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. 

Shortlist for Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year and McDermid Debut Novel announced

SHORTLISTS FOR THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2025 AND McDERMID DEBUT AWARD REVEALED

Celebrating the very best in crime fiction from new discoveries and superstars of the genre 

Festival Dates: 17 – 20 July 2025

www.harrogatetheakstoncrimeaward.com

#TheakstonsAwards #TheakstonsCrime

Thursday 5 June 2025: Harrogate International Festivals has announced the shortlists for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2025, the UK and Ireland’s most prestigious crime fiction award, and the McDermid Debut Award for new writers. The winners of both awards will be revealed on the opening night of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Thursday 17 July.  

The six books shortlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2025, now in its twenty-first year, showcase outstanding storytelling, with some of the most innovative and exciting writers in the UK, Chris Brookmyre, M.W. Craven, Elly Griffiths, Abir Mukherjee, Marie Tierney and Chris Whitaker, competing for the coveted award. The winner, who receives £3,000 and a handmade, engraved oak beer cask provided by T&R Theakston Ltd, will be selected by a panel of seven expert judges, with the public vote representing the eighth judge. Readers are now invited to vote for their favourite book to win at www.harrogatetheakstoncrimeaward.com.   

Stunning debut novel Deadly Animals by rising starcMarie Tierney, a thriller centred on a roadkill obsessed teenager’s daring quest to unravel the truth behind the string of chilling deaths plaguing her Birmingham community, which won the inaugural McDermid Debut Award in 2024, is shortlisted alongside books by five highly established writers.

Three former winners are in contention for the award, including 2017 champion Chris Brookmyre who is nominated for his innovative thriller, The Cracked Mirror, which sees a hard-bitten homicide detective and an old lady who has solved multiple murders in her sleepy village crack an impossible case. 2021 winner Chris Whitaker is shortlisted for All the Colours of the Dark, a million-copy US-set bestseller exploring the aftermath of a childhood kidnapping that reverberates through the generations, alongside 2023 champion M.W. Craven, nominated for The Mercy Chair, the mesmerising sixth book in the bestselling Washington Poe series, set in Cumbria, where Poe and Tilly face brutal killings that push them to the edges of justice and morality.

Highly commended in 2023, Elly Griffiths receives an impressive seventh shortlisting for The Last Word, a twisty cosy crime murder mystery set at a sinister writers' retreat where two amateur sleuths join forces with detective Harbinder Kaur to investigate the suspicious death of an author. An alumni of the Festival’s celebrated ‘New Blood’ panel supporting fresh talent, Abir Mukherjee is shortlisted for Hunted, a race-against-the-clock thriller about two parents desperately tracking down their children who are suspected of terrorist atrocities.

The full Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2025 Shortlist (in alphabetical order by surname) is: 

The Cracked Mirror by Chris Brookmyre (Little, Brown Book Group, Abacus) 

The Mercy Chair by M.W. Craven (Little, Brown Book Group, Constable) 

The Last Word by Elly Griffiths (Quercus Books, Quercus Fiction) 

Hunted by Abir Mukherjee (Vintage; Harvill Secker) 

Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney (Bonnier Books, Zaffre) 

All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (Orion, Orion Fiction) 

Commenting on the shortlist for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2025, Simon Theakston, Chairman of T&R Theakston, said: 

“Congratulations to all of the highly talented writers shortlisted for this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. The six thrilling, chilling and hugely entertaining novels on our shortlist highlight the exceptional depth and range of British crime fiction and offer something for every crime fiction fan. We urge readers to get involved and vote for their favourite novels to win the Award - and the iconic beer cask trophy - so have your say today!” 

The shortlist for the McDermid Debut Award, named in recognition of world-famous crime writer Val McDermid, now in its second year, showcases six ‘exciting fresh voices,’ with race, class, the abuse of power and lived experience of disability amongst the topical themes explored across a range of subgenres including psychological thrillers, contemporary country house mysteries, detective fiction and spy thrillers. The award has quickly established a successful track record for discovering emerging talent as inaugural winner, Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney, has been shortlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2025

Acclaimed broadcaster Louise Minchin is shortlisted for Agatha Christie inspired crime novel Isolation Island, set on a remote Scottish island where ten strangers take part in a gruelling reality TV show which turns deadly once a body is discovered. Another shortlisted novel with a Christie-inspired setting is I Died At Fallow Hall by Bonnie Burke-Patel, a contemporary country house mystery exploring identity, family, race and gender, as dark secrets from the past are unravelled after a young woman’s body is found in a flower bed. 

Featuring an unforgettable female protagonist, Nilesha Chauvet’s post-Me Too thriller Her Two Lives, about a woman who runs a care home by day and hunts down the men who prey on young girls by night, is written with deep psychological insight. Sick to Death by former NHS nurse, Chris Bridges explores the marginalised perspective of a disabled woman who, fed up of being underestimated, becomes a force to be reckoned with when she targets the person standing in the way of her dreams.

Smashing outmoded stereotypes is also a central theme of Sean Watkin’s thriller Black Water Rising, featuring a gay detective out to prove he’s more than just a diversity hire by finding a killer on the loose in Liverpool. Completing the shortlist is A Reluctant Spy by Scottish writer David Goodman, a topical story of mercenaries, greed and corruption about a tech executive forced to act as a trained espionage operative in order to avert a global conflict.

Honouring internationally bestselling crime writer, Val McDermid, who helped to co-found the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in 2003 and whose dedication to fostering new voices in crime fiction is legendary, this new Award seeks to continue her legacy, celebrating and platforming the best debut crime writers in the UK. The shortlist was selected by a panel of established crime and thriller writers and the winner will be decided by a panel of expert judges, without a public vote. All shortlisted authors receive a full weekend pass to the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and the Winner will receive a £500 cash prize. 

Val McDermid said: 

“If, like me, you love reading, you’re always on the lookout for exciting fresh voices. And you need look no further than this talented selection of debut authors who will thrill, excite and intrigue you. Happy Reading!”

The full McDermid Debut Award 2024 shortlist (in alphabetical order by surname) is:  

Sick to Death by Chris Bridges (Avon, Harper Collins)  

I Died at Fallow Hall by Bonnie Burke-Patel (No Exit Press, Bedford Square)  

Her Two Lives by Nilesha Chauvet (Faber & Faber)  

A Reluctant Spy by David Goodman (Headline)  

Isolation Island by Louise Minchin (Headline, Headline Fiction)  

Black Water Rising by Sean Watkin (Canelo)  

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

“We’re delighted to finally reveal the shortlists for this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year and the McDermid Debut Award, celebrating new talent. It’s exciting to see such a wide range of sub-genres represented across the shortlists, and timely themes tackled with such originality and insight. We are looking forward to celebrating all of these incredible shortlisted writers and their brilliant books at what promises to be an unmissable awards ceremony on the opening night of the Festival.”

McIlvanney Prize 2024 Shortlist

 

The Shortlist for the McIlvanney Prize has been announced by Bloody Scotland. The award, previously known as the Bloody Scotland Prize for Scottish Crime Writing, will be presented on Friday 13 September 2024 on the first night of the Bloody Scotland Festival. 

Congratulations to all the nominated authors. 

Longlist for Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2024 Revealed

 

Harrogate International Festivals announced the 18 titles long-listed for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2024, the UK and Ireland’s most prestigious crime fiction award now in its twentieth year.

The longlist, voted for by an academy of crime writing authors, agents, editors, reviewers and members of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Programming Committee, features stories that transport readers from the burning heat of the Chihuahuan Desert to the chill of nineties Berlin, from down-at-heel Blackpool to the splendour of Georgian London. Crime fiction fans are now invited to vote for their favourite novels to reach the shortlist, with the winner of the coveted Award announced on the opening night of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Thursday 18 July.

Six former winners are vying for top honours, including 2023 champion MW Craven, who is longlisted for his high-octane US-set thriller Fearless, alongside Queen of Crime Val McDermid for cold case mystery Past Lying, and Mick Herron, the author behind Apple TV’s smash-hit series ‘Slow Horses,’ for his elegant stand-alone spy novel The Secret Hours. Also nominated are Chris Brookmyre’s edgy thriller about a murderous hen party on a remote Scottish island, The Cliff House, two times winner Mark Billingham’s The Last Dance, the first novel in his captivating new Blackpool-set detective series and Clare Mackintosh’s reality TV set thriller A Game of Lies. Ann Cleeves, who was awarded the Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution to Crime Fiction Award in 2023 adds to this illustrious list, nominated for her atmospheric detective novel The Raging Storm.  

Among the five hugely talented rising stars longlisted for the first time are Jo Callaghan, nominated for her stunningly original debut In the Blink of An Eye, which introduces intriguing detective duo DCS Kat Frank and her AI colleague Lock, and William Hussey for serial-killer thriller Killing Jericho featuring crime fiction’s first Traveller detective. They are up against Jack Jordan’s addictive legal thriller Conviction, missing persons investigation The Last Goodbye by Tim Weaver, and Oxford-set detective novel The Broken Afternoon by Simon Mason.

Showcasing the range of crime fiction subgenres, Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s atmospheric Georgian-set historical crime novel The Square of Sevens, Lisa Jewell’s tantalising domestic noir None of This is True, propulsive thriller You Can Run by New Blood 2020 alumni Trevor Wood and The Last Remains, Elly Griffiths’ final Dr Ruth Gallow mystery, join the 2024 longlist.

Completing the line-up are two phenomenally talented Irish crime writers: Jane Casey for her gripping DS Maeve Kerrigan novel The Close and four-times Irish Book Award winner Liz Nugent for her unnerving thriller Strange Sally Diamond.

The full Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2024 longlist (in alphabetical order by surname) is: -

• The Last Dance by Mark Billingham (Sphere; Little, Brown Book Group)

• The Cliff House by Chris Brookmyre (Abacus; Little, Brown Book Group)

• In the Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan (Simon & Schuster UK)

• The Close by Jane Casey (Harper Fiction; Harper Collins)

• The Raging Storm by Ann Cleeves (Pan Macmillan)

• Fearless by M W Craven (Constable; Little, Brown Book Group)

• The Last Remains by Elly Griffiths (Quercus)

• The Secret Hours by Mick Herron (Baskerville; John Murray Press)

• Killing Jericho by William Hussey (Zaffre, Bonnier)

• None of This is True by Lisa Jewell (Century; Cornerstone)

• Conviction by Jack Jordan (Simon & Schuster)

• A Game of Lies by Clare Mackintosh (Sphere; Little, Brown Book Group)

• The Broken Afternoon by Simon Mason (riverrun; Quercus)

• Past Lying by Val McDermid (Sphere; Little, Brown Book Group)

• Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent (Sandycove; Penguin Ireland)

• The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson (Pan Macmillan)

• The Last Goodbye by Tim Weaver (Michael Joseph; Penguin Random House)

• You Can Run by Trevor Wood (Quercus)

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

“We are delighted to announce the 2024 longlist for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, which truly showcases the depth and breadth of the UK and Ireland’s best crime fiction novels from the past year. The Award is an exciting part of the Festival, and with so many talented writers nominated – both new and established – we’re excited to find out who the public vote for this year.”

The Award is presented 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 2023 to 30 April 2024. The public are invited to vote to help create a shortlist of six titles from 8am on Thursday 25 April at www.harrogatetheakstoncrimeaward.com

Voting closes on Thursday 16 May, with the shortlist announced on Thursday 13 June. The winner will be revealed on the opening night of Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Thursday 18 July, receiving £3,000 and a handmade, engraved beer barrel provided by T&R Theakston Ltd.

2024 Capital Crime Programme

 LEONARDO ST PAUL’S, LONDON

30 MAY - 1 JUNE 2024

WWW.CAPITALCRIME.ORG    

THURSDAY 30TH MAY

Registration for Capital Crime 2024 12:00 - 18:00

Goldsboro Bookshop open from 12:30 – 19:30

LONDON STAGE

1. The Anatomy of a Crime: From Crime to Conviction. A factual, entertainment driven, account of the timeline from crime to conviction presented to you by specialists in their field live on stage. Experience crime scene briefings to bitesize trial and have your say in whether the accused is guilty or should walk free! Perfect for: Those writing crime novels looking for a factual representation of the events from crime to conviction; Those who want to see some of their favourite authors execute their day jobs including: Senior Investigating Officer, Detective, Crime Scene Investigator, Judge and Barristers.  With  Judge - Nicola Williams  Barrister - Helen Fields  Barrister - Nadine Matheson  Senior Investigating Officer - Graham Bartlett            Crime Scene Manager - Kate Bendelow            Detective Inspector - Kate London

SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 1 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

2. Whose Crime is it Anyway? Capital Crime’s Debut Quiz Show Two teams (made up of five debut authors on each team) test their knowledge of each other’s books. The game show style event will be presented by actor Paul Clayton who will guide the teams through the rounds in the following format. The aim of our quiz is to stage an engaging, entertaining event for both audience and authors, and help welcome debut authors to the crime community with their peers.  Team 'Moguls of Mystery' Katrin Juliusdottir, T. M. Payne, Suzy Aspley, Roxie Key and Claire Coughlan vs.  Team 'Thoroughbreds of Thrillers' Claire Wilson, Liza North, Tom Baragwanath, Fiona McPhillips and Ellie Keel

SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 2 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

3. Goldsboro Books’ 2024 Class of Debut Authors with Jennie Godfrey, Sarah Brooks and Samuel Burr moderated by David Headley

SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 3 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

4. Rob Rinder’s SUSPECT Authors: A Game of Two Truths and A Lie where nothing is quite as it seems... with Claire McGowan, Joseph Knox and Louise Candlish

SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 4 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

5. Breaking the Fourth Wall: Prolific Powerhouses Anthony Horowitz and Elly Griffiths talk about writing authors as fictional characters, creating impossible puzzles, and making improbable stories probable!

SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 5 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

6. LEADING WOMEN: TENNISON AND VERA MEET Lynda La Plante and Ann Cleeves in conversation with Lisa Howells on shattering the glass ceiling in male dominated worlds, creating internationally-loved characters with longevity, and would Tennison and Vera work well together on a case?

SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 6 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

PUBLIC EVENTS OUTSIDE OF THE SCHEDULE: All WEEKEND & DAY TICKET HOLDERS WELCOME

12:00 – 13:45 DHH Pitch An Agent Session

19:30 – 21:00 The Annual Capital Crime Fingerprint Award Ceremony. Hosted by Paul Clayton. Taking place on the London Stage, Category finalists will be announced on 4 April 2024.

FRIDAY 31ST MAY 2024 

Registration for Capital Crime 2023 9:30 - 17:30 

Goldsboro Bookshop open from 10:00 - 19:30 

Time	LONDON STAGE	GOLDSBORO BOOKS STAGE
10:00-10:50	1. Classic Crime for the Modern Age with C. L. Miller, Tom Hindle and Paula Sutton in conversation with participating moderator Ian Moore	2. Sins of the Past: Historical Crime with L. C. Tyler, Laura Shepherd-Robinson, Sally Smith with participating moderator S. J. Parris
	SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 1 & 2 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop	SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 1 & 2 in the Goldsboro Books on-site bookshop
11:05 – 11:55	3. The Art of Revenge with Steve Cavanagh, Nilesha Chauvet, Saima Mir and participating moderator Araminta Hall	4. The Following Books are Based on a True Story with Hallie Rubenhold, Linda Calvey, Eleni Kyriacou  and participating moderator Matt Nixson
	SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 3 & 4in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop	SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 3 & 4in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop
12:10 – 13:00	5. Finding A Balance: Combining Social Tensions, Morality and ‘Entertainment Factor’ in Crime Fiction with Kellye Garratt and Vaseem Khan in conversation with participating moderator Ed James	6. A Violent Heart: Deadly Relationships with Lily Samson, Kristina Perez, David Fennell and participating moderator Fiona Cummins
	SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 5 & 6 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop	SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 5 & 6 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop
	Lunch	Lunch
14:00 – 14:50	7. Bingeable Series: The beauty of falling in love with a series with Stig Abell, Will Dean, Erin Young and participating moderator Tariq Ashkanani	8. Dissecting Science’s Impact on Crime Fiction with Jo Callaghan, Marie Tierney, Jack Anderson and participating moderator Dr Shahed Yousaf
	SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 7 & 8 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop	SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 7 & 8 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop
15:05 – 15:55	9. Argylle: Authors of Mystery Tammy Cohen and Terry Hayes in conversation with Jake Kerridge	10. Playing with Ghosts: Haunting pasts and not-so-hidden horrors with Natalie Marlow, Kaaron Warren, Syd Moore and participating moderator Anita Frank
	SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 9 & 10 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop	SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 9 & 10 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

16:10 -17:00	11. The Locked In Feast with Alex Michaelides and participating moderator Lucy Foley A succulent conversation that will quench your appetite for all things ‘locked in’ - from isolated islands to dinner parties gone wrong these bestselling authors spill the beans on creating the perfect cast of characters and that authors that have influenced them.
	SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 11 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop
17:15 – 18:05	12.A Culture of Armchair Detectives: A J Finn & Lisa Jewell interviewed by Nadine Matheson Discussing the appeal of catching 'detective fever', and when the police get it wrong can only authors, podcasters and armchair detectives save us?
	SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 12 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop
18:15 – 19:10	13. Compulsive Crime: Mass consuming your favourite books and TV shows is not a new phenomenon, but it is certainly more popular than ever before. These bestselling authors reveal their secret to creating compelling characters and stories that we just can't get enough of and what it's like keeping up with demand. With A. A. Dhand, M. W. Craven & Jane Casey and participating moderator S J Watson
	PUBLIC EVENTS OUTSIDE OF THE SCHEDULE: All WEEKEND & DAY TICKET HOLDERS WELCOME
	LAUNCH PARTY ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON
20:30 – 22:00	CRIME QUIZ hosted by A. J. West on the London Stage Are you ready to put your crime knowledge to the test in this hilarious quiz night?

SATURDAY 1ST JUNE 2024 

Registration for Capital Crime 2023 

9:30 - 17:00 Goldsboro Bookshop open from 10:00 - 19:00 

Time	LONDON STAGE	GOLDSBORO BOOKS STAGE
10:00 – 10:50	1. Setting the Pace: A masterclass in adding fuel to high octane thrillers with Kim Sherwood, Sarah Pearse, Eva Björg Ægisdottir, T. M. Logan and participating moderator Abir Mukherjee	2. Murderous Medicine with Christie Watson, Eleanor Barker-White, Ambrose Parry and participating moderator Suzie Edge

SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 1 & 2 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

11:05 – 11:55

3. Funny Fiction: Crime and comedy, a match made in heaven! With Suk Pannu, Andrew Hunter Murray and Rev Richard Coles with participating moderator A. J. West

4. From Space to the Psychological: The universal appeal of thrillers with Doug Johnstone , Luca Veste, Becca Day and participating moderator C. M. Ewan

SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 3 & 4 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

12:10 – 13:00

5. Tales That Bind: The art of creating multi-layered narratives, settings and characters that will rip your heart out with Chris Whitaker, Vanessa Walters & Erin Kelly moderated by Victoria Selman

6. More Than Meets the Eye: Supernatural Sleuthing with Alice Bell and Kristen Perrin with participating moderator Stuart Neville

SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 5 & 6 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

LUNCH

14:00 – 14:50

7. SPECIAL EVENT TO BE ANNOUNCED IN THE COMING

8. One Sitting Reads: What’s the secret to writing books that you just can’t put down? With Ruth Mancini, Greg Mosse, Emma Christie and participating moderator Robert Rutherford

SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 7 & 8 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

15:05 – 15:55

9. John Connolly and Mark Billingham in conversation

SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 9 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

16:10 -17:00

10. History in the Making with Val McDermid & Kate Mosse in conversation

SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 10 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

17:15 – 18:05

11. The Scottish Masters: Ian Rankin and Irvine Welsh interviewed by Harriet Tyce

SIGNINGS FROM EVENT 11 in the Goldsboro Books on-site book shop

PUBLIC EVENTS OUTSIDE OF THE SCHEDULE: All WEEKEND & DAY TICKET HOLDERS WELCOME

18:30 – 19:30	The CWA Launch National Crime Writing Month at Capital Crime Lineup coming soon
21:00 – 23:00	FUN LOVIN’ CRIME WRITERS Val McDermid, Mark Billingham, Chris Brookmyre, Stuart Neville, Luca Veste and Doug Johnstone Rock the London Stage at Capital Crime 2024! (Individual event tickets on sale)

Capital Crime Announces Full Line up!

    

London’s Capital Crime Festival Announces Full Lineup With 50% Of Tickets Already Gone

London’s highly anticipated Capital Crime Festival is back this May 30th to June 1st, with an impressive 50% of weekend tickets already sold before the full schedule was announced this week. Industry giants are set to reveal all at this year's festival, giving guests the unprecedented opportunity to delve into the secrets behind their favourite mysteries, and even meet their crime fiction heroes face to face in this three day crime spectacular.

Included in the mega line up this year is Hugh Howey, the brilliant mind behind Apple TV’s Silo, Elly Griffiths, the creative force driving the Dr. Ruth Galloway series, Val McDermid, whose literary works served as the inspiration for Wire In The Blood, and Ann Cleeves, the genius behind beloved characters Vera and Jimmy Perez from Shetland. And that’s not all, fan favourite band, Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, will be playing their first show in London for several years.

Festival Director Lizzie Curle commented: “The uptake in tickets this year has been phenomenal. 50% of weekend tickets were sold out before the complete schedule was unveiled, underscoring the escalating demand for crime fiction. It's evident that people are seeking escapism in the current climate, and this heightened interest is substantiated by the data on Google Trends - searches for terms like 'murder mystery books' have surged by an impressive 350% in the last year!

Featuring over 100 renowned writers of crime and thriller, the festival will host over 30 different events, from exclusive launch parties, thought-provoking talks and panels, interactive quiz shows and book signings throughout three jam-packed days. Huge notable names confirmed include:

• Ian Rankin, creator of Inspector Rebus

• Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh

• Ann Cleeves, author of the Vera and Shetland series

• Rising star of US crime fiction Kellye Garrett

• Author and barrister Rob Rinder

• Alex Michaelides, author of the global bestseller The Silent Patient

• And bestselling author and screenwriter Anthony Horowitz

Also returning are the festival’s Fingerprint Awards, which this year saw authors including Erin Kelly and Adele Parks celebrated; and the social outreach initiative, which aims to demystify the industry for young Londoners considering a career in publishing.

Standard weekend and day tickets are on sale now whilst stocks last, along with individual event tickets at a limited capacity. Due to the increased demand for tickets this year those interested in attending are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Inaugural McDermid Debut Award launched.

                              

Harrogate International Festivals launches inaugural 

McDermid Debut Award 

to spotlight new generation of crime writing talent 

Festival Dates: 18 – 21 July 2024 

www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com 

#Theakstons Awards 

14th March 2024 : Submissions have opened for Harrogate International Festivals ’ new award, the McDermid Debut Award for new writers, offering a unique opportunity to be recognised among the best in the crime fiction genre . The Award will be presented on the opening night of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival ,the world’s largest and most prestigious celebration of crime fiction. 

Named in recognition of world-famous crime writer,Val McDermid, who co- founded the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in 2003 and whose dedication to fostering new voices in crime fiction through the New Blood panel is legendary, this new Award seeks to continue her legacy, celebrating and platforming the best debut crime writers in the UK. 

Val McDermid said: ‘Curating the New Blood panel over twenty years exposed me to an extraordinary range of crime fiction I might otherwise have missed. I’m hoping that this new a ward will do the same for the army of avid readers out there looking for new talent.’ 

The McDermid Debut Award is open to full- length debut crime novels by UK and Irish authors published for the first time in hardback or paperback original between 1 May 2023 and 30 April 2024, with submission s closing on the 21st March . A shortlist of six titles, selected by an academy of established crime and thriller authors, will be announced on Thursday 13th June, with the winner determined by a judging panel of industry experts, including literary, broadcasting and media figures. All shortlisted authors will receive a full weekend pass to the Festival. The Award will be presented at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Awards event on Thursday 18th July , the opening night of the Festival , with the winner receiving a £500 cash prize. 

Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, Sharon Canavar, said: ‘We are delighted to announce this new award honouring Val McDermid, one of the icons of the genre, and we can’t wait to discover the stars of the future, be they writers of psychological thrillers or murder mysteries.’ 

Simon Theakston, Chairman of T&R Theakston Ltd, commented: ‘The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival has always highlighted the best in crime fiction and the new McDermid Debut Award will help readers discover the next generation of crime fiction authors. I am sure this new award will attract even more of the best of crime writing talent and I very much looking forward to welcoming them along with all our friends t o this year’s Harrogate gathering.’ 

Submissions are also now open for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year , the UK and Ireland’s most prestigious crime and thriller writing award. Previous winners include Mick Herron, Lee Child, Stef Penney, Val McDermid, Clare Mackintosh, Mark Billingham, Chris Brookmyre, Steve Cavanagh and Denise Mina. 

KEY AWARD DATES: 

• The McDermid Debut Award and the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year are currently open for submissions . The deadline for receipt of entries is 23.59 (GMT) Thursday, 21st March . 

•The Shortlists of the McDermid Debut Award and the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year will be announced on Thursday 13^th June . 

• Both Awards, along with the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Crime Fiction will be presented at the opening n ight of the Festival on Thursday 18^th July. 

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival , which celebrates its 21^st year in 2024, 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. 

This year’s event is curated by bestselling crime writer and 2024 Festival Programming Chair Ruth Ware, with the programming committee, and Special Guests include global bestsellers and fan favourites Chris Carter, Jane Casey, Elly Griffiths, Erin Kelly, Vaseem Khan, Dorothy Koomson, Shari Lapena, Abir Mukherjee, Liz Nugent and Richard Osman. Classic Weekend Break Packages, Author Dinners and tickets for Creative Thursday are on sale now. 

To book tickets, please call +44(0)1423 562 303 or email:- info@harrogate- festival.org.uk . More information about tickets and packages can be found here. The full programme for this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will be announced in April 2024 .