THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL - Programme announced

 

THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL returns for biggest year EVER as new stage announced and all-star programme revealed

 

Festival Dates: 23 – 26 July 2026

www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

#TheakstonsCrime

Tuesday 14th April: Harrogate International Festivals today revealed the full programme for the 2026 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the world’s largest and most prestigious celebration of crime fiction, at a special reception at Hachette, Carmelite House in London.

This year’s programme has been curated by bestselling psychological thriller writer Lisa Jewell and features over 140 crime and thriller writers, making it the biggest event ever in the festival’s illustrious twenty-three-year history. An all-star line-up of bestselling authors and crime fiction names including Richard Armitage, Ardal O’Hanlon, Andi Osho, Denise Mina, Adam Kay, Abir Mukherjee, Elly Griffiths, Vaseem Khan, Val McDermid and M.W. Craven join Special Guest headliners Ann Cleeves and Brenda Blethyn, Anthony Horowitz, Holly Jackson, Chris Brookmyre, Chris Whitaker, Jane Harper, LJ Ross, Nadine Matheson, Gillian McAllister, Steve Cavanagh, Alice Feeney, and US crime superstar David Baldacci, on the packed programme.

Taking place at Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel from 23-26 July, this year’s Festival offers crime fiction fans even more opportunities to hear from superstar writers and discover new talent with the launch of the Swift Half Stage. This innovative new space championing brilliant storytellers, rising stars and boundary-pushing creatives in a series of bite-size events, features authors including Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall, Mick Herron, Ahana Virdi, Will Carver, Clare McGowan, Kia Abdullah, and Traitor’s star Harriet Tyce.

Festival highlights include the prestigious Theakston Old Peculier Crime Awards Ceremony and the much-anticipated Critics’ New Blood panel showcasing four extraordinary debut novelists, Anna Maloney, Leodora Darlington, M.K. Oliver and Mel Pennant, selected by leading crime fiction critics. For aspiring writers, Creative Thursday offers an immersive day of workshops and talks led by industry experts and bestselling writers including A.A Dhand, GR Halliday, and Julie Mae Cohen, with the rare opportunity to pitch work in the ‘Dragon’s Pen.’  

From dark domestic noir to the impact of technology on the criminal mind and a celebration of Agatha Christie’s enduring influence on the genre fifty years after her death, there is plenty to thrill everyone on this year’s programme. Evenings offer exclusive opportunities for fans to engage with authors at relaxed events, include the hilarious Interview Bingo and the hotly contested Late Night Quiz, compèred by Val McDermid and Mark Billingham. Two Author Dinners will see readers join forces with crime writers K.T. Nguyen, Sean Watkins, Emma Christie, Rupa Mahadevan, William Hussey, and many others to solve a fiendishly twisty murder mystery, hosted by Mel Pennant.  

Lisa Jewell, bestselling author and 2026 Festival Programming Chair said:

“This year marks Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival’s twenty-third year. Every year it gets a bit better, a bit bigger, more polished, and more exciting, and 2026 promises to be the best Festival yet. We were spoiled for choice when we compiled this year’s programme; never before have there been as many rich pickings in the fields of crime, thrillers and debuts, and this year’s programme is overflowing with new voices, old voices, literary legends, and Festival favourites. So, here’s to 2026; let the sunshine, the drinks flow and a bounty of brilliant writers cast their spells as we gather together to enjoy an unmissable year at the best crime-writing Festival in the world.”

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

“We are extremely proud to support this world class event for an incredible twenty-third year and welcome over 140 writers for what promises to be our biggest and boldest Festival ever. Lisa Jewell and the committee have delivered an outstanding programme packed with legends of the genre, massive internationally bestselling authors, rising stars, thrilling panels, and exclusive events. We look forward to an unforgettable Festival as we celebrate the very best in global crime writing this summer.”

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

“We are thrilled to reveal the full programme for this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, curated by Lisa Jewell and the Programming Committee. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Harrogate International Festivals, we are excited to expand the festival by introducing the Swift Half Stage to offer even more for our community of crime fiction fans to discover and enjoy this year. Whether you are a reader or a writer – and whether you’ve been coming to the festival for twenty-three years or this will be your first time - we look forward to welcoming you to Harrogate in July.”

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS:

THURSDAY 23 JULY:

Creative Thursday: Crime Fiction Writing Workshops (9am-5.45pm)

An immersive day of workshops and talks for aspiring crime writers with bestselling authors and industry experts including A.A. Dhand, Nikki Allen, GR Halliday, LC Winter, Becca Day, Sophie Flynn, Julie Mae Cohen, N.J. Cooper, Laura Sherlock and Mark Billingham.

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Awards & Festival Opening Party (9.00pm)

A celebratory event as the winner of Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, crime fiction’s most prestigious prize, is announced, with the McDermid Award for debut fiction and the Outstanding Contribution to Crime Fiction Award also presented.

FRIDAY 24 JULY:

Special Guest: Nadine Matheson & Steve Cavanagh (9.00am, Theakston Stage)

Two former lawyers, Nadine Matheson and Steve Cavanagh, discuss how they use their legal training to brilliant effect in their latest compelling novels.

Conversation: Truth, Lies & Alibis (10.00am, Swift Half Stage)

Join crime writers Harriet Tyce and Anna Mazzola for a fast, fun game of secrets and deception guaranteed to test your detective skills to the limit, chaired by C.B. Everett.

Panel: From Poirot to Podcasts (10.30am, Theakston Stage)

It is fifty years since the death of Agatha Christie and one hundred years since her hideaway in the Old Swan Hotel. Leading contemporary crime writers Ruth Ware, Ragnar Jónasson, Lucy Foley and Ross Montgomery explore Christie’s enduring influence on the genre with chair Val McDermid.  

Conversation: When Two Become One: how do writing partnerships stay in synch? (11.30am, Swift Half Stage)

A sharp, insightful session for crime fans, aspiring writers and anyone interested in the creative process, as one half of Evelyn Clark joins duo Ellery Lloyd to discuss the art of collaborative writing.

Special Guests: Holly Jackson & Gillian McAllister (12.00pm, Theakston Stage)

Ingenious and original rising stars Gillian McAllister and Holly Jackson discuss their exciting new novels and how TV and TikTok have proved vital to their successes! 

Panel: Can’t Get You Out of My Head (2.00pm, Theakston Stage)

Bestselling authors Abigail Dean, Erin Kelly, Jo Murray and Yemi Dipeolu discuss crime, control and dark psychological landscapes through a distinctly female lens, chaired by Andrew Hunter Murray.

Conversation: Still Killing it: 20 Years of Doug Johnstone (3.00pm, Swift Half Stage)

A celebratory event as Doug Johnstone marks 20 years since the publication of his debut novel - and the release of his twentieth book - in conversation with Chris Brookmyre.

Panel: Man About the House (3.30pm, Theakston Stage)

Bestselling writers John Marrs, CM Ewan, Mark Edwards and TM Logan examine domestic noir and what draws male writers to themes of home and family with journalist Lisa Howells.

Conversation: Unspoken: Why are secrets so powerful in crime fiction? (4.30pm, Swift Half Stage)

Join two of crime writing’s most psychologically astute voices, Clare McGowan and Kia Abdullah for an in-depth conversation about the power of hidden truths in storytelling.

Special Guest: Chris Brookmyre (5.00pm, Theakston Stage)

A special event celebrating thirty years since the publication of Chris Brookmyre’s debut novel Quite Ugly One Morning – and the return of wisecracking investigative journalist, Jack Parlabane, in 2026 sequel Quite Ugly One Evening. Chris will be in conversation with Mark Billingham.

Come Di-n-e With Me Friday Author Dinner (6.15pm)

A unique opportunity for readers to solve a murder mystery hosted by Mel Pennant, with crime writers Foluso Agbaje, Alice Bell, Nina Bhadreshwar, Hannah Brennan, Ronnie Brown, L.M. Chilton, Alex Hay, Sarah Hilary, Louise Jensen, Chris McDonald, K. T. Nguyen, Lauren North, Daniel Sellers and Paula Sutton.

Panel: Nothing But the Truth (6.30pm, Theakston Stage)

An exciting panel bringing together writers whose novel tackle complex societal issues through the unique lens of crime fiction, with Dorothy Koomson, Adam Kay, Saima Mir and Garry Disher in conversation with Matt Nixson.

Special Guest: David Baldacci (8.30pm, Theakston Stage)

One of the world’s leading crime writers, David Baldacci, in conversation with journalist Julia Wheeler about his hugely successful career and his latest novel, ‘Hope Rises’ featuring compelling anti-hero Walter Nash.

Interview Bingo (10.00pm, Theakston Stage)

Four authors and questions submitted by readers – ranging from the insightful to the ridiculous. Expect a funny, fast-paced and entirely unpredictable evening with Abir Mukherjee, Elly Griffiths, Andi Osho and Holly Stars – with chair Luca Veste.  

SATURDAY 25 JULY:

Special Guest: Anthony Horowitz (9.00am, Theakston Stage)

One of the UK’s best loved and most prolific writers Anthony Horowitz discusses his brilliant new novel A Deadly Episode with TV presenter Matthew Stadlen.

Conversation: From Page to Screen (10.00am, Swift Half Stage)

Is a crime story more powerful on the page or on screen?  M.J. Arlidge and Chris Chibnall compare the craft of writing novels and television drama, chaired by Julia Wheeler.

Panel event: What Happened to all the Serial Killers? (10.30am, Theakston Stage)

As technological advances make it ever easier for police to catch criminals, how do killers, crooks – and crime writers – navigate this new world? Crime writers Ajay Chowdhury, Vaseem Khan, Dame Sue Black and G.D. Wright discuss with chair Clare Mackintosh.

Conversation: Dark Minds & Twisted Tales (11.30am, Swift Half Stage)

Why do we enjoy being unsettled? Two of the most exciting voices in contemporary crime and psychological fiction, Ahana Virdi and Will Carver discuss pushing genre boundaries and using darkness and humour to challenge readers. 

Panel: Critics’ New Blood (12.00pm, Theakston Stage)

Showcasing the stars of tomorrow, four outstanding debut novelists Anna Maloney, Leodora Darlington, M.K. Oliver and Mel Pennant, selected this year by a panel of the UK’s top crime fiction critics, will be in conversation with critic and writer Natasha Cooper.

Panel event: A Way With Words (2.00pm, Theakston Stage)

Celebrating the writers who describe the dark stuff with a dazzling touch of poetry as Denise Mina, Sabine Durrant, Tracy Sierra and Calum McSorley join chair Tariq Ashkanani.

Conversation: The First Crime is the Hardest (3.00pm, Swift Half Stage)

Rebecca Philipson – whose journey to publication began at Creative Thursday – discusses her debut novel How to Get Away With Murder with Val McDermid.

Panel event: You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (3.30pm, Theakston Stage)

Unlikeable characters are central to many of the most-loved crime novels. Liz Nugent, Araminta Hall, Callie Kazumi and Chris Bridges discuss perfecting the art of imperfect protagonists with chair Shari Lapena.

Conversation: Are Spies Heroes Anymore? (4.30pm, Swift Half Stage)

An entertaining look at the evolution of the spy hero – from glamorous Cold War operatives to today’s flawed protagonists - with two of the genre’s best-loved writers Mick Herron and David McCloskey.

Special Guests: LJ Ross & Jane Harper (5.00pm, Theakston Stage)

Meet two natural storytellers, LJ Ross and Jane Harper, who both use remote and atmospheric locations – Northumberland and smalltown Australia – to spin beguiling stories of murder and mystery.

Come Di-n-e With Me Saturday Author Dinner (6.15pm)

‘Who dunnit?’ A second chance for crime fiction fans to test their detective skills by solving a murder mystery written with authors: Emma Christie, Jane Corry, Samantha Dooey-Miles, James Ellson, William Hussey, Fiona Keating, Nasheema Lennon, Rupa Mahadevan, Simon McCleave, Anna McPartlin, Ian Moore, David Tuch, Bridget Walsh, Paul Waters and Sean Watkin.

Panel: Whiteboards Versus Empty Screens: How Do They Do It? (6.30pm, Theakston Stage)

Four very different writers - Richard Armitage, Ardal O’Hanlon, Adele Parks and Remi Kone - discuss the joys of writing and the mystery of technique, and their very different approaches to writing a crime novel, with author Sophie Hannah.  

Special Guests: Lisa Jewell (8.30pm, Theakston Stage)

Multi-million copy bestselling psychological thriller writer Lisa Jewell discusses her addictive new novel It Could Have Been Her in conversation with crime writing icon and creator of Jack Reacher, Lee Child.

Late Night Quiz (10.15pm, Theakston Stage)

Authors and readers go head-to-head in a battle of crime fiction wits with quizmasters Val McDermid and Mark Billingham.

SUNDAY 20 JULY:

Special Guests: Alice Feeney & Chris Whitaker (9.00am, Theakston Stage)

Two hugely popular global sensations Alice Feeney and Chris Whitaker tell the inspiring and moving stories behind their journey to becoming writers and discuss their latest bestselling novels.   

Panel: Your Local Crime Writer (10.30am, Theakston Stage)

An author’s workspace is their home from home, and four writers Amen Alonge, M.W. Craven, Frances Crawford and Marie Tierney discuss how their environment affects their work, with broadcaster and crime writer Jeremy Vine.

Special Guests: Ann Cleeves & Brenda Blethyn (12.00pm, Theakston Stage)

Two incredible creatives, novelist Ann Cleeves and actor Brenda Blethyn discuss how they bought iconic detective DCI Vera Stanhope to life on our screen and on the page. 

Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2026 Special Guests revealed

Crime writing superstars’ and ‘new faces’ headline Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

as 2026 special guests revealed

Festival Dates: 23-26 July 2026

www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

#TheakstonsCrime

Harrogate International Festivals have announced the full line up of Special Guest headliners for the 2026 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the world’s largest and most prestigious celebration of crime fiction, taking place 23-26 July 2026.

Ann Cleeves and Brenda Blethyn, Anthony Horowitz, Holly Jackson, Chris Brookmyre, Chris Whitaker, Jane Harper and LJ Ross join previously announced headliners Nadine Matheson, Gillian McAllister, Steve Cavanagh, Alice Feeney and David Baldacci on a thrilling line-up of crime writing legends and international bestsellers from the UK, Australia, Ireland and the US, curated by 2026 Festival Programming Chair, Lisa Jewell.

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 hear from literary superstars and discover stunning new talent. Taking place at the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate, a packed programme of fascinating panels, talks and inspiring creative workshops showcases the very best of the world’s most popular genre.

Headline events include:

An unmissable event for Vera fans as writer Ann Cleeves and actor Brenda Blethyn, who played DCI Vera Stanhope for fourteen years, take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the much-loved TV series, and Cleeves unveils her latest Vera Stanhope novel.

Hugely successful author and TV writer Anthony Horowitz returns to the Festival hot on the heels of smash-hit BBC TV dramas Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders to showcase his latest novel.

Making her Festival debut Holly Jackson, mega bestselling author of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, introduces her new unputdownable thriller, Not Quite Dead Yet.

‘Queen of the psychological thriller’ and 2026 Festival Chair Lisa Jewell in conversation with Lee Child, iconic creator of the Jack Reacher novels.

Two of the most original voices in crime fiction, and previous winners of the Theakston Old Peculier Novel of the Year, Chris Whitaker and Chris Brookmyre make a welcome return to the Festival to discuss their latest novels, as Chris Brookmyre celebrates his 30th year as a published author.

Homegrown phenomenon LJ Ross and internationally celebrated Australian author Jane Harper, both multi-million-copy sensations, showcase their much-anticipated new novels.

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

“I came to my role as this year's Chair of programming for the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival with a golden wish-list of crime writing superstars, and I can barely believe how many of them we have now confirmed as headliners. It's a brilliant mix of new faces, perennial favourites and a surprise or two and I think readers are going to be blown away by this year's line-up. I am so excited to be there, in the moment, sharing this programme in all its glory with our attendees; so many incredible headliners, so many fascinating conversations, so much to look forward to. Roll on Harrogate 2026!”

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. Harrogate International Festivals celebrates six decades of arts Festivals in 2026, marking the milestone with more headline names than ever and exciting developments, set to make it the biggest Festival yet.

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

“It is a huge honour to support the world’s biggest and best crime writing Festival for an incredible twenty-third year. After our most successful year ever in 2025, we are delighted to welcome a bumper crop of exceptional Special Guests who include icons of the genre, chart topping authors and writers behind some of the most watched TV adaptations in recent years to our one-of-a-kind Festival this summer.”  

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

“I’m so proud of the incredible roster of Special Guest headliners curated by Lisa Jewell and the team. Readers have always been at the heart of the Festival and in the National Year of Reading, the 2026 programme is unapologetically reader-led, celebrating some of the most-read authors in the world whose books showcase the enduring appeal of crime fiction. Watch out for some more big reveals when we share the full programme in April and we hope you’ll join us at the Festival in July!”

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.

Bloody Scotland Sneak Peek

 Bloody Scotland 2024 Programme Sneaky Peak

Authors released as part of the festival’s inaugural ‘sneaky peek’ include:

Richard Armitage – Headlining the opening night on Friday 13th September, one of the UK’s most popular actors will be at The Albert Halls in Stirling to talk about his debut thriller, Geneva. His string of acting credits include The Hobbit, North and South, Into the Storm and Spooks.

Ann Cleeves – The creator of three outstanding crime series, two much-loved television dramas in Vera and Shetland and 26 novels translated into over 20 languages will be in conversation with one of the co-founders of Bloody Scotland, Lin Anderson. Her event will be on the afternoon of Saturday 14th.

Peter May – Launching the much-anticipated fourth book in the Lewis series, one of Scotland’s favourite crime writers will be back on the Stirling stage for the first time since 2014 in conversation with one of the founding directors of the festival, local author, Craig Robertson. He will be at the Albert Halls on Saturday evening.

Louise Minchin –  The BBC Breakfast TV presenter will be in Stirling at noon on Sunday 15th September to talk about her debut novel, Isolation Island. The book draws heavily on her TV experience.

Ruth Ware – The international bestselling crime writer – hot from being the guest programmer at Harrogate - will be in conversation with Louise discussing her new blockbuster, One Perfect Couple, chaired by TV and radio presenter, Bryan Burnett.

Tickets for all of these events are now on sale! See here.

Capital Crime 2024 headliners announced: Ian Rankin, Irvine Welsh, Ann Cleeves, Anthony Horowitz and Kellye Garrett

 IAN RANKIN, IRVINE WELSH, ANN CLEEVES, 

ANTHONY HOROWITZ AND KELLYE GARRETT TO HEADLINE CAPITAL CRIME 2024

Capital Crime 2024 to be held in Spring at the Leonardo Royal Hotel 

for second year, from 30th May to 1st June.

Capital Crime, the celebrated crime and thriller festival led by Goldsboro Books’ co-founder and managing director David Headley, has announced that it will be returning in 2024 to its new home of the Leonardo Royal Hotel, from 30th May until 1st June 2024.

Authors and speakers confirmed so far are:

Ian Rankin, creator of Inspector Rebus

Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh

Ann Cleeves, author of the Vera and Shetland series

Author and screenwriter Anthony Horowitz

Rising star of US crime fiction Kellye Garrett

Author and barrister Rob Rinder

Elly Griffiths, creator of the Ruth Galloway series

Silo creator Hugh Howey

Alex Michaelides, author of the global bestseller The Silent Patient

An unforgettable new voice in cosy crime Paula Sutton, otherwise known as the queen of cottage-core and the face behind Hill House Vintage.

The full line-up will be announced early next year.

Also returning are the festival’s Fingerprint Awards, which this year saw authors including Erin Kelly and Adele Parks celebrated for the first time ever; and the social outreach initiative, which aims to demystify the industry for young state-school Londoners considering a career in publishing. Early bird weekend tickets for next year are on sale now at www.capitalcrime.org.

In August 2023, Capital Crime returned triumphantly to London, in its brand-new home of the Leonardo Royal Hotel St Paul’s, with a star-studded three days of panels, events and launches with over 100 leading voices from crime fiction, including a sold-out event with Richard Osman and Miles Jupp.

Capital Crime co-founder David Headley said:

‘Next year’s line-up is already shaping up beautifully, with some of the most talented writers from all around the country signed up – and from the US, we’re delighted to welcome the enormously exciting Kellye Garrett and Silo creator Hugh Howey. I'm so delighted that Capital Crime champions authors not only on stage, but with our Fingerprint Awards where the readers vote for their winners in each category – every year our line-up reflects what fans are reading and this year's line-up is very exciting.’

Capital Crime Festival Director Lizzie Curle said:

‘We loved our brilliant new venue in St Paul’s, and from the feedback we’ve received from authors and attendees, so did everyone else! I’m honoured that we’ll be welcoming some of the best crime writers from around the world to join us in London, to celebrate crime and thriller writing with the authors, readers and fans who make Capital Crime possible. Our 2024 festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before.’

M.W. Craven wins Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2023 with The Botanist

M.W. Craven has been announced this evening as the winner of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2023, presented by Harrogate International Festivals, for The Botanist, the latest thriller featuring D.S. Washington Poe.

The Botanist, an instant Sunday Times bestseller, follows the disgraced detective as he is tasked with catching a poisoner sending the nation’s most reviled people poems and pressed flowers, whilst his close friend, pathologist Estelle Doyle, seeks his help when she is arrested for the murder of her father.

Multi-award-winning author M. W. Craven was born in Carlisle but grew up in Newcastle. He joined the army at sixteen, leaving ten years later to complete a social work degree. Seventeen years after taking up a probation officer role in Cumbria, at the rank of assistant chief officer, he became a full-time author.

He receives a £3,000 prize, as well as an engraved beer cask handcrafted by one of Britain’s last coopers from Theakstons Brewery.

M.W. Craven said on winning Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year: “This was genuinely the biggest shock of my life. It was a huge honour to be shortlisted among friends. I’m utterly thrilled, this is the biggest award for crime fiction.”

A record-smashing 14,110 readers voted for their winner this year among the six shortlisted authors: Elly Griffiths (The Locked Room), Doug Johnstone (Black Hearts), Fiona Cummins (Into the Dark), Ruth Ware (The It Girl), M.W. Craven (The Botanist) and Gillian McAllister (Wrong Place Wrong Time). The judges, including Simon Theakston, Steph McGovern, Matt Nixson from the Daily Express, journalist Joe Haddow, Lisa Howells and Gaby Lee from Waterstones, met the day before the Awards Ceremony to decide the winner, with the public vote counting as the seventh judge on the panel.

The judging panel had a difficult choice ahead of them and decided to recognise Elly Griffiths as Highly Commended for the penultimate mystery in her bestselling Dr Ruth Galloway series The Locked Room. Set in the early days of the pandemic, Dr Galloway is locked down in her Norfolk cottage, working to uncover why her late mother had a photo of the cottage dated years before she moved in, when DCI Nelson, who is investigating a series of deaths of women that could be murders or could be suicides, breaks curfew to visit her. Griffiths, who was Festival Programming Chair in 2017, has been nominated for the Award six times, and this is her first Highly Commended.

On receiving the Highly Commended honour, Elly Griffiths said: “I’m absolutely delighted, this has been an ambition of mine for a long time. It is the best award and to get Highly Commended is a huge honour.”

Craven and Griffiths were not the only writers celebrated at the ceremony, as Ann Cleeves received the Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of her impressive writing career.

Cleeves, the author of more than thirty-five critically acclaimed novels, is the creator of popular detectives Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn, who can be found on television in ITV’s Vera, BBC One’s Shetland and ITV’s The Long Call respectively. The TV series and the books they are based on have become international sensations, capturing the imaginations of millions worldwide.

She served as the first Reader-in-Residence at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in 2003 and has played a significant role in the crime writing community since then. Her book The Long Call was chosen for 2023’s Big Read, the North’s biggest book club, which takes the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival on tour to libraries across the north of England to promote literacy and reading for pleasure in local communities. In 2021 she launched the Reading for Wellbeing Project with local authorities in the North East, advocating for reading as a way to improve mental health and well-being and support access to books.

Cleeves is the latest in a line of acclaimed authors who have received the coveted award, with previous winners including Sir Ian Rankin, Lynda La Plante, James Patterson, John Grisham, Lee Child, Val McDermid, P.D. James and last year’s recipient Michael Connelly.

The announcement was made at The Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate, during the opening ceremony for the world’s most prestigious crime writing festival, Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival (20 – 23 July), where crime fiction icons including Vaseem Khan, Val McDermid, Lee Child, Andrew Child, Ann Cleeves, Jeffery Deaver, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Chris Hammer and S.A. Cosby and more will take to the stage at the world’s biggest celebration of the genre.

Ann Cleeves said on receiving the Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Award: “The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate has always been a very special festival for me because I was in at the beginning.  I’m delighted to accept this award and to help the team celebrate 20 years of brilliant crime writing.”

Simon Theakston, Executive Director of Theakston, commented: “Tonight’s winners truly represent Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Awards’ well-earned reputation for showcasing the very best crime writing talent. The Botanist is a real encapsulation of masterful crime writing, pushing the boundaries of imagination and crafting narratives that are shaping the future of the genre. Elly Griffiths has kept crime fans alike hooked with Dr Ruth Galloway’s investigations and I’m equally thrilled she is recognised for her ability to keep us holding our breaths until the very last page.

We’re so pleased to raise a glass of Theakston Old Peculier to their wins!

Deservedly taking home the Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution prize, Ann Cleeves stands as a paragon of inspiration, and her unparalleled talent has paved the way for countless aspiring crime writers; we’re delighted that we’re with her to celebrate.”

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, added: “The judges had a tough job to pick just one winner for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of The Year as the shortlist was incredibly strong. Following a lot of discussion, the panel finally selected the incredible M.W. Craven and his locked room mystery The Botanist, and recognised the incredible Elly Griffiths’ achievement with Highly Commended for The Locked Room. 

“We’re also thrilled to celebrate the work of Ann Cleeves with the Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution Award. Ann is a beacon of brilliance in this genre, and through her extraordinary characters, atmospheric settings, and masterful plots, she has captivated readers around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of crime literature.”

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year is run by Harrogate International Festivals and sponsored by T&R Theakston Ltd, in partnership with Waterstones and Daily Express, and is open to full-length crime novels published in paperback between 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2023 by UK and Irish authors.

An Evening with Vaseem Khan & Ann Cleeves

 

Ann Cleeves and Vaseem Khan in conversation.

Vaseem Khan and Anne Cleeves will once again be in conversation with each other on Monday 7th August 2023 at St Pauls Church, Whitley Bay, NE26 2TH. Hosted by Forum Books the event is due to start at 7:30pm. 

Ticket information can be found here.

Off to Bay Tales!!!

 

This is the second year that Bay Tales is taking place and initially when I got asked to Chair a panel last year my first thoughts to myself was why me? I was sure that there were a number of other people that they could have asked, and I was of course slightly apprehensive. However, my apprehension soon changed when I found out that I would be chairing a panel with Bay Tales patron the wonderful Ann Cleeves and with the equally wonderful and charming Vaseem Khan. It doesn't get better than that even though we were the opening act. I had a wonderful time chairing a chat between Ann and Vaseem and it was wonderful to be surrounded by such enthusiasm. It was also thoroughly enjoyable to be able to meet so many authors especially since the pandemic had put a big dent in crime fiction events. Being out and about was fantastic. Most importantly for an event that was being held for the first time Vic Watson and Simon Bewick pulled out all the stops. It was an event that certainly made it worthwhile for me to travel from Kent to Whitley Bay.

That was in 2022. Roll on 2023 and I will be back in Whitley Bay again. Am I looking forward to it? Most certainly yes. Aside from attending this one day crime fiction event will I be doing anything? Yes again. This year I shall be moderating a panel with Jack Jordan, Ruth Ware and debut author Jo Callaghan. I am certainly looking forward to it. 

Whitley Bay has a charm to it that this southerner quite likes. I do not often find myself up North and being able to not only take a long walk along the beach but take part in a crime fiction event as well is something to look forward to. My only concern is that I really don't like being cold. The weather is predicted to be between 5° and 3° Celsius on the Friday and 5° and – 1° Celsius on the Sunday. So I shall be wrapped up rather warmly whilst I am there. If you see someone wrapped up most likely wearing a red hat, a thick red scarf and red gloves then it's like to be me.

But what else is it about this event that I enjoy so much? The fact that it does not have two or more panels running at the same time is really good as it means that one does not have to make that rather frustrating decision as to which panel to attend. Bay Tales is also incredibly friendly. Both Vic Watson and Simon Bewick who are co-organisers of the event have made it their mission to make sure that this is an enjoyable event. Holding the event in a Playhouse as well is inspiring. The fact that it is also one of the first events of the crime fiction calendar is also a reason why it is a good event to attend. One gets the opportunity to ease oneself into the “season” of events.

Bay Tales is also a good place to start if you have never been to a crime fiction event before. Not too over whelming, great camaraderie and a great event where you can get to chat to various authors. This year there is also a number of other “side” events like Noir at the Bar where a number of authors get to read from their work and also On The Sofa with Victoria Selman.

If you haven't been before do seriously consider attending. It will certainly be worth it. See you there!

Photographs © Bay Tales

BayTales 2023

 

With only 17 days to go before Bay Tales 2023 there is still time to get tickets. Join over 15 of the biggest and best authors at the Whitely Bay Playhouse on Saturday 4 March 2023 whether you are a reader or a writer.

More info and tickets can be found here.

I shall be moderating the Simon and Schuster panel featuring Ruth Ware, Jo Callaghan and Jack Jordan where we will be discussing Dark Disappearances and Hidden Secrets.

On-site bookshop, Whitley Bay’s favourite indie the bound, will have new and backlist titles available

Author signings during breaks throughout the day.

Tote bags on sale featuring exclusive advance copies of some of 2023’s biggest titles (These items are limited stock only and details of how to buy will be revealed during the introduction)

Charity raffle featuring money-can’t-buy prizes from authors, publishers, local businesses and more

Surprise guest authors to meet across the day.

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.

Winners of 2022 CRIMEFEST Awards Announced

 

CRIMEFEST, one of Europe’s leading crime writing conventions, has announced the winners of its annual awards.

Now in its 15th year, the awards honour the best crime books released in 2021 in the UK.

The genre is the most popular in the UK. Nielsen BookData’s Books & Consumers survey data shows crime fiction sales in the UK across all formats stood at 54m in 2021; a 7% rise on pre-pandemic levels.

The winner of the anticipated Specsavers Debut Crime Novel Award, and £1,000 prize monies, is David Heska Wanbli Weiden for Winter Counts published by Simon & Schuster.

Named by the New York Time as one of “the most critically acclaimed young novelists working now,”Winter Counts was called a “once-in-a-generation thriller” by the Los Angeles Times. Weiden is the first Native American author to win an Anthony Award and the Thriller Award. Set on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, Winter Counts is an examination of the broken criminal justice system on reservations, and a meditation on Native identity.

A further £1,000 prize is awarded to Richard Osman and actor Lesley Manville, reader of Osman’s The Man Who Died Twice. It’s the second year the pair has scooped the Audible Sounds of Crime Award, sponsored by Audible and voted by Audible UK listeners, after winning in 2021 for his phenomenal debut smash-hit, The Thursday Murder Club.

All category winners will receive a Bristol Blue Glass commemorative award.

The eDunnit Award for the best e-book goes to Abigail Dean for Girl A. Born in Manchester, and a former bookseller for Waterstones, Dean now works as a lawyer for Google. Her astonishing debut novel about siblings who flee abusive parents received widespread acclaim as a story of redemption, horror and love. It was a Sunday Times and New York Times global best seller.

Winner of the H.R.F Keating Award for best biographical or critical book on crime fiction is Patricia Highsmith: Her Diaries and Notebooks, edited by Anna von Planta, which was published for the centenary of Highsmith’s birth in 2021. It was praised by the New York Times as offering “the most complete picture ever published” of the canonical author.

The Last Laugh Award goes to Mick Herron’s Slough House. The Jackson Lamb series of dysfunctional British intelligence agents has recently been adapted by Apple TV starring Oscar-winner Gary Oldman.

Best Crime Novel for Children, aged 8-12, goes to M.G. Leonard’s birdwatching detective, Twitch. The internationally bestselling author tells a mystery adventure about friendship, bravery and birds, and Twitch is a celebration of the natural world.

Best Crime Novel for Young Adults, aged 12-16, is awarded to

Angeline Boulley for Firekeeper’s Daughter. The novel was praised by the Guardian as, “an interrogation of racist misogyny and a swift-paced, compelling thriller.”

This year also sees the introduction of the Thalia Proctor Memorial Award for Best Adapted TV Crime Drama. The award is named in honour of Thalia, a CrimeFest team member and a much-loved figure in the world of crime fiction, and who sadly died earlier this year.

The award is decided entirely by public vote from a longlist of the 43 TV programmes broadcast on British TV in the last year, based on a crime book. Ann Cleeves won the inaugural gong for Shetland, beating a strong shortlist that featured Antony Horowitz for Alex Rider, M.C. Beaton for Agatha Raisin and James Runcie for Grantchester.

Adrian Muller, Co-host of CRIMEFEST, said: The crime genre has dominated the book charts and our TV screens, keeping many of us company, particularly in the last two challenging years. The genre never fails to offer escapism and entertainment, as well as often exploring big issues and emotions. As a genre that also often makes sense of a chaotic world, it’s helped many people and is something we need today more than ever. We’re proud to celebrate the best the genre offers.”

CRIMEFEST had to postpone its 2020 and 2021 conventions, due to Covid restrictions. Hosted in Bristol, it is one of the biggest crime fiction events in Europe, and one of the most popular dates in the international crime fiction calendar, with circa 60 panel events and 150 authors over four days.

Leading British crime fiction reviewers and reviewers of fiction for children and young adults, alongside the members of the School Library Association (SLA) form the CRIMEFEST judging panels, aside from Audible Sounds of Crime Award in which Audible listeners establish the shortlist and the winning title.

Co-host of CRIMEFEST, Donna Moore, added: “We are proud to be one of the few genre awards that recognise e-books and audiobooks, humour, children and Young Adult crime fiction novels. We aim to be the most inclusive of awards to reflect the values of our convention, and the incredible diversity and reach of the genre which dominates the cultural landscape.”

CRIMEFEST was created following the hugely successful one-off visit to Bristol in 2006 of the American Left Coast Crime convention. It was established in 2008. It follows the egalitarian format of most US conventions, making it open to all commercially published authors and readers alike.

2022 CrimeFest Award Winners

SPECSAVERS DEBUT CRIME NOVEL AWARD

Winter Count by David Heska Wanbli Weiden (Simon & Schuster)

AUDIBLE SOUNDS OF CRIME AWARD

The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman read by Lesley Manville (Penguin Random House Audio)

eDUNNIT AWARD

Girl A by Abigail Dean, (HarperCollins)

H.R.F. KEATING AWARD

Patricia Highsmith: Her Diaries and Notebooks edited by Anna von Planta (Weidenfeld & Nicolson)

LAST LAUGH AWARD

Slough House by Mick Herron (Baskerville, John Murray Press)

BEST CRIME FICTION NOVEL FOR CHILDREN

Twitch by M.G. Leonard (Walker Books)

BEST CRIME FICTION NOVEL FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley (Rock the Boat)

THALIA PROCTOR MEMORIAL AWARD FOR BEST ADAPTED TV CRIME DRAMA

Shetland (season 6), based on the books by Ann Cleeves. Produced by Silverprint Pictures, part of ITV Studios; shown on BBC1.