The world’s best-loved crime writers head to Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel to celebrate the heritage of crime-writing – while gazing into the future of the genre.

This year’s festival, July 18-21, has been curated by bestselling crime novelist Ruth Ware and takes in cutting edge AI and technology’s impact on criminal investigation, to the complexities and capabilities of neurodivergent sleuths; from the shadowy world of spies and twisty whodunnits, to boundary-pushing psychological thrillers.

Programme highlights include an all-star lineup of acclaimed writers and global bestsellers including Mick Herron, Louise Candlish, M.W. Craven, James Comey, Lucy Foley, Femi Kayode and Saima Mir joining Special Guest headliners Chris Carter, Jane Casey, Elly Griffiths, Peter James, Erin Kelly, Vaseem Khan, Dorothy Koomson, Shari Lapena, Abir Mukherjee, Liz Nugent and Richard Osman.

Says Ruth, ‘after so many months of plotting and planning, I'm thrilled with the incredible showcase of crime writing talent the festival committee has put together. From newcomers to titans of the genre, from cosy crime to hard-boiled whodunnits, from psychological thrillers to forensic procedurals, there really is something for everyone at this year's Festival. But for me the true joy of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival has always come down to one thing: the sheer pleasure of being among so many fellow book lovers, in a festival that puts the reader at the heart of everything. If you're a booklover, this Festival is for you.’

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, adds: ‘The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival marks its twenty-first anniversary this year and we are incredibly proud of this world class event which is so warmly anticipated by authors, visitors and locals alike.’

harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

HIGHLIGHTS:

July 18:

Creative Thursday

Crime Fiction Writing Workshops: An immersive day of workshops and talks for aspiring crime writers with bestselling authors including Isabel Ashdown, Penny Batchelor, Mark Billingham, Adele Parks and publishing experts.

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award

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

July 19

Cops and Robbers

Writers of detective fiction M.W. Craven, Simon Mason, Christie J. Newport and Nadine Matheson put the police under the microscope with chair Mark Billingham.

Author Dinner

A unique opportunity for crime fans to take part in a murder mystery with host crime writers Kia Abdullah, Heidi Amsinck, M.J. Arlidge, Penny Batchelor, Katherine Faulkner, Heather J. Fitt, Dugald Bruce Lockhart, Louise Hare, Jackie Kabler, Simon Marlowe, John Marrs, Rachel North, Nadine Matheson, Imran Mahmood, Helen Phifer, Rod Reynolds, Tim Sullivan, Lesley Thomson, B.P. Walter, Bridget Walsh. Peter James celebrating his milestone twentieth Roy Grace book One Of Us Is Dead, Peter James will be in conversation with TV presenter Louise Minchin.

Confessions of a Crime Writer

Favourite crime writers including, Mark Billingham, Gytha Lodge, Val McDermid, Richard Osman and Luca Veste, confess dark and dreadful secrets from their past as the audience decides if they should be forgiven – or not!

July 20:

Richard Osman

Global bestseller Richard Osman will discuss his much-loved Thursday Murder Club novels and previews his new series We Solve Murders, interviewed by Festival Programming Chair Ruth Ware.

Late Night Quiz

Join popular quizmasters Val McDermid and Mark Billingham as teams of authors and readers go head-to-head in a battle of crime fiction wits.

July 21

Elly Griffiths

Festival favourite Elly Griffiths discuss her new standalone mystery The Last Word with Stig Abell.