One of the best thing about events like Crimefest is staying up late with friends to the early hours of the morning chatting and drinking. It is such good fun. Even though on Thursday I had what for me was an early night, I seemed to have made up for on Friday (where I got to my room at 1:50am)and managed to actually crawl into bed slightly before 2:30pm and Saturday evening where I am not sure what time it was when I got to bed. I think it must have been certainly after 3:00am. Even Ali Karim went to bed earlier than me. However, I think that may be because he is due to take place in Criminal Mastermind later on today and I am sure that he would need to be at his best. I did however spend an enjoyable evening chatting to Peter Rozovsky, Mike Stotter and Emily Bronstein (who gave me one of the best foot rubs) that I have ever had. Thanks Emily! It was brilliant! I am not sure what the staff members thought of us because we had gone past the stage of propping up the bar. By the time we left that had begun to clean the floors and tidy up around us. Needless to say it was an enjoyable evening.
There are not many panels taking place today and I really want to enjoy what is left of the rest of the event. The first panels that are taking place this morning are - Transmission: Page to Screen - Authors with Experience of Both featuring Mike Hodges (of Get Carter Fame), Cath Staincliffe and Bill James. The moderator is Simon Brett. Giorgio Faletti was due to take part but has been unable to attend the conference due to ill health. I wonder if they wil get anybody else to take his place. The second panel this morning is Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll: The Business of Telling Lies- The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Crime Writing. This event is due to feature Joan Brady, Peter Gutteridge, Michael Ridpath, Yrsa Sigurdardottir along with participating moderator Anne Zouroudi.
Since my post yesterday afternoon which can be found here about the two women who decided to get upset on my behalf at Ruth Dudley Edwards panel I have had a number of people come up and talk to me about it. Brilliant! but please post a response on the blog. I would be delighted to here what others think about what the did and said. Also if you are not attending but just reading the blog your thoughts will also be welcome.
Anyway, now that I am up I had better make a start on getting myself organised for breakfast and the panels.
Watch this space for the result of the Criminal Mastermind Panel. I wonder if anyone will be able to dethrone Martin Edwards. I personally would not like to take bets on it. But it will be interesting to see someone try.
Showing posts with label Crimefest 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crimefest 2010. Show all posts
Sunday, 23 May 2010
Crimefest 2010 - Day 4 (Part 1)
It is actually Sunday morning and as much as I wanted to post this earlier I found myself after the gala dinner down in the bar busy talk to various people including Janet Laurence (former Chair of the CWA), Ruth Dudley Edwards, Zoe Sharp and her husband Andy. I have therefore slipped upstairs to post this before I forget. The toastmaster at the dinner was Gyles Brandreth who was and is an excellent raconteur. Speeches were given by Tonino Benacquista and Colin Dexter.
I promised to give you the result of the Crimefest Awards and they are as follows:-
eDunnit Award Winner - Beat The Reaper by Josh Bazell (Random House)
Last Laugh Award Winner - The Day of the Jack Russell by Colin Bateman
Best Abridged Crime Audiobook: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson (translated by Reg Keeland; abridged by Isabel Morgan). Reader: Martin Wenner (Quercus)
Best Unabridged Crime Audiobook: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson (translated by Reg Keeland). Reader: Saul Reichlin (Whole Story Audio Books)
I will post some more later on today.
I promised to give you the result of the Crimefest Awards and they are as follows:-
eDunnit Award Winner - Beat The Reaper by Josh Bazell (Random House) Last Laugh Award Winner - The Day of the Jack Russell by Colin Bateman
Best Abridged Crime Audiobook: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson (translated by Reg Keeland; abridged by Isabel Morgan). Reader: Martin Wenner (Quercus)
Best Unabridged Crime Audiobook: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson (translated by Reg Keeland). Reader: Saul Reichlin (Whole Story Audio Books)
I will post some more later on today.
Saturday, 22 May 2010
Crimefest 2010 - Day 3 (Part 2)
Okay so far this morning I have managed to attend a number of panels, not as many as I would have liked but this is only because it has been standing room only in the spotlight panel. The first of the spotlight panels was JG Goodhind talking about Sex and the Story. This was a look at how sex is portrayed in crime novels and how she (i.e. the author) portrays sex in her series along with whether or not sex should actually be put in crime novels. As JG Goodhind revealed to the audience she had no problem about writing sex scenes in her novels as under the name Georgina Brown she was one of the original Black Lace authors.
This was followed by Ruth Dudley Edwards talking about Making Fun of Islam: Should Crime Writers Fear to Offend or go for the Jugular. Those of you that know Ruth will be aware of her humor. Some people like it some people don't. But then again it is about taste. I found this a rather interesting talk for various reasons. You may or may not agree with Ruth's views and she was entitled to put them across. Basically what Ruth was saying was that we should stop being afraid to offend and allowing those who practise Islam intimidate us from free speech. The fear that is put across means that we are unwilling to stand up to Muslims who take offence every time Islam is joked about. Why? Using South Park as an example who have on more than one occasion have said that they are an equal opportunists when it comes to making fun of religion Ruth pointed out that there should not be a different set of rules for Islam, freedom of expression should not be curtailed and that crime writers had a duty to go for the jugular and not be afraid. This was a talk that could have gone on for ages, but rather sadly Ruth only had 20 mins. What made me do a double take was the fact that after stepping out of the room and as I was talking to someone I got approached by two American ladies who were at the conference for the day. They wanted me to know that they had been rather upset by Ruth's comments. I did actually look a bit bemused and said something along the lines that aside from Ruth being a crime writer that she is a very good journalist and that one does not always agree with her comments. However, that was not the reason why they were upset. The reason was because there had been a woman of "colour" in the room (aka me) and they felt offended on my behalf to some of Ruth's comments about Muslims. To say that I was nonplussed was putting it mildly. I could not understand why they felt that I would be upset. I think that they must have looked at me rather strangely when I said that I was used to Ruth and that there was nothing that she had said that had offended me. I think (and you may say that I was wrong) that I was more upset about their perceived reaction on my behalf. As lovely as these ladies may have been and I am sure that they meant well but I did not know them from Adam and found it rather strange that they should be upset on my behalf. I think I am fully capable of being upset myself when I want to be and since they did not know me it was rather patronising. I did suggest that they might want to go and have a talk with Ruth. As to whether they did or not I am not sure.
My favourite spotlight panel was Zoe Sharp's You Can't Run in High Heels: Self Defence Demonstration. Zoe ably assisted by Helen Fitzgerald gave a rather humorous but serious series of mini demonstrations about the art of self defence. However, joking apart the best thing that Zoe said was not to put yourself in the position in the first place.
I did have to miss a number of the other spotlight slots but one of the two final ones that I attended was Chris Carter's Serial Killers: The Bad, The Ugly and the Evil which was an interesting talk on serial killers and what makes them commit the offences they do. It was certainly not for the squeamish but it did give you an insight into the way their mind works. The other panel was Neil White's The Idiot's Guide to the Crown Prosecution Service. This again was a rather interesting look at the Crown Prosecution Service and the way it works. Neil explained the reasons why sometimes no matter what the public might think they have to be careful when deciding whether or not to prosecute as they have to be certain about obtaining a conviction. So despite the fact that the public might think that a prosecution should take place it does not always work that way.
So what else has happened? The Theakstons Old Peculier Longlist has been announced. Please do vote. The list of books can be found here.
This evening a number of awards are being give out. These are the The eDunnit Award for the best crime fiction ebook first published in the UK in 2009. The Last Laugh Award for the best humorous crime novel first published in the British Isles in 2009. The Sounds of Crime Awards for the best abridged and unabridged crime audiobooks first published in the UK in 2009.
Watch this space for the results!
I am now off to get dressed up for the gala dinner.
This was followed by Ruth Dudley Edwards talking about Making Fun of Islam: Should Crime Writers Fear to Offend or go for the Jugular. Those of you that know Ruth will be aware of her humor. Some people like it some people don't. But then again it is about taste. I found this a rather interesting talk for various reasons. You may or may not agree with Ruth's views and she was entitled to put them across. Basically what Ruth was saying was that we should stop being afraid to offend and allowing those who practise Islam intimidate us from free speech. The fear that is put across means that we are unwilling to stand up to Muslims who take offence every time Islam is joked about. Why? Using South Park as an example who have on more than one occasion have said that they are an equal opportunists when it comes to making fun of religion Ruth pointed out that there should not be a different set of rules for Islam, freedom of expression should not be curtailed and that crime writers had a duty to go for the jugular and not be afraid. This was a talk that could have gone on for ages, but rather sadly Ruth only had 20 mins. What made me do a double take was the fact that after stepping out of the room and as I was talking to someone I got approached by two American ladies who were at the conference for the day. They wanted me to know that they had been rather upset by Ruth's comments. I did actually look a bit bemused and said something along the lines that aside from Ruth being a crime writer that she is a very good journalist and that one does not always agree with her comments. However, that was not the reason why they were upset. The reason was because there had been a woman of "colour" in the room (aka me) and they felt offended on my behalf to some of Ruth's comments about Muslims. To say that I was nonplussed was putting it mildly. I could not understand why they felt that I would be upset. I think that they must have looked at me rather strangely when I said that I was used to Ruth and that there was nothing that she had said that had offended me. I think (and you may say that I was wrong) that I was more upset about their perceived reaction on my behalf. As lovely as these ladies may have been and I am sure that they meant well but I did not know them from Adam and found it rather strange that they should be upset on my behalf. I think I am fully capable of being upset myself when I want to be and since they did not know me it was rather patronising. I did suggest that they might want to go and have a talk with Ruth. As to whether they did or not I am not sure.
My favourite spotlight panel was Zoe Sharp's You Can't Run in High Heels: Self Defence Demonstration. Zoe ably assisted by Helen Fitzgerald gave a rather humorous but serious series of mini demonstrations about the art of self defence. However, joking apart the best thing that Zoe said was not to put yourself in the position in the first place.
I did have to miss a number of the other spotlight slots but one of the two final ones that I attended was Chris Carter's Serial Killers: The Bad, The Ugly and the Evil which was an interesting talk on serial killers and what makes them commit the offences they do. It was certainly not for the squeamish but it did give you an insight into the way their mind works. The other panel was Neil White's The Idiot's Guide to the Crown Prosecution Service. This again was a rather interesting look at the Crown Prosecution Service and the way it works. Neil explained the reasons why sometimes no matter what the public might think they have to be careful when deciding whether or not to prosecute as they have to be certain about obtaining a conviction. So despite the fact that the public might think that a prosecution should take place it does not always work that way.
So what else has happened? The Theakstons Old Peculier Longlist has been announced. Please do vote. The list of books can be found here.
This evening a number of awards are being give out. These are the The eDunnit Award for the best crime fiction ebook first published in the UK in 2009. The Last Laugh Award for the best humorous crime novel first published in the British Isles in 2009. The Sounds of Crime Awards for the best abridged and unabridged crime audiobooks first published in the UK in 2009.
Watch this space for the results!
I am now off to get dressed up for the gala dinner.
Crimefest 2010 - Day 3 (Part1)
Technically speaking I am correct and it is day three of Crimefest. However, yesterday evening I had the pleasure of announcing the Short Story Dagger Short List. I already posted the short list online earlier this evening and the winners will be announced at Harrogate Crime Festival in July.
Dinner last night was spent in the pleasant company of my friend Kirstie Long, fellow Shots colleagues Mike Stotter and Ali Karim, Adrian Magson and his wife Ann, Matt Hilton and his wife Denise and Shelia Quigley. I am not sure what the Italian restaurant thought of us but we were actually well-behaved and were not too noisy. After dinner we made our way back to the bar in the hotel where I have just the rest of the night (before deciding to come back up to my room and post this blog) talking to Stanley Trollip, (one half of the team that writes as Michael Stanley), Alison Bruce, Emily Bronstein and Peter Rozovsky who has the excellent blog Detectives Beyond Borders.
Unlike last night where I went to bed relatively early (for me anyway)at 11:30pm tonight I am still up at 1:50am in the morning. Tomorrow (or I should say) later on this morning I shall make up my mind what panels I am going to attend and unlike yesterday morning (when I made the mistake of thinking that the panels started at 10:00am)I am quite certain that the panels start at 10:00am. I am just not certain which one I am going to attend. Will it be All The Young Punks: Debut Authors or In the Spotlight where authors have 15 minutes each to talk about whatever they want. I shall just have to wait and see.
Dinner last night was spent in the pleasant company of my friend Kirstie Long, fellow Shots colleagues Mike Stotter and Ali Karim, Adrian Magson and his wife Ann, Matt Hilton and his wife Denise and Shelia Quigley. I am not sure what the Italian restaurant thought of us but we were actually well-behaved and were not too noisy. After dinner we made our way back to the bar in the hotel where I have just the rest of the night (before deciding to come back up to my room and post this blog) talking to Stanley Trollip, (one half of the team that writes as Michael Stanley), Alison Bruce, Emily Bronstein and Peter Rozovsky who has the excellent blog Detectives Beyond Borders.
Unlike last night where I went to bed relatively early (for me anyway)at 11:30pm tonight I am still up at 1:50am in the morning. Tomorrow (or I should say) later on this morning I shall make up my mind what panels I am going to attend and unlike yesterday morning (when I made the mistake of thinking that the panels started at 10:00am)I am quite certain that the panels start at 10:00am. I am just not certain which one I am going to attend. Will it be All The Young Punks: Debut Authors or In the Spotlight where authors have 15 minutes each to talk about whatever they want. I shall just have to wait and see.
Friday, 21 May 2010
CWA Short Lists
This evening a number of shortlists for the CWA Dagger Awards were announced at a drinks reception.
The shortlists were for the following awards and are as follows:-
Debut Dagger (sponsored by Orion)
All the Precious Things by Jan Napiorkowski (UK)
A Murder in Mumbles by Rick DeMille (USA)
A Place of Dying by Patrick Eden (UK)
Case No 1 by Sandra Graham (Australia)
Chinese Whispers by Alan Carter (Australia)
In the Lion’s Throat by Bob Marriott (New Zealand)
Legacy by Rebecca Brodie (UK)
Lockdown by Danielle Ramsay (UK)
Pretty Preeti by Stephanie Light (India)
Safe Harbour by Rosemary McCracken (Canada)
The Beggar’s Opera by Peggy Blair (Canada)
The Chameleon Factor by Kathleen Stewart (Australia)
International Dagger
Badfellas by Tonino Benacquista Tr. Emily Read, (Bitter Lemon Press)
Hidden in the Norman countryside under the witness protection programme, an American Mafioso and his family each discover a new vocation. Crime fiction that makes you chuckle is rare and this is an exceptional example of the species.
August Heat by Andrea Camilleri Tr. Stephen Sartarelli, (Picador)
The bitter-sweet adventures of Inspector Montalbano have a nostalgic air in this fine short novel. Another summer holiday with his beloved Livia is interrupted by the discovery of a long-hidden murder. Camilleri brilliantly evokes small-town Sicily.
Hypothermia by Arnaldur Indridason Tr. Victoria Cribb, (Harvill Secker)
Erlendur’s tenacious investigations of old cases, as well as his own life, come together in this dark, moving mystery. Ghosts from his own past haunt his search for long missing persons.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest, by Stieg Larsson Tr. Reg Keeland (MacLehose Press)
This exciting and much acclaimed end to what would have been the first of three trilogies maintains the suspense of a complex thriller, while expanding a fascinating cast of characters.
Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer, Tr K.L. Seegers Hodder and Stoughton (originally written in Afrikaans)
Benny Griessel has been put out to pasture, charged with mentoring a disparate group of new South African police officers. Suddenly, he has thirteen hours to save a life and solve a murder. Meyer turns the constraints of the clock into a tour de force of plotting.
The Darkest Room by Johan Theorin Tr Marlaine Delargy, (Black Swan)
Four plot strands whorl around the vortex of an unexplained death. It is impossible to reduce this mysterious novel to ghost story, a police procedural or a gothic tale.
The Judging panel consisted of
Ann Cleeves, non-voting chair, is an award-winning crime writer.
Karen Meek - Library assistant and founder of the Euro Crime website:
Ruth Morse - teaches English Literature at the University of Paris. She is a frequent contributor to the Times Literary Supplement.
John Murray-Browne is a bookseller.
Dagger in the Library
Simon Beckett (Bantam)
Exciting British addition to the forensic arena. Tackles different ground in each novel.
R J Ellory (Orion)
Beautifully crafted, matching lyrical prose with complex characters and taut storylines.
Ariana Franklin (Random House)
Wonderful cast of characters. Wears her research lightly and highlights new aspects of the era
Mo Hayder (Bantam)
Pacy writing. Seamlessly interweaves personal lives of police characters into the plots
Denise Mina (Transworld)
Good plots, strong female characters, excellent dialogue. Brings working class Glasgow to life.
Chris Simms (Orion)
Manchester set police procedural. Well researched and finely plotted.
The judging panel consisted of :-
Mark Benjamin - formerly Team Librarian, Northumberland County Libraries
Karen Fraser - Customer Service Librarian, Shetland Libraries
Cheney Gardner - Reader and Community Services Manager, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Viki Lagus - Development Librarian, South Tyneside Borough Libraries
Helen McNabb - Stock Manager, Vale of Glamorgan Library Services
John Martin - Development Librarian, Leicestershire County Libraries
Deb Ryan - Senior Librarian, Reader Services, RNIB
Short Story Dagger Award
A Calculated Risk by Sean Chercover (Mira) from Thriller 2 edited by Clive Cussler - In A Calculated Risk scuba diving takes on a new significance on the other side of the law. Subtly and deftly told with a menacing atmosphere.
The Weapon by Jeffrey Deaver (Mira) from Thriller 2 edited by Clive Cussler - High stakes and lack of time are the order of the day in The Weapon. Shaped by today’s headlines it is intriguing, topical and thrilling.
Can You Help Me Out There by Robert Ferrigno (Mira) from Thriller 2 edited by Clive Cussler - In Can You Help Me Out There Robert Ferrigno has showcased an ability to mix humour with suspense along with having a knack for creating villains that make you smile even as they send chills down our spin.
Boldt's Broken Angel by Ridley Pearson (Mira) from Thriller 2 edited by Clive Cussler -
With one of the most opening memorable and compelling scenes Boldt's Broken Angel follows Detective Boldt as he tracks down a twisted serial killer. A model thriller.
Like a Virgin by Peter Robinson (Hodder and Stoughton) from The Price of Love - In Like a Virgin a cold case brings back memories of a number of brutal murders and its repercussions. Elegantly written containing many unforgettable images and karma that comes back to haunt you.
Killing Time by Jon Land (Mira) from Thriller 2 edited by Clive Cussler. - In a Killing Time, time is the enemy of a professional killer after a murder goes terribly wrong. Gruesome, but an intriguing and thoroughly credible story.
Protecting the Innocent by Simon Wood (Mira) from Thriller 2 edited by Clive Cussler.- A stubborn love struck protagonist is not averse to taking a little risk, but how far would you go for love? A tangled tale with horrific consequences for the love struck characters.
Judging panel
Ayo Onatade (Chairperson), crime fiction fan for over 30 years. When not content with running the lives of senior judges she writes for a number of crime fiction websites including Shotsmag.co.uk, Mystery Women and Crimespree Magazine.
Simon Brett is the author of over eighty books, many of which are crime novels, including the Charles Paris, Mrs Pargeter, Fethering and Blotto and Twinks series. He is also President of the Detection Club.
Adrian Magson is a freelance writer, crime author and reviewer, with over 300 short stories published in magazines and anthologies in the UK and overseas.
Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction
Major Farran’s Hat by David Cesarani. Heinemann - A scandalous case – long-forgotten in Britain, but memorialised in Jerusalem – of the abduction and disappearance of a young Israeli boy by a British security agent.
Killing Time by David Dow(Heinemann)- A haunting memoir, by an American defence lawyer, of his fight to save the lives of
possibly-innocent murderers condemned to death in Houston, Texas.
Aftermath: The Omagh Bombing & the Families’ Pursuit of Justice by Ruth Dudley Edwards (Harvill Secker). - The historian and crime-novelist‘s detailed account of her successful struggle, with the assistance of lawyers, to achieve recognition of those responsible.
Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie & Clyde by Jeff Guinn Simon & Schuster. - A meticulously detailed account, with previously unpublished family material, of the remarkably unglamorous career of the notorious pair’s two-year crime spree.
Defending the Guilty by Alex McBride. (Penguin/Viking) - A light-hearted but instructive description, by a criminal barrister, of the early career of a leading defence lawyer, and the problems that have to be overcome.
The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston, with Mario Spez. Virgin/Random House. - An investigation into one of the most infamous figures in recent Italian history, a serial killer who ritually murdered 14 young lovers, and has never been caught.
Congratulations to all the nominees. The winners will be announced later this year.
The shortlists were for the following awards and are as follows:-
Debut Dagger (sponsored by Orion)
All the Precious Things by Jan Napiorkowski (UK)
A Murder in Mumbles by Rick DeMille (USA)
A Place of Dying by Patrick Eden (UK)
Case No 1 by Sandra Graham (Australia)
Chinese Whispers by Alan Carter (Australia)
In the Lion’s Throat by Bob Marriott (New Zealand)
Legacy by Rebecca Brodie (UK)
Lockdown by Danielle Ramsay (UK)
Pretty Preeti by Stephanie Light (India)
Safe Harbour by Rosemary McCracken (Canada)
The Beggar’s Opera by Peggy Blair (Canada)
The Chameleon Factor by Kathleen Stewart (Australia)
International Dagger
Badfellas by Tonino Benacquista Tr. Emily Read, (Bitter Lemon Press)
Hidden in the Norman countryside under the witness protection programme, an American Mafioso and his family each discover a new vocation. Crime fiction that makes you chuckle is rare and this is an exceptional example of the species.
August Heat by Andrea Camilleri Tr. Stephen Sartarelli, (Picador)
The bitter-sweet adventures of Inspector Montalbano have a nostalgic air in this fine short novel. Another summer holiday with his beloved Livia is interrupted by the discovery of a long-hidden murder. Camilleri brilliantly evokes small-town Sicily.
Hypothermia by Arnaldur Indridason Tr. Victoria Cribb, (Harvill Secker)
Erlendur’s tenacious investigations of old cases, as well as his own life, come together in this dark, moving mystery. Ghosts from his own past haunt his search for long missing persons.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest, by Stieg Larsson Tr. Reg Keeland (MacLehose Press)
This exciting and much acclaimed end to what would have been the first of three trilogies maintains the suspense of a complex thriller, while expanding a fascinating cast of characters.
Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer, Tr K.L. Seegers Hodder and Stoughton (originally written in Afrikaans)
Benny Griessel has been put out to pasture, charged with mentoring a disparate group of new South African police officers. Suddenly, he has thirteen hours to save a life and solve a murder. Meyer turns the constraints of the clock into a tour de force of plotting.
The Darkest Room by Johan Theorin Tr Marlaine Delargy, (Black Swan)
Four plot strands whorl around the vortex of an unexplained death. It is impossible to reduce this mysterious novel to ghost story, a police procedural or a gothic tale.
The Judging panel consisted of
Ann Cleeves, non-voting chair, is an award-winning crime writer.
Karen Meek - Library assistant and founder of the Euro Crime website:
Ruth Morse - teaches English Literature at the University of Paris. She is a frequent contributor to the Times Literary Supplement.
John Murray-Browne is a bookseller.
Dagger in the Library
Simon Beckett (Bantam)
Exciting British addition to the forensic arena. Tackles different ground in each novel.
R J Ellory (Orion)
Beautifully crafted, matching lyrical prose with complex characters and taut storylines.
Ariana Franklin (Random House)
Wonderful cast of characters. Wears her research lightly and highlights new aspects of the era
Mo Hayder (Bantam)
Pacy writing. Seamlessly interweaves personal lives of police characters into the plots
Denise Mina (Transworld)
Good plots, strong female characters, excellent dialogue. Brings working class Glasgow to life.
Chris Simms (Orion)
Manchester set police procedural. Well researched and finely plotted.
The judging panel consisted of :-
Mark Benjamin - formerly Team Librarian, Northumberland County Libraries
Karen Fraser - Customer Service Librarian, Shetland Libraries
Cheney Gardner - Reader and Community Services Manager, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Viki Lagus - Development Librarian, South Tyneside Borough Libraries
Helen McNabb - Stock Manager, Vale of Glamorgan Library Services
John Martin - Development Librarian, Leicestershire County Libraries
Deb Ryan - Senior Librarian, Reader Services, RNIB
Short Story Dagger AwardA Calculated Risk by Sean Chercover (Mira) from Thriller 2 edited by Clive Cussler - In A Calculated Risk scuba diving takes on a new significance on the other side of the law. Subtly and deftly told with a menacing atmosphere.
The Weapon by Jeffrey Deaver (Mira) from Thriller 2 edited by Clive Cussler - High stakes and lack of time are the order of the day in The Weapon. Shaped by today’s headlines it is intriguing, topical and thrilling.
Can You Help Me Out There by Robert Ferrigno (Mira) from Thriller 2 edited by Clive Cussler - In Can You Help Me Out There Robert Ferrigno has showcased an ability to mix humour with suspense along with having a knack for creating villains that make you smile even as they send chills down our spin.
Boldt's Broken Angel by Ridley Pearson (Mira) from Thriller 2 edited by Clive Cussler -
With one of the most opening memorable and compelling scenes Boldt's Broken Angel follows Detective Boldt as he tracks down a twisted serial killer. A model thriller.
Like a Virgin by Peter Robinson (Hodder and Stoughton) from The Price of Love - In Like a Virgin a cold case brings back memories of a number of brutal murders and its repercussions. Elegantly written containing many unforgettable images and karma that comes back to haunt you.
Killing Time by Jon Land (Mira) from Thriller 2 edited by Clive Cussler. - In a Killing Time, time is the enemy of a professional killer after a murder goes terribly wrong. Gruesome, but an intriguing and thoroughly credible story.
Protecting the Innocent by Simon Wood (Mira) from Thriller 2 edited by Clive Cussler.- A stubborn love struck protagonist is not averse to taking a little risk, but how far would you go for love? A tangled tale with horrific consequences for the love struck characters.
Judging panel
Ayo Onatade (Chairperson), crime fiction fan for over 30 years. When not content with running the lives of senior judges she writes for a number of crime fiction websites including Shotsmag.co.uk, Mystery Women and Crimespree Magazine.
Simon Brett is the author of over eighty books, many of which are crime novels, including the Charles Paris, Mrs Pargeter, Fethering and Blotto and Twinks series. He is also President of the Detection Club.
Adrian Magson is a freelance writer, crime author and reviewer, with over 300 short stories published in magazines and anthologies in the UK and overseas.
Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction
Major Farran’s Hat by David Cesarani. Heinemann - A scandalous case – long-forgotten in Britain, but memorialised in Jerusalem – of the abduction and disappearance of a young Israeli boy by a British security agent.
Killing Time by David Dow(Heinemann)- A haunting memoir, by an American defence lawyer, of his fight to save the lives of
possibly-innocent murderers condemned to death in Houston, Texas.
Aftermath: The Omagh Bombing & the Families’ Pursuit of Justice by Ruth Dudley Edwards (Harvill Secker). - The historian and crime-novelist‘s detailed account of her successful struggle, with the assistance of lawyers, to achieve recognition of those responsible.
Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie & Clyde by Jeff Guinn Simon & Schuster. - A meticulously detailed account, with previously unpublished family material, of the remarkably unglamorous career of the notorious pair’s two-year crime spree.
Defending the Guilty by Alex McBride. (Penguin/Viking) - A light-hearted but instructive description, by a criminal barrister, of the early career of a leading defence lawyer, and the problems that have to be overcome.
The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston, with Mario Spez. Virgin/Random House. - An investigation into one of the most infamous figures in recent Italian history, a serial killer who ritually murdered 14 young lovers, and has never been caught.
Congratulations to all the nominees. The winners will be announced later this year.
Crimefest 2010 Day 2 (Part 2)
I did manage to get myself up, dressed and have breakfast in time to get to the second panel of the day. My feet took me to the panel No More Heroes: Today’s Sleuths & Crime Solvers. Lindsay Davis who started it off by saying that she agreed with all the others excellently moderated this panel that the title of the panel was rubbish. Apparently (and I may have misheard) the titles were based on punk songs!
The panel members J G Goodhind, Pauline Rowson, Linda Regan and Neil White discussed their characters and amongst the issues talked about included whether or not their characters were heroes and if not why not and if they were why did they think so. The long-term plans of their characters were also raised. As to whether or not their characters are heroic or human is something that not only something the authors ponder about but also the readers.
The second panel that I have attended today is Grimly Fiendish: Whatever That Means! Donna Moore who made everyone read a short poem before they started moderated this panel. I think my favourite of all the poems was Steve Mosby’s Ode to Jack Reacher followed by Zoë Sharp’s A fate worse than death. It is at times difficult (in my opinion) to succinctly summarise what is said at panels. In this case I can only say that Donna Moore was a brilliant moderator and that it was clear that the panel members who were Zoë Sharp, Chris Ewan, Steve Mosby and Helen Fitzgerald were enjoying themselves from the banter and responses that the audience heard.
Lust for Life: What Turns You On was the first panel that I attended after lunch. Ably and promptly moderated by participating moderator Natasha “N J” Cooper the panel members consisted of Lindsay Davis, L C Tyler, Tom Harper and Laura Wilson. As one has come to expect from these panels so far, it was a delight to listen to all of the panel members and their take on not only what turns them on but also what in hindsight they would have done when they first started writing and a number of other interesting questions. It was interesting to hear Tom Harper say that the way in which he writes scenes of violence has changed since he became a father because it was literally the same thing that I had heard from Steve Mosby in the Grimly Fiendish panel.
Unfortunately – Giorgio Faletti has had to pull out of Crimefest due to ill health. Luckily for me I have an interview with Giorgio Faletti which will be posted on the Shots website once I have managed to sort it out. I can only say watch this space.
It has actually been quite fun meeting up with various people that I have not seen for sometime e.g. Caroline Carver, Priscilla Masters, Claire Seeber and Alison Bruce.
I also have to say thank you to Emily Bronstein for introducing me to Michael Stanley. Oh and before I forget – Ruth – Bill James has asked me to pass on his regards!
Later on this evening the Crimefest will be hosting the CWA Dagger Shortlist Announcement Party. Watch this space for the shortlist in due course. I have taken some pictures and promise to upload them soon!
The panel members J G Goodhind, Pauline Rowson, Linda Regan and Neil White discussed their characters and amongst the issues talked about included whether or not their characters were heroes and if not why not and if they were why did they think so. The long-term plans of their characters were also raised. As to whether or not their characters are heroic or human is something that not only something the authors ponder about but also the readers.
The second panel that I have attended today is Grimly Fiendish: Whatever That Means! Donna Moore who made everyone read a short poem before they started moderated this panel. I think my favourite of all the poems was Steve Mosby’s Ode to Jack Reacher followed by Zoë Sharp’s A fate worse than death. It is at times difficult (in my opinion) to succinctly summarise what is said at panels. In this case I can only say that Donna Moore was a brilliant moderator and that it was clear that the panel members who were Zoë Sharp, Chris Ewan, Steve Mosby and Helen Fitzgerald were enjoying themselves from the banter and responses that the audience heard.
Lust for Life: What Turns You On was the first panel that I attended after lunch. Ably and promptly moderated by participating moderator Natasha “N J” Cooper the panel members consisted of Lindsay Davis, L C Tyler, Tom Harper and Laura Wilson. As one has come to expect from these panels so far, it was a delight to listen to all of the panel members and their take on not only what turns them on but also what in hindsight they would have done when they first started writing and a number of other interesting questions. It was interesting to hear Tom Harper say that the way in which he writes scenes of violence has changed since he became a father because it was literally the same thing that I had heard from Steve Mosby in the Grimly Fiendish panel.
Unfortunately – Giorgio Faletti has had to pull out of Crimefest due to ill health. Luckily for me I have an interview with Giorgio Faletti which will be posted on the Shots website once I have managed to sort it out. I can only say watch this space.
It has actually been quite fun meeting up with various people that I have not seen for sometime e.g. Caroline Carver, Priscilla Masters, Claire Seeber and Alison Bruce.
I also have to say thank you to Emily Bronstein for introducing me to Michael Stanley. Oh and before I forget – Ruth – Bill James has asked me to pass on his regards!
Later on this evening the Crimefest will be hosting the CWA Dagger Shortlist Announcement Party. Watch this space for the shortlist in due course. I have taken some pictures and promise to upload them soon!
Crimefest 2010 - Day 2 (Part1)
So day 2 of Crimefest has arrived and there are a number of interesting panels. However, I have just realised that the first panels start at 9:00am. I am not sure that I am going to make this as I need to go and have some breakfast!
I am also in a quandary as to what panels to attend. Shall I go for No More Heroes: Today's Sleuths & Crime Solvers or shall I attend Down in the Sewer: Violence, Language & Sex? I shall wait and see where my feet take me!
I am also in a quandary as to what panels to attend. Shall I go for No More Heroes: Today's Sleuths & Crime Solvers or shall I attend Down in the Sewer: Violence, Language & Sex? I shall wait and see where my feet take me!
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Crimefest 2010 - Day 1 (Part 2)
So did I manage to get to the third panel of the day? Rather sadly I did not. What with having to stay in my room to wait for my luggage to turn up, for them to come and sort out the safe that was not working, along with the air condition that was not working I managed to miss the third panel Personality Crisis: Multiple series an collaborating authors. The panel members were Judith Cutler, Lyndon Stacey Michael Stanley along with participating moderator Charles Todd.
The only thing that I managed to take part in was the quiz and to be honest I really did not have any intention of taking part. I had my arm rather lightly twisted. Mike Stotter the editor of hots declined to take part and Ali Karim was banned from being a member of certain teams. I ended up being a member of "Team International" which consisted of myself, Peter Rozovsky and Maxim Jakubowski. We did not do too badly coming in second. I am not sure that I can believe Peter Gutteridge's comment that the questions were easy. Peter was quiz master so of course he is going to say this. It has however been rather nice catching up with various people. My friend Kirstie has been looking at me with astonishment. I did however warn her - I can't move walk very far without being stopped by various people wanting to say hello. So far since my first post I have seen and spoken to Lindsey Davis, Zoe Sharp, Steve Mosby (very, very briefly) of course Ali Karim and Mike Stotter, Linda Reagan, Karen Meek of Euro Crime fame and a number of others. It is now 11:00pm and I am trying to decide whether or not I am going to take myself back downstairs to the bar or call it a day. Who knows? You are just going to have to wait until tomorrow to find out what I decide to do! I am not sure what tomorrow will bring!
The only thing that I managed to take part in was the quiz and to be honest I really did not have any intention of taking part. I had my arm rather lightly twisted. Mike Stotter the editor of hots declined to take part and Ali Karim was banned from being a member of certain teams. I ended up being a member of "Team International" which consisted of myself, Peter Rozovsky and Maxim Jakubowski. We did not do too badly coming in second. I am not sure that I can believe Peter Gutteridge's comment that the questions were easy. Peter was quiz master so of course he is going to say this. It has however been rather nice catching up with various people. My friend Kirstie has been looking at me with astonishment. I did however warn her - I can't move walk very far without being stopped by various people wanting to say hello. So far since my first post I have seen and spoken to Lindsey Davis, Zoe Sharp, Steve Mosby (very, very briefly) of course Ali Karim and Mike Stotter, Linda Reagan, Karen Meek of Euro Crime fame and a number of others. It is now 11:00pm and I am trying to decide whether or not I am going to take myself back downstairs to the bar or call it a day. Who knows? You are just going to have to wait until tomorrow to find out what I decide to do! I am not sure what tomorrow will bring!
Crimefest 2010 - Day 1
Crimefest 2010 has once again come around and like last year I shall be blogging intermittently about the festival and what is happening. For those of you that read my blog last year you will know what to expect.
So far not much has happened. My trip down from London Paddington whilst uneventful was rather enjoyable. I had company this year. My friend Kirstie Long is also along for the ride. Even before we left London I had managed to bump in to the delightful Ruth Dudley Edwards whose non-fiction book on the Omagh bombing is one of the best non-fiction books this year along with her agent Jane Conway-Gordon. I also saw Barry Forshaw who biography on Stieg Larsson The Man who Left Too Soon has recently been published. The video trailer for the book can be found ">here
Arriving at the hotel was plain sailing (we took a taxi!) but so far the only fly in the ointment has been the fact that our room was not ready. This of course meant that I missed the first two panels. The first panel Sheena is a Punk Rocker: Good Girls, Bad Girls & Everything in Between - Writing Female Protagonist. The panel members were Cassandra Clark, Katherine Hall Page, Mary Andrea Clarke and Alison Joseph. The moderator was Cath Staincliffe who is the author of the television series Blue Murder. The second panel being Punishment Fits the Crime: Crime Fiction as Social Commentary - Writing about Society, Morality & Justice. The panel members were Lesley Horton, Adrian Magson, Edward Marston, Claire Seeber and was moderated by Steve Mosby. I am really upset about this as I really wanted to get to the second panel. I am now just keeping my fingers crossed that I will get to the third panel but it is not looking likely though our room is ready my luggage has gone awol! The only saving grace so far has been seeing Donna Moore.
I'll let you know what happens!
So far not much has happened. My trip down from London Paddington whilst uneventful was rather enjoyable. I had company this year. My friend Kirstie Long is also along for the ride. Even before we left London I had managed to bump in to the delightful Ruth Dudley Edwards whose non-fiction book on the Omagh bombing is one of the best non-fiction books this year along with her agent Jane Conway-Gordon. I also saw Barry Forshaw who biography on Stieg Larsson The Man who Left Too Soon has recently been published. The video trailer for the book can be found ">here
Arriving at the hotel was plain sailing (we took a taxi!) but so far the only fly in the ointment has been the fact that our room was not ready. This of course meant that I missed the first two panels. The first panel Sheena is a Punk Rocker: Good Girls, Bad Girls & Everything in Between - Writing Female Protagonist. The panel members were Cassandra Clark, Katherine Hall Page, Mary Andrea Clarke and Alison Joseph. The moderator was Cath Staincliffe who is the author of the television series Blue Murder. The second panel being Punishment Fits the Crime: Crime Fiction as Social Commentary - Writing about Society, Morality & Justice. The panel members were Lesley Horton, Adrian Magson, Edward Marston, Claire Seeber and was moderated by Steve Mosby. I am really upset about this as I really wanted to get to the second panel. I am now just keeping my fingers crossed that I will get to the third panel but it is not looking likely though our room is ready my luggage has gone awol! The only saving grace so far has been seeing Donna Moore.
I'll let you know what happens!
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