 2020

Mary McIntyre's disappearance tore the local community apart, inflicting wounds that still prove raw for those who knew her.  So when the present-day discovery of a child's remains are found in a peat bog south of Glasgow, it seems the decades-old mystery may finally be solved.  Called in to excavate the body, forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod uses the advances made in forensic science since Mary's vanishing to determine what really happened all those years ago . . . and who was responsible. One key person had been Karen Marshall who was devastated by her best friend's abduction. Questioned by the police at the time had led to a dead end and the case soon went cold.  Now the news of the discovered body brings the nightmares back. But added to that, memories long-buried by Karen are returning, memories that begin to reveal her role in her friend's disappearance and perhaps even the identity of the killer . . . The Innocent Dead is by Lin Anderson.

When I was Ten is by Fiona Cummins.  Twenty-one years ago, Dr Richard Carter and his wife Pamela were murdered in what has become the most infamous double murder of the modern age.  Ten-year-old Sara Carter - nicknamed the Angel of Death - spent eight years in a children's secure unit and is living quietly under an assumed name with a family of her own.  Now, on the anniversary of the trial, a documentary team has tracked down her older sister Shannon Carter, compelling her to break two decades of silence.  Her explosive interview sparks national headlines and journalist Brinley Booth, a childhood friend of the Carter sisters, is tasked with covering the news story.  For the first time, the three women are forced to confront what really happened on that blood-soaked night - with devastating consequences for them all.

Witness is by Mandasue Heller.  Holly Evans and her over-protective mother, Josie, are living a hand-to-mouth existence, moving constantly from one squalid dump to the next. When they move into an illegally sub-let council flat in Manchester's rough Lansdowne Estate, Holly finally feels settled for the first time in her life - even if she is forbidden to go out, or even open the front door to callers when her mum's at work due to fear of eviction. Increasingly cut off from friends at school, she soon feels isolated and alone in the world.  But Holly is about to make a new friend in Suzie - the glamorous woman who lives directly across the road who Holly witnesses being beaten up by her violent boyfriend. When it happens a second time, it's Holly that Suzie turns to for help. A bond is quickly formed between the pair, but there are things about Suzie that don't quite add up and Holly begins to suspect that there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Then Holly makes a shocking discovery about her past, which turns her entire world upside down, and she no longer knows who she can trust . . .

September 2020

The Darkest Evening is by Ann Cleeves.  Driving home during a swirling blizzard, Vera Stanhope's only thought is to get there quickly.  But the snow is so heavy; she becomes disoriented and loses her way. Ploughing on, she sees a car slewed off the road ahead of her. With the driver's door open, Vera assumes the driver has sought shelter but when she inspects the car she is shocked to find a young toddler strapped in the back seat.  Afraid they will freeze, Vera takes the child and drives on, arriving at Brockburn, a run-down stately home she immediately recognizes as the house her father Hector grew up in.  Inside Brockburn a party is in full swing, with music and laughter to herald the coming Christmas. But outside in the snow, a young woman lies dead and Vera knows immediately she has a new case. Could this woman be the child's mother, and if so, what happened to her?

Savage Kiss is by Roberto Saviano.  Nicolas Fiorilla and his gang of children - his paranza - control the squares of Forcella after their rapid rise to power. But it isn't easy being at the top.  Now that the Piranhas have power in the city, Nicolas must undermine the old families of the Camorra and remain united among themselves. Every paranzino has his own vendettas and dreams to pursue-dreams that might go beyond the laws of the gang. A new war may be about to break out in this city of cutthroat bargaining, ruthless betrayal, and brutal revenge. 

October 2020

Hidden in Plain Sight is by Jeffery Archer.  William Warwick has been promoted to Detective Sergeant, but his promotion means that he, along with the rest of his team, have been reassigned to the Drugs Squad. They are immediately tasked with apprehending Ahmed Rashedi, a notorious drug dealer, who operates his extensive network out of South London.  As the investigation progresses, William runs into enemies old and new: Adrian Heath, from his school days, now a street dealer who he convinces to turn informer; and financier Miles Faulkner, who makes a mistake that could finally see him put behind bars. Meanwhile, William and his fiancée Beth enjoy making preparations for their upcoming wedding, though an unpleasant surprise awaits them at the altar.  As William's team closes the net around a criminal network like none they have ever faced before, he devises a trap they would never expect, one that is hidden in plain sight . . .

To the outside world, suave, charming and confident doctor Marcus Valentine has it all.  A loving wife, three kids, a great job.  But there is something missing, there always has been… or, rather someone…  Driving to work one morning, his mind elsewhere and it on the road, he almost mows down a female jogger on a crossing.  AS she runs on, Marcus is transfixed.  Infatuated.  She is the splitting image of a girl he was crazy about in his teens.  A girl he has never been able to get out of his head.  Lynette had dumped him harshly. For years he has fantasised about seeing her again and rekindling their flame.  Might that jogger be her after all this time?  Could this be the most incredible coincidence?  Despite all his attempts to resist, his thoughts are consumed by this woman.  And when events take a tragically unexpected turn his obsession threatens to destroy both their worlds.  But still he won’t stop.  Can’t stop.   I Follow You is by Peter James. 

Mimi Augello is visiting his lover when the woman’s husband unexpectedly returns to the apartment; he climbs out the window and into the downstairs apartment, but one danger leads to another. In the dark he sees a body lying on the bed. Shortly after, another body is found, and the victim is Carmelo Catalanotti, a director of bourgeois dramas with a harsh reputation for the acting method he developed for his actors.   Are the two deaths connected? Catalanotti scrupulously kept notes and comments on all the actors he worked with, as well as strange notebooks full of figures and dates and names. Inspector Montalbano finds all of Catalanotti’s dossiers and plays, the notes on the characters, and the notes on his last drama, Dangerous Turn–the theater is where he’ll find the answer.  The Sicilian Method is by Andrea Camilleri.

The Secret Life of Mr Roos is by Hakan Nesser.  At fifty-nine years old Valdemar Roos is tired of life.  Working a job that he hates, married to a wife he barely talks to. He doesn’t have a lot to look forward to.  Then, one day, a winning lottery ticket gives him an opportunity to start afresh.  Without telling a soul he quits his job and buys a hut in a remote Swedish countryside.  Everyday he travels to this man made oasis, returning each evening to his unsuspecting wife.  Life couldn’t be better, until a young woman arrives…. Anna Gambowska is a twenty-two year old recovering drug addict.  On the run from the rehab centre she hated and an abusive relationship, Anna’s prayers are answered when she comes across a seemingly vacant hut in the Swedish woodland.  But it’s not long before Anna’s ex discovers her location, and an incident occurs that mars the life of Anna and Valdemar forever.  Inspector Barbarotti doesn’t take much interest when a woman reports her husband missing.  That is until a dead body is found near the missing man’s newly bought hut, and Mr Roos becomes the number one suspect.  

November 2020

Defend or Die is by Tom Marcus.  When no one knows you exist, you don’t have to play by the rules… Meet former MI5 officer Matt Logan. Now part of a totally deniable Government organisation known as “Blindeye”, with full licence to do whatever it takes to neutralise threats to the UK’s National Security.  When intelligence comes through that the Kremlin plans to launch a terror attack in London, Logan and the team set in motion surveillance on a billionaire Russian oligarch who may be connected with the oncoming threat.  As they dig into the man’s life, they soon discover a network of incredibly dangerous individuals whose plans could tear the nation apart.  Battling personal demons of his own, Logan must defend his country from a terrifying enemy or die trying …

Also published in November currently untitled Agent Atlee Pine novel by David Baldacci