Visit Stirling, Scotland’s heart There’s something for everyone!
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CONTENTS
F E ST IVA L HIGHLIGH TS This year we’re welcoming some of the crime genre’s best-loved authors to Bloody Scotland, with Linwood Barclay, Martina Cole and Lindsey Davis appearing alongside Philip Kerr, Ian Rankin and Chris Brookmyre. Val McDermid and Peter May will be opening the festival in style. There are panel events with Killer Women and Dark & Stormy Festival, Brighton – as well as special events that celebrate Edinburgh and Glasgow as crime fiction settings. 2015 marks 125 years since the birth of Agatha Christie – perhaps the world’s best-loved crime writer, and we’ll be celebrating with an event in her honour. Always a highlight, The Golden Lion Hotel will host the Bloody Scotland Crime Book of the Year Dinner.
5 INTRODUCTION 6–21 WHAT’S ON 6 CRIME WRITING MASTERCLASS 15
BLOODY SCOTLAND SCOTTISH CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR DINNER
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FOOTBALL MATCH
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TRAVEL & VENUES
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BUYING TICKETS
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THE WEEKEND AT A GLANCE
The International Crime Fiction Convention
Where the Pen is Bloodier Than the Sword
SAVE THE DATE
19-22 May 2016 Bristol
www.crimefest.com
SEEKING THE BEST NEW CRIME WRITERS IN THE WORLD WIN £1,000 AND A WEEKEND PASS TO BLOODY SCOTLAND 2015 DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES I S M O N D AY 2 7 T H J U LY 2 0 15 FOR INFO AND ENTRY DETAILS PLEASE VISIT:
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is proud to support
We look forward to welcoming you to our Festival bookshops over the weekend. Waterstones, Thistle Marches, Stirling FK8 2AE T: 01786 478756
PARTNERS IN CRIME Bloody Scotland is an independent charity, established in 2012 to present the very best of Scottish and international crime writing. We rely on a combination of sponsorship, grants, box office and donations to support our activity. Our new Partners in Crime Patron Scheme launched by leading Scottish crime writer Alanna Knight, allows our supporters to donate to the festival and help us continue to support the work of Scottish crime writers.
BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM/PATRON
I N T RODU CT I ON WELCOME TO THE BLOODY SCOTLAND FESTIVAL PROGRAMME FOR 2015 This is our fourth year of celebrating crime fiction in beautiful Stirling with a host of stellar crime authors. Whatever your reading tastes, there truly is something for everyone at this year’s festival, and some really exciting special guests on the programme. We’re delighted to introduce a number of new initiatives to the festival this year to widen both our programme and our audience. — As a festival based in Stirling we want the people of Stirling to enjoy it and we’ll be offering a 10% discount to those living in the Stirling postcode areas. — Look out for our intro slots across the festival where we’ll be showcasing some fantastic debut authors at the start of our biggest events. — We recognise that ticket prices can be a stretch for some people and I’m very pleased to be able to offer some free standby tickets to the unemployed or those in receipt of benefits, please see page 23 for details.
DOM HASTINGS – F ESTI VAL MANAGER Bloody Scotland would like to thank the following organisations for their support SPONSORS
Organising a festival such as this wouldn’t be possible without a dedicated team of committee members, staff and volunteers and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work throughout the year. On behalf of everyone at Bloody Scotland I’d also like to thank all of the authors, chair people, publishers, funders, sponsors, patrons and everyone that makes this festival the success that it is. We hope you’ll join us for these terrific experiences at what promises to be a fantastic celebration of the best in crime fiction – we can’t wait to welcome you to Stirling!
FUNDERS
S U P PORT US Bloody Scotland is more than just a festival and over the last few years we’ve worked throughout the year to showcase Scottish crime writing around the world. Please visit our website at bloodyscotland.com to find out more about the work that we do and ways you can support us.
PROGRAMME PARTNERS
TO B E K E P T U P TO DATE W ITH A LL TH E L ATE S T N E WS , TI C K E T I N FO A N D S PEC I A L D E A L S S I G N - U P TO OU R M A I LI N G LI S T AT:
BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM
@ BLOOD Y SCOT LAN D
BLOOD Y SC OT LAN D Tickets and info: BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM // 01786 27 4000
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WHAT’ S ON
FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER
Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Masterclass FRI 11TH // 9.30AM – 5.30PM // TOLBOOTH INCLUDES:
Denise Mina: The Craft of Crime Writing
EARLY BIRD TICKET OFFER £85 / 75 (conc.) Available until 1st August 2015 THEREAFTER: £95 / 85 (conc.)
Price includes lunch and refreshments. Places are limited, book early to avoid disappointment. Visit bloodyscotland.com to book your place.
Participants will glean insights into crime writing from the author of the bestselling and acclaimed crime books, Red Road, the Garnethill trilogy and the Paddy Meehan series (recently adapted for BBC TV series Fields of Blood). Denise has written twelve books, three plays, five graphic novels and regularly contributes to television and radio in the UK. In her keynote address, Denise will talk about her craft followed by a Q&A.
Allan Guthrie: Self-Editing for Crime Writers Award-winning crime writer Allan Guthrie will lead an interactive workshop demonstrating practical techniques to help strengthen your self-editing muscles. Allan is the author of several novels, including Two-Way Split which won the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year. He is also a literary agent with Jenny Brown Associates, co-founder of the publishing company Blasted Heath and is an executive editor with Bastei LLC, a new publishing joint venture between a Hollywood production company and one of Germany’s largest publishers.
JOIN US FOR THE WEEKEND EXCLUSIVE OFFER:
Alexandra Sokoloff: Screenwriting for Crime Writers
Book a place on the Crime Writing Masterclass and you will get a free ticket to the opening event with Val McDermid and Peter May and a 10% discount on all other Bloody Scotland 2015 tickets.
Led by bestselling and Thriller Award-winning author Alexandra Sokoloff, this two-hour masterclass will illuminate the Three-Act, Eight-Sequence structure of film writing and how to use it to plot your book idea and/or rewrite your novel to make it the best book it can be. Alexandra worked for ten years as a Hollywood screenwriter for Disney, Fox, Sony and Miramax before going on to publish twelve supernatural, paranormal and crime thrillers, including the Huntress Moon series, and the internationally acclaimed Screenwriting Tricks for Authors workbooks.
The Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Masterclass is held in partnership with University of Stirling’s Creative Writing team, and the Stirling Centre for International Publishing & Communication.
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The day also includes a panel on current crime market trends with publishers and agents, chaired by Claire Squires, Director of the Stirling Centre for International Publishing & Communication.
FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER
WHAT’S ON
Val McDermid & Peter May FRI 11TH // 6.30PM – 7.30PM // ALBERT HALLS // £9.50 / 8.50 Two of Scotland’s best-loved crime writers and most brilliant raconteurs open the festival with an unmissable hour as they trade stories of murder and mayhem. Peter May returns to Bloody Scotland, after winning the Bloody Scotland Crime Book of the Year award in 2014, to talk about his latest thriller Runaway. Val McDermid introduces her new novel Splinter the Silence which sees her psychologist/detective duo Tony Hill and Carol Jordan investigating an online suicide pact.
Whose Crime is it Anyway? FRI 11TH // 8.15PM – 9.15PM // ALBERT HALLS // £9.50 / 8.50 How do authors plot their books? Find out as comedian and TV presenter Hardeep Singh Kohli – with help from you, the audience – forces leading crime writers Christopher Brookmyre, Kevin Wignall and Caro Ramsay to improvise a new novel on the spot. It’s sure to be an entertaining and unpredictable night out to start this year’s festival.
Tickets and info: BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM // 01786 27 4000
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WHAT’ S ON
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER Forensics with Lin Anderson & Val McDermid SAT 12TH // 10AM – 11AM // ALBERT HALLS // £9.50 / 8.50 Whodunnit? Forensic evidence is a major theme in the novels of these leading crime authors. Lin Anderson’s popular protagonist Rhona MacLeod is a forensic expert, and Anderson has researched the most unusual methods of scientific detection to bring her plots to life. Val McDermid’s novels are packed with forensic details: she has interviewed forensics experts and recently published Forensics: An Anatomy of Crime, a fascinating guide to the science of crime detection. A real treat for fans of the absorbing science of forensics. Sponsored by Open University Scotland
Self publishing with Alexandra Sokoloff & Allan Guthrie
Killer Women – Deadlier than the Male?
SAT 12TH // 10AM – 11AM // MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 So you want to self-publish your novel? Get some valuable advice, tips and the benefit of two experienced authors with a lot to say on the subject. As director of Blasted Heath, Allan Guthrie set up his own publishing house, whilst Alexandra Sokoloff has successfully self-published several books and is an outspoken proponent of writers sharing business information to strengthen their position. Find out what it’s like to publish from those who have done it – and lived to tell the tale. Sponsored by University of Stirling
SAT 12TH // 10AM – 11AM // ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 Are men and women equally subject to violence? What does the latest research suggest about violence in the male and female brains? We thought we’d ask the Killer Women – don’t worry, they’re a brand new collective of female crime writers. MJ McGrath, author of Edie Kiglatuk Arctic crime series, Louise Millar, author of The Hidden Girl and Helen Giltrow, author of The Distance come to Scotland to discuss women’s relationship to violence in crime fiction – do men and women write and read crime differently? In partnership with Killer Women
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SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
WHAT’S ON
Belinda Bauer & Denise Mina SAT 12TH // 11.45AM – 12.45PM // ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 Award-winning novelist Belinda Bauer will be joined by Scotland’s own award-winning Denise Mina. Bauer’s latest novel The Shut Eye involves a cast of brilliantly woven characters in search of missing children, and a suspicious psychic who claims knowledge of their whereabouts. Mina’s new book Blood Salt Water has DI Alex Morrow on the trail of a missing woman in the Scottish town of Helensburgh. Expect some sparkling conversation from two leading lights in intelligent, character-driven crime fiction.
Lindsey Davis
Alex Gray Presents: New Crimes SAT 12TH // 11.45AM – 12.45PM // MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 Festival co-founder and crime author Alex Gray introduces some of the best new crime books around (and their authors): Lucy Ribchester’s sparkling suffragette story The Hourglass Factory, Chris Dolan’s Glasgow noir Potter’s Field, SJI Holliday’s tale of childhood trauma Black Wood and Mark Leggatt’s international thriller Names of the Dead.
SAT 12TH // 11.45AM – 12.45PM // ALBERT HALLS // £9.50 / 8.50 An absolute leader in her field, Lindsey Davis’ crime writing career has spanned 26 years and won her the unending devotion of a legion of fans. The novels about her most renowned character, 1st century Roman detective Falco, have been serialised in a BBC Radio 4 drama series, won numerous awards and been translated into many languages. In 2010 the city of Rome gave her the Premio Colosseo, awarded `for enhancing the image of Rome` and in 2011 she was awarded the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement. A new series of novels now follows Falco’s adopted daughter Flavia Albia, who has taken up the mantle of investigator to continue her father’s work. She will be discussing her latest Flavia Alba novel Deadly Election. This event will be chaired by Alanna Knight.
Tickets and info: BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM // 01786 27 4000
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WHAT’ S ON
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
Arne Dahl
The Poisons of Agatha Christie SAT 12TH // 1.30PM – 2.30PM // MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 2015 marks 125 years since the birth of Agatha Christie – perhaps the world’s best-loved and most prolific crime writer. We are celebrating the grande dame of crime with Dr Kathryn Harkup, author of A is for Arsenic, a fascinating look at the poisons Christie used to kill her characters. Christie’s murderers used poison more often than any other method, and her choice of deadly substances was far from random; the characteristics of each poison provide vital clues to catch the murderer. With gunshots or stabbings the cause of death is obvious, but not so with poisons. How is it that some compounds prove so deadly, and in such tiny amounts? Christie demonstrated her extensive chemical knowledge (much of it gleaned from working as a chemist during both world wars) in many of her novels, but this is rarely appreciated by the reader. A is for Arsenic celebrates the use of science in Christie’s work. Dr Harkup will be joined in conversation by novelist Ragnar Jonasson, an Agatha Christie expert who has translated fourteen of her books into Icelandic. Together they will offer unique insights into the work of the enduringly popular author who’s still an influence and inspiration to crime writers around the world today.
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SAT 12TH // 1.30PM – 2.30PM // ALBERT HALLS // £9.50 / 8.50 One of Sweden’s most celebrated crime novelists, Arne Dahl’s hugely acclaimed Scandi-Noir series about the detectives of the Intercrime Unit has been a major hit on BBC4. His gritty novels, focusing on the work of a detective team who must pull together to solve murders against the odds, have sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide and drawn a new and hungry readership in the UK. We are delighted to welcome him back to Bloody Scotland to discuss his characters and the development of his writing about crime in his own uniquely thrilling style.
Alexandra Sokoloff & Margie Orford SAT 12TH // 1.30PM – 2.30PM // ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 Hollywood screenwriter turned novelist Alexandra Sokoloff and leading South African crime writer and film director Margie Orford discuss the thorny subject of violence against women in novels and movies – and in society. Both are outspoken and articulate critics of the way such violence is portrayed and this is sure to be a no holds barred dialogue. Water Music, the fifth in Margie’s internationally acclaimed series about criminal profiler Clare Hart, sees young women placed in terrifying danger. Cold Moon is the third in Alexandra’s Huntress-FBI series which turns the normal serial killer trope on its head as her female lead isn’t prey but predator.
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
WHAT’S ON
Brighton Rocks SAT 12TH // 3.15PM – 4.15PM // ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 Brighton & Hove is not only a favourite setting for crime novels, but the area brims with writers too. Four of them come to Stirling from Brighton’s Dark & Stormy festival to talk about their home town, and the importance of place when writing crime. Featuring authors William Shaw, Rebecca Whitney, PD Viner and Julia Crouch in conversation. In association with Dark & Stormy
Chris Brookmyre Nordic Noir: Gunnar Staalesen, Johan Theorin & Ragnar Jonasson SAT 12TH // 3.15PM – 4.15PM // MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 As Nordic noir novels continue to win plaudits and readers in the UK, we meet three leading Nordic authors. Lauded Norwegian author Gunnar Staalesen, who has written over 20 crime novels translated into 12 languages, is a leading light of the Scandinavian crime-wave. Swedish author Johan Theorin has won a number of awards for his uniquely haunting supernatural novels set on the Swedish island of Öland. Icelandic crime writer Ragnar Jonasson’s Snowblind is his first novel to be published in English. They will be discussing their latest novels, themes and trends in Nordic crime and how it differs across their three homelands Sponsored by University of Stirling
SAT 12TH // 3.15PM – 4.15PM // ALBERT HALLS // £9.50 / 8.50 It’s always a pleasure to host one of Scotland’s wittiest writers of crime, and we’re sure this event will be no exception. Chris Brookmyre’s 20 crime novels written in his distinctive darkly humorous style have brought him critical acclaim, a loyal readership, and have seen him compared to Douglas Adams and Carl Hiassen. Discussing his latest novel featuring his enduringly disastrous detective Jack Parlabane, Dead Girl Walking has Jack on the trail of a missing rock star that takes him to Barcelona, Berlin and beyond. Delving into the overlapping worlds and recurring characters of his novels - as well as the new locations that inspired his latest novel, Brookmyre will be in conversation with crime author G.J. Brown.
Tickets and info: BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM // 01786 27 4000
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SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
WHAT’S ON
Ann Cleeves & Alex Gray SAT 12TH // 5PM – 6PM // ALBERT HALLS // £9.50 / 8.50 Ann Cleeves, author of the celebrated Shetland and Vera novels will be joined by Alex Gray, author of the hugely popular DSI Lorimer books, for a discussion about the characters and places that bring their crime writing to life. Gray’s latest work Keep the Midnight Out starts with DSI Lorimer’s holiday being cut short by a grisly discovery as a body washes up on the Isle of Mull, one that throws up questions around cases from his past. Cleeves’ newest book The Moth Catcher sees the indomitable Vera Stanhope investigating the mysterious deaths of two nature-lovers in the Northumberland countryside. Both incredibly popular authors and close friends, Alex and Ann will be catching up and discussing their latest books. This event marks the beginning of Bloody Shetland with Ann Cleeves, a special travel experience where a group of crime readers will be joined by Ann for a guided trip around Shetland. If you would like to find out more and book, visit bloodyscotland.com/shetland In partnership with specialist travel company McKinlay Kidd
Breaking the Law: Steve Cavanagh, Neil White & Jeffrey Siger
Anya Lipska, Eva Dolan & Kati Hiekkapelto
SAT 12TH // 5PM – 6PM // ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 From Earl Stanley Gardner to John Grisham, legal thrillers written by former lawyers have long been on the bestsellers list. Join three legal eagles-turned-crime writers as they explain how they moved from the law to the lawless with great effect. Criminal lawyers Steve Cavanagh (The Defence) and Neil White (The Domino Killer) will talk about their books alongside former Wall Street lawyer Jeff Siger (Devil of Delphi).
SAT 12TH // 5PM – 6PM // MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 Join three authors climbing the bestseller charts who are all expertly writing about an increasing source of conflict – immigration. All three writers’ recent works feature not just migrant victims but also protagonists operating in a foreign land. Fear, racism and prejudice combine to form a powerful and dangerous cocktail leading to violence in Kati Hiekkapelto’s novel The Hummingbird, Eva Dolan’s Tell No Tales and Anya Lipska’s A Devil Under the Skin.
Tickets and info: BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM // 01786 27 4000
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WHAT’ S ON
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
Martina Cole SAT 12TH // 6.45PM – 7.45PM // ALBERT HALLS // £9.50 / 8.50 We are thrilled to present bestselling author Martina Cole, talking about her writing and the stories that inspire her. The wildly popular author has penned novels that keep legions of readers addicted, and has sold over fourteen million books in the process. With her formidable talent for gritty and action-packed tales of money, power and betrayal, Cole’s novels explore the dark side of family life. Her latest work, The Good Life, is no exception: when uncompromising East End hard man Cain Moran wants to leave his wife Caroline for his new lover Jenny, he finds himself sentenced to life in prison for murder – it seems his wife has taken ‘til death do us part’ quite literally…
Martina has also been a tireless advocate for prison learning and prisoners’ right to books. She will be in conversation with Erwin James, the Guardian columnist who has written about the penal system with a true insider’s perspective, having served a twenty-year life sentence. Martina will be giving us a glimpse at her upcoming book Get Even, out in October – about a woman who decides to avenge her husband’s gangland murder. Buy your tickets early for what promises to be a fascinating conversation and a meeting with the mind behind the crime fiction legend. Sponsored by Crime Files
Crime at the Coo SAT 12TH // 8PM TILL LATE // CURLY COO // £10 Bloody Scotland takes over the Curly Coo pub on Barnton Street for the night. Come drink and chat with your favourite crime writers in this traditional bar. Hosted by author Craig Robertson, there will be readings, poems, short stories and songs performed by leading authors plus a one-off appearance by the star-studded crime-writing Slice Girls.
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SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
WHAT’S ON
The Bloody Scotland Crime Book of the Year Dinner SAT 12TH // 8PM – 11PM // GOLDEN LION HOTEL // £50 PER HEAD Join us for a gala dinner as we announce the 2015 winner of the Bloody Scotland Crime Book of the Year. To date the award has been presented to Peter May, Malcolm MacKay and Charles Cumming: the crème de la crème of Scottish crime writing will be out in force! Celebrate the very best of Scottish crime writing and the presentation of the award to the winning author, after which you will enjoy an evening of fine dining and discussing this much-loved genre with fellow readers, and crime authors hosting every table. Your ticket includes a three course meal and wine, in the atmospheric Golden Lion Hotel, originally an 18th century coaching inn. About the Bloody Scotland Crime Book of the Year This award celebrates the very best in Scottish crime writing. Novels, short stories and non-fiction are all eligible. The judging panel for 2015 are Caron Macpherson (Waterstones), Sally Magnusson (author and broadcaster) and Magnus Linklater (journalist, writer and former newspaper editor). The shortlist will be announced in August 2015. About The Golden Lion This hotel has served Stirling since 1786, when it opened to provide accommodation to travelers, as coaches to Perth and Glasgow stopped there. Robert Burns stayed in the hotel in 1787, and having been disappointed with the dilapidated state of Stirling Castle at the time, etched a poem about it on the window pane of his bedroom on the 2nd floor. He later recounted that this act almost lost him his job as an excise man. Realising his poem had offended certain people, he returned later that year and smashed the window with his walking cane.
Tickets and info: BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM // 01786 27 4000
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WHAT’ S ON
SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER
True Crime: The World’s End Murders SUN 13TH // 10AM – 11AM // ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 Tom Wood is a former Deputy Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders police and led the investigation into the linked murders of a number of young women, including the notorious killings of Helen Scott and Christine Eadie near the World’s End pub in Edinburgh. His book The World’s End Murders is a fascinating account of the original case, which was followed by over thirty years of police investigations to finally convict Angus Sinclair. Tom will be in conversation with experienced journalist Bob Smyth, who over 20 years as a crime reporter has written many articles on Sinclair and the World’s End case.
Dear Mean Place – Talking Glasgow with William McIlvanney, Lin Anderson & Craig Robertson SUN 13TH // 11.45AM – 12.45PM // ALBERT HALLS // £9.50 / 8.50 Gallows humour and a heady mix of hard and heart make Glasgow a perfect setting for crime fiction. These three bestselling authors all set their novels on Glasgow’s mean streets and will discuss the city and its influence on their work.
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Pitch Perfect SUN 13TH // 10AM – 11AM // MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 New crime writing talents put their ideas on the line at this ever-popular event. A line-up of unpublished authors will pitch their novel concept to a panel of industry experts, and get invaluable feedback and advice. Our publishing moguls, chaired by leading literary agent Jenny Brown, include Karen Sullivan of Orenda Publishing, Jo Dickinson of Simon & Schuster and Emad Akhtar of Penguin. Would you like to pitch your novel to our panel? Visit bloodyscotland.com/pitch2015 to find out more and take part. Sponsored by Open University Scotland
SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER
WHAT’S ON
Steve Mosby & Sarah Pinborough Capital Crime: Edinburgh Noir with Neil Broadfoot, Doug Johnstone & James Oswald SUN 13TH // 11.45AM – 12.45PM // MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL Many crime novels dig into the dark side of Scotland’s capital city. Join Edinburgh authors Doug Johnstone, author of Dead Beat, Gone Again and Hit & Run; James Oswald, author of the Tony McLean novels, and Neil Broadfoot, author of Falling Fast and The Storm for a chat about just what makes Auld Reekie the perfect location for dark deeds.
SUN 13TH // 1.30PM – 2.30PM // MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 From the psychological to the suspenseful, these two prolific authors share a strong flavour of horror in their novels – and their readers love them for it. Come along to hear them discuss what inspires and scares them in horror and crime writing.
Simon Kernick, Tom Wood, G.J. Brown & Mason Cross
Sophie Hannah SUN 13TH // 1.30PM – 2.30PM // ALBERT HALLS // £9.50 / 8.50 Internationally bestselling author and queen of psychological crime Sophie Hannah returns to Bloody Scotland to introduce us to her latest novel. A Game for All the Family is a cerebral domestic noir thriller, in which London-weary Justine’s retreat to her countryside home is disrupted by strange anonymous phone calls from someone who claims to know her better than she knows herself.
SUN 13TH // 11.45AM – 12.45PM // ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 The theme of this event is thrillers, and we’re in good hands as these four get together to discuss their heart-stopping writing and explosive plotlines. Simon Kernick’s race-against-time novels and novellas have seen him top the crime charts. Mason Cross released The Samaritan in July, the second instalment of the popular series featuring investigator Carter Blake. G.J. Brown’s book Meltdown is the latest gripping page-turner from this Glasgow author. Tom Wood’s new novel The Darkest Day has seen him described as “the new master of the dark, intricately plotted chase thriller.” Expect a lively discussion about how to write fast-paced plots that grab readers and don’t let go until the very end.
Tickets and info: BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM // 01786 27 4000
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SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER
WHAT’S ON
Bloody Scotland Crime Writers Football Match: Scotland v England SUN 13TH // 1.30PM – 2.30PM // BOWLING GREEN – COWANE’S HOSPITAL // FREE & UNTICKETED The surprise hit of Bloody Scotland 2014 saw Ian Rankin captain a team of surprisingly fearsome Scottish crime authors to a roaring success against their English counterparts. However England have spent a year plotting their revenge and are back looking for blood. Who can spot a killer pass? Who is an expert in dead-ball situations? Who hasn’t got a clue? Final line-ups will be subject to form, fitness and writing deadlines but are set to include Ian Rankin, Christopher Brookmyre, Craig Robertson and Doug Johnstone for Scotland, while England will feature Simon Kernick, Luca Veste and Nick Quantrill. Sponsored by TheDarkPages.co.uk
Tickets and info: BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM // 01786 27 4000
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WHAT’ S ON
SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER
Mark Douglas-Home & Simon Sylvester SUN 13TH // 1.30PM – 2.30PM // ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 We ship out to sea with two highly original voices in crime fiction. Former journalist turned crime writer Mark Douglas-Home’s novels follow oceanographer or ‘sea detective’ Cal McGill who has returned for a third instalment in The Malice of Waves. Not The Booker prize winner Simon Sylvester’s thoughtful novel The Visitors sees disappearances happen on a storm-tossed Scottish island, and draws on myths of selkies and sea creatures.
Ian Rankin & Philip Kerr SUN 13TH // 3.15PM – 4.15PM // ALBERT HALLS // £9.50 / 8.50 Philip Kerr and Ian Rankin have one very important thing in common – lead characters who steal the show. Philip Kerr’s Bernie Gunther novels, originally set in 1930s Berlin, have transcended their setting to follow the charismatic and compelling Bernie around Europe, and have broken the bounds of detective series’ by taking him to Cuba, inside a Russian prisoner of war camp, and back and forward in time. The newest Bernie Gunther novel The Lady from Zagreb sees Bernie sent to Croatia to find a glamorous German screen siren, which leads him into much more sinister territory. Ian Rankin’s John Rebus has become one of the most popular fictional and TV detectives of all time, so much so that he came out of retirement by popular demand. Rankin’s newest novel Even Dogs in the Wild sees Rebus once again called upon to help DI Siobhan Clarke solve a crime that reaches into both their pasts.
Michael Malone, Caro Ramsay & Douglas Skelton SUN 13TH // 3.15PM – 4.15PM // ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 Join three stalwarts of the Scottish crime writing scene in conversation about cops vs. crooks – what makes crime writers choose characters on the right or wrong side of the law? Caro Ramsay’s new novel The Tears of Angels follows her detectives Anderson and Costello trying to solve a series of gruesome and baffling murders that lead them to the shores of Loch Lomond. Michael Malone’s latest novel Beyond the Rage sees villain Kenny O’Neill confront his own demons as he hunts for a killer in the dark underbelly of Glasgow. Douglas Skelton’s Davie McCall novels also explores Glasgow’s dark side from the point of view of the gangsters themselves. This is sure to be a great discussion between three writers exploring the complex morality of their characters: whether they are goodies or baddies. Sponsored by Contraband
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SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER
WHAT’S ON
Writing for the Screen SUN 13TH // 3.15PM – 4.15PM // MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL // £7.50 / 6.50 Three accomplished crime writers will be discussing the unique challenges of writing or adapting work for film and TV. Join Hollywood screenwriter-turned crime novelist Alexandra Sokoloff, Kevin Wignall, whose novel Hunter’s Prayer has recently been adapted into a major feature film, and Chris Dolan, whose screenwriting accolades including writing Taggart and adapting Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels for TV. These three will offer unique insights into turning crime fiction into screen gold.
Linwood Barclay SUN 13TH // 5PM – 6PM // ALBERT HALLS // £9.50 / 8.50 A real treat for crime fiction fans to round off a fantastic weekend. Joining us from Canada, the hugely popular Linwood Barclay helps us close Bloody Scotland 2015 with the launch of his newest novel Broken Promise – out in September. The author of thirteen novels, including international bestsellers Trust Your Eyes, A Tap on the Window and No Time for Goodbye, Barclay has been topping the crime charts since 2008 and arrives following another phenomenally successful year, with No Safe House, his chilling follow-up to No Time For Goodbye, again winning a place on the Richard and Judy Summer Book Club list. In Broken Promise, reporter David Harwood returns to his small town home and checks in on his cousin Marla who is reeling from the loss of her baby. When he arrives at her home to find her holding a baby that she says has been delivered by an angel, and smears of blood on the door, it’s up to David to find out whether Marla has committed murder or if the truth is even more sinister. Barclay will be in discussion with Bloody Scotland’s own chair, literary agent Jenny Brown, about just how he makes his readers tick and what inspires his ingenious plot-twists.
Tickets and info: BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM // 01786 27 4000
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Stirling is located within easy reach by road and rail. BY ROAD Stirling is linked to the motorway and trunk road network including the M9/A9 from Edinburgh, Perth and Inverness, and the M80 from Glasgow. BY RAIL Stirling is served by direct rail services from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness. Stirling station is within easy walking distance of the festival venues, although be aware that walking involves some moderately steep inclines. Travel overnight from London – Stirling is a stop on the Caledonian Sleeper train service from London Euston to Inverness. Taxis are available from a rank outside the train station. Check travelinescotland.com (0870 608 2 608) or scotrail.co.uk for timetables and tickets. FREE BLOODY SCOTLAND SHUTTLE BUS A free bus service will be run by Bloody Scotland between venues – please see information on site when you visit or ask a member of staff.
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Accessibility Information We are committed to making Bloody Scotland accessible to all – full venue accessibility information is available on our website or call 0141 258 1150 to discuss any access needs. BSL interpretation is available at events on request. Email: info@bloodyscotland.com to request this free service.
VENUES Albert Halls, Albert Pl, Dumbarton Rd, FK8 2QL The Stirling Highland Hotel, Spittal St, FK8 1DU Cowane’s Hospital, 49 St John St, FK8 1ED Curly Coo Bar, 51 Barnton Street, FK8 1HH Tolbooth, Jail Wynd, FK8 1DE The Golden Lion Hotel, 8-10 King Street, FK8 1DQ
BOX OF F I CE I N F O
ONLINE
24 hour booking at bloodyscotland.com
BY PHONE
01786 27 4000 (Tuesday to Saturday 10am–6pm, closed Sunday and Monday)
IN PERSON Purchase tickets from The Albert Halls Box Office in Stirling – Monday to Friday (9am–5pm) or Tolbooth Theatre Box Office in Stirling, Tuesday to Saturday (10am–6pm). In addition full box office facilities will be available on site at the Stirling Highland Hotel and The Albert Halls throughout the festival weekend. Please allow time to pick up your tickets before the event begins. The box office can post your tickets for 50p or they can be picked up for free from the box office.
CONCESSIONS
STIRLING DISCOUNT
All tickets (with the exception of the dinner) are available at a concessionary rate (£1 off) if you are a student, unemployed, registered disabled, over 60 or under 16.
10% discount available to people residing in the Stirling Council postcode areas. Available across all sales channels and address must be given at the time of booking.
Bloody Scotland regrets that once purchased, tickets cannot be transferred, exchanged or returned. SEATING Seating at all events is unreserved. Please advise the Box Office at the time of booking if you require a wheelchair space or have any specific needs and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Visit bloodyscotland.com/localdiscount for details. FREE STANDBY TICKETS Free standby tickets are available to the unemployed or those on a low income, on the day of the event if there is good availability. Proof of eligibility is required and tickets are only available on the day of the event, limited to one per person. Visit bloodyscotland.com/standby for full details. *Good availability is defined as over 10 tickets available for sale.
The Caledonian Crime Writing Festival, Scottish Company No SC404578, Registered office: Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8HE. The Caledonian Crime Writing Festival is a Scottish Registered Charity. Charity No SC042615
Tickets and info: BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM // 01786 27 4000
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FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER
9.30AM–5PM
BLOODY SCOTLAND CRIME WRITING MASTERCLASS
TOLBOOTH
p6
6.30PM–7.30PM
VAL MCDERMID & PETER MAY
ALBERT HALLS
p7
8.15PM–9.15PM
WHOSE CRIME IS IT ANYWAY?
ALBERT HALLS
p7
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
10AM–11AM
FORENSICS WITH LIN ANDERSON & VAL MCDERMID
ALBERT HALLS
p8
10AM–11AM
KILLER WOMEN
ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p8
10AM–11AM
SELF PUBLISHING
MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p8
11.45AM–12.45PM
LINDSEY DAVIS
ALBERT HALLS
p9
11.45AM–12.45PM
BELINDA BAUER & DENISE MINA
ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p9
11.45AM–12.45PM
ALEX GRAY PRESENTS: NEW CRIMES
MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p9
1.30PM–2.30PM
ARNE DAHL
ALBERT HALLS
p10
1.30PM–2.30PM
ALEXANDRA SOKOLOFF & MARGIE ORFORD
ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p10
1.30PM–2.30PM
THE POISONS OF AGATHA CHRISTIE
MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p10
3.15PM–4.15PM
CHRIS BROOKMYRE
ALBERT HALLS
p11
3.15PM–4.15PM
BRIGHTON ROCKS
ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p11
3.15PM–4.15PM
NORDIC NOIR
MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p11
5PM–6PM
ANN CLEEVES & ALEX GRAY
ALBERT HALLS
p13
5PM–6PM
BREAKING THE LAW
ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p13
5PM–6PM
ANYA LIPSKA, EVA DOLAN & KATI HIEKKAPELTO
MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p13
6.45PM–7.45PM
MARTINA COLE
ALBERT HALLS
p14
8PM TILL LATE
CRIME AT THE COO
CURLY COO
p14
8PM–11PM
BLOODY SCOTLAND CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR DINNER
GOLDEN LION HOTEL
p15
10AM–11AM
TRUE CRIME: THE WORLD’S END MURDERS
ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p16
10AM–11AM
PITCH PERFECT
MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p16
11.45AM–12.45PM
DEAR MEAN PLACE
ALBERT HALLS
p16
11.45AM–12.45PM
SIMON KERNICK, TOM WOOD, G.J. BROWN & MASON CROSS ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p17
11.45AM–12.45PM
CAPITAL CRIME
MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p17
1.30PM–2.30PM
STEVE MOSBY & SARAH PINBOROUGH
MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p17
1.30PM–2.30PM
SOPHIE HANNAH
ALBERT HALLS
p17
1.30PM–2.30PM
BLOODY SCOTLAND FOOTBALL MATCH
BOWLING GREEN – COWANE’S HOSPITAL
p19
1.30PM–2.30PM
MARK DOUGLAS-HOME & SIMON SYLVESTER
ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p20
3.15PM–4.15PM
MICHAEL MALONE, CARO RAMSAY & DOUGLAS SKELTON
ACADEMY SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p20
3.15PM–4.15PM
IAN RANKIN & PHILIP KERR
ALBERT HALLS
p20
3.15PM–4.15PM
WRITING FOR THE SCREEN
MCLAREN SUITE – STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL
p21
5PM–6PM
LINWOOD BARCLAY
ALBERT HALLS
p21
SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER