2024 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Event Guide

2024 Festival at a Glance

Thursday18July

9-5.45pm Crea�veThursday

8.00pm TheakstonOldPeculierCrimeAwards&Party

Friday19July

9.00am InConversa�on:AbirMukherjeeandVaseemKhan

10.30am ThePastisaForeignCountry

12.00pm WelcometotheMindPalace

2.00pm CopsandRobbers

3.30pm TheLe�eroftheLaw

5.00pm InConversa�on:ShariLapenaandLizNugent

6.15pm AuthorDinner

8.30pm SpecialGuest:PeterJames interviewedbyLouiseMinchin

10.00pm ConfessionsofaCrimeWriter

Saturday20July

9.00am SpecialGuest:ChrisCarter interviewedbyLisaHowells

10.30am PsychoThrillers

12.00pm Cri�cs’NewBloodwithRuthWare

2.00pm ISpy

3.30pm FromPItoAI–Detec�oninaChatGPTWorld

5.00pm SpecialGuest:DorothyKoomsoninterviewedbyNatashaKnight

6.15pm AuthorDinner

6.30pm TheTangledWeb

8.30pm SpecialGuest:RichardOsmaninterviewedbyRuthWare

10.15pm LateNightQuiz

Sunday21July

9.00am InConversa�on:ErinKellyandJaneCasey

10.30am TheLieoftheLand

12.00pm SpecialGuest:EllyGriffithsinterviewedbyS�gAbell

Key

eventincludedaspartofaWeekendRover�cket

eventincludedaspartofaFridayRover�cket

eventincludedaspartofaSaturdayRover�cket

All events from the main programme will take place at the Old Swan Hotel, Swan Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SR at the Theakston Old Peculier Stage. Author Dinners and Crea�ve ThursdaywilltakeplaceinsidetheOldSwanHotel.

welcome

Hello and welcome to the twenty-first Theakston Old Peculier Crime Wri�ng Fes�val - a year which looks set to be one of the biggest and most starstudded yet, with a glorious roster of criminal minds, devious plo�ers and venerable word-smiths. Whatever your poison – be it cosy or hard-boiled, psychological or forensic – I'm certain you’ll find something for you in these pages.

I can promise cold pints, hot takes, though�ul debates, and raucous quiz rounds – not to men�on the tradi�onally hilarious murder mystery dinners. But for me, the true joy of Harrogate has always come down to one thing: the sheer pleasure of being among so many fellow book lovers. Because the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Wri�ng Fes�val is, and has always been, a Fes�val that puts the reader at the heart of everything - and that's you. This Fes�val is for you – and I hope you enjoy every minute.

Ruth Ware 2024Fes�valProgrammingChair

The challenges facing us over the last few years have taught us all the importance of communica�on and the need for people to be together. And as we draw strength from the company of each other so it is with the greatest of an�cipatory pleasure that we will all once again be together in Harrogate for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Wri�ng Fes�val, to which may I extend to you the warmest of welcomes!

I’m sure you will be just as excited as I am at seeing yet another fantas�c lineup of the world’s biggest selling authors, with our 2024 Programming Chair, the mul�-award winning Ruth Ware at the helm. Ruth and her Programming Commi�ee have produced another wickedly good programme which will transport us, temporarily at least, into a world free of war and tempest.

As ever the Fes�val highlights span the giants of the genre whilst keeping a careful eye on the ones to watch. This year we’re welcoming over 100 authors to the stage and are delighted to be welcoming back so many of our audiences from all over the world.

Friends of our Fes�val will know how I’ve struggled for many years to compare the allure of a pint of Old Peculier with a great crime novel. I can tell you there’s nowhere it tastes be�er than in Harrogate when all our partners in crime gather in the grounds of the Old Swan Hotel. Which may explain our Fes�val’s reputa�on for conviviality and longevity.

My best wishes to you all for a wonderful four days.

Simon Theakston ChairmanofT&RTheakstonLtd

Plo�ed by HIF

Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals welcomes you to Harrogate for a weekend of thrilling crime fic�on. It’s one of the many Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�val events, crea�vely plo�ed throughout the year, bringing leading global ar�sts and immersive experiences to Harrogate.

January – April

Harrogate Interna�onal Sunday Series

Chamber music concerts and coffee in the magnificent surroundings of the Old Swan Hotel.

March

BEAM Light Fes�val

A free-to-all two-night spectacular, illumina�ng 10 of Harrogate’s most wellknown landscapes, with stunning light installa�ons and soundscapes crea�ng a trail through Harrogate town centre.

June

The Big Read

“The North’s biggest book club”

Encouraging as many people as possible to read a classic work of crime fic�on, increasing links across the region between libraries and reading groups, and inspiring new readers.

June – July

Spiegeltent & Children’s Fes�val

Landing in the centre of Harrogate, this iconic pop-up venue hosts a huge variety of cabaret, music and entertainment for all the family, ligh�ng up Harrogate for two weeks.

Harrogate Music Fes�val

Featuring the best of interna�onal musical talent spanning classical, jazz and folk, as well as hos�ng the pres�gious Young Musicians Series.

July

Theakston Old Peculier

Crime Wri�ng Fes�val

World class, award-winning programme of events celebra�ng the very best in crime fic�on.

October

Raworths Harrogate Literature Fes�val

Bringing bestselling authors, influen�al poli�cians, and stars of the stage to share their stories.

HIF+ Year Round

Berwins Salon North

A yearly programme of inspired TED talk style events, exploring s�mula�ng ideas in art, science, and psychology.

HIF Player

Our digital pla�orm hos�ng online events, talks and concerts as well as our online crime Fes�val You’re Booked featuring our monthly, Book of the Month.

HIF+

Throughout the year, our diverse HIF+ programmes deliver a wide range of projects, designed to improve lives through access to the Arts.

To see our full year-round programme and be kept up to date, please visit harrogateinterna�onalfes�vals.com

welcome

It’s that �me of year when we launch our programme and invite you all to join us on another great Fes�val adventure.

We are delighted and proud of the 2024 programme and whether you immerse yourself in a full weekend of crime mayhem or pop in for the odd event or two, there’s a host of opportuni�es to enjoy this very special weekend in the calendar.

Our grateful thanks must go to the Programming Commi�ee, this year chaired by Ruth Ware, for helping to create an exci�ng and varied programme. Within these pages you will find conversa�ons with the giants of the genre, thought provoking discussions and discover debut writers to champion for the future, as well as a host of ways to enjoy the Fes�val for free including events and online.

Thanks also to Simon Theakston, Richard Bradbury and the team at T&R Theakston for their enduring support, to sponsors and supporters for their immense generosity and the indefa�gable HIF team who consistently go above and beyond.

We hope you enjoy this wonderful Fes�val to the full. It is a packed programme of events on stage, on site and of course in the bar – where be�er to raise a pint of Theakston Old Peculier?

Have a wonderful �me!

Sharon Canavar Chief Execu�ve, Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals

Site Passes

Just want to spend some �me at the bookshop or the bar? Then grab one of our site passes! With a site pass, you can get access to the Fes�val site for either the whole day or the whole weekend, including the bookshop and signings, the legendary bar, and the grounds of the Old Swan Hotel, where there's lots of space to sit down with that new thriller you just picked up.

*Please note, a site pass does not allow entry into any �cketed events, and �ckets for these events will have to be purchased separately. If you purchase a �cket for an event part of the main programme listed on page 2, you do not need a site pass for that day.

Site Passes will go on sale online on Wednesday 5 June 2024. £10 per day, or £30 for a full weekend pass (Thursday to Sunday).

creative

£115

Includes 2-course lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments. 9.00am - 5.45pm

So, you want to be a writer? This is the event for you. Think of Crea�ve Thursday as a roadmap for the rocky road towards being published. It’s your dream des�na�on and wherever you are on your journey we have a series of discussion panels, crea�ve workshops and a mildly terrifying pitching session to help you get there. This immersive day also contains invaluable prac�cal advice and insider knowledge from the best authors, agents, editors and publishers in the business to get you where you want to be.

COMING UP WITH A KILLER HOOK

Join a panel of acclaimed crime writers as they unravel the mystery behind cra�ing gripping opening hooks. Delve into transforming simple ideas into mesmerizing plots that keep readers on edge. Discover their secrets as they dissect killer hook anatomy, revealing techniques to cap�vate from the first line. Learn how master storytellers navigate plot development, weaving suspenseful threads to ensnare readers. Your masters of the dark arts will be Penny Batchelor, KL Slater, Adele Parks and William Shaw. The panel will be chaired by Ruth Ware.

THE PITCH

Great idea – check. Killer-hook – check. But how do you sell your idea to publishers, editors and agents? N.J. Cooper delivers a whistlestop tour of the dos and don’ts for pitching your ideas to industry professionals. Warning… please pay full a�en�on as you might be lucky enough to be selling your own idea to, gulp, industry professionals in The Dragons’ Pen, later in the day.

ORIGINAL SIN

Unleash your pen's power in an exci�ng wri�ng workshop led by thriller writer Isabel Ashdown and Sam Eades, publisher at Orion Publishing Group. Dive deep into originality as they challenge your crime narra�ve's every aspect. From characters to plot pacing, they'll expertly navigate storytelling's labyrinth. Cra� characters that defy clichés, delving into mul�-dimensional personas driving your narra�ve. Engage in discussions and exercises, exploring personality nuances and breaking storytelling conven�ons. With Isabel and Sam, defy stereotypes and transform your wri�ng into suspenseful tales. Leave inspired, armed with a dra� passage ready to blossom into a gripping tale of your own crea�on.

HOW TO CATCH A MURDERER

Unlock the secrets of criminal inves�ga�on with former homicide detec�ve Russell Wate. Gain exclusive insights into high-profile cases like the Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman murders. In a three-part workshop, delve into murder inves�ga�on fundamentals, using real-life detec�ve strategies. Analyse crime scenes and profile suspects like a pro. Russell shares his methodology for cra�ing gripping crime fic�on, drawing from real-life experiences. Exchange literary ambi�ons and receive invaluable �ps on cra�ing authen�c mysteries that resonate with readers.

DRAGONS’ PEN

Okay, you’ve done the hard work (and it’s been fun!). Now let’s put what you’ve learned to the test. And wow, what a terrifying test it is…

In front of you are four brilliant publishing professionals. In the chair is number one bestseller Mark Billingham. In the audience are your fellow writers. You have two minutes to convince them that your synopsis and first chapter are worth reading. Are you ready? You’d be�er be.

This is our literary version of the popular TV show, Dragons’ Den, and it’s most definitely not for the faint-hearted. Step up, show them what you’ve got and sell it. The poten�al prize is everything. With Francesca Pathak, Pan Macmillan; Phoebe Morgan, Hodder & Stoughton, Jon Wood, RCW Literary Agency and Madeleine Milburn, The MM Agency.

18 JULY 2024 | Thursday | 8pm

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Awards and Party

The presenta�on of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year is one of the most hotly an�cipated nights in the crime fic�on calendar. Now in its 20th year, it has become the most coveted prize for today’s crime writers.

It enjoys a stellar list of past winners including Mark Billingham, Val McDermid, Lee Child, Denise Mina, Mick Herron, and the 2023 recipient, MW Craven. Broadcaster and author Mark Lawson is the master of ceremonies, and he will interview the shortlisted authors before announcing the winner.

An icon of the genre will also be honoured with the Outstanding Contribu�on accolade.

The inaugural McDermid Debut Award will be launched, with the first winner announced that evening.

Celebra�ons con�nue with the official Fes�val opening party.

2024 Longlisted Books Vo�ng will close Thursday 16 May 2024.

#THEAKSTONSAWARDS

2024 Shortlist Announcement:

The names of the six shortlisted �tles will be announced on 13 June 2024 and YOU –the readers – will be able to help decide which of the six shortlisted authors will take home the most coveted �tle in crime fic�on, a prize of £3,000 and a hand carved Theakston barrel, by cas�ng your vote online at: harrogatetheakstoncrimeaward.com. The result of the online vote will be counted alongside the vote of the expert judging panel to determine the 2024 winner.

McDermid Debut Award

McDermid Debut Award

Named in recogni�on of world-famous crime writer, Val McDermid, who co-founded the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Wri�ng Fes�val in 2003 and whose dedica�on to fostering new voices in crime fic�on through the New Blood panel is legendary, this new Award seeks to con�nue her legacy, celebra�ng and pla�orming the best debut crime writers in the UK.

A shortlist of six �tles, selected by an academy of established crime and thriller authors, will be announced on Thursday 13 June, with the winner determined by a judging panel of industry experts, including literary, broadcas�ng and media figures. All shortlisted authors will receive a full weekend pass to the Fes�val and the winner, announced on the night, will receive a £500 cash prize.

‘A DAMN EXCITING READ’ JAMES PATTERSON ‘LIKE 24 MEETS HOMELAND WITH HEART’ JO CALLAGHAN

‘UNMISSABLE’ STEVE CAVANAGH ‘TENSE, TWISTY’ RUTH WARE ‘TIMELY AND INTELLIGENT’ ANNA MAZZOLA ‘STUNNING’ JANICE HALLETT ‘BLISTERINGLY-PACED’

VASEEM KHAN ‘HIGH-OCTANE, HIGH-ADRENALINE’ ERIN

KELLY ‘IRRESISTIBLE’ SHARI LAPENA ‘A MUST-READ’ ADRIAN MCKINTY ‘A MASTERCLASS’ MICK HERRON

‘PRETTY MUCH FLAWLESS’ LEE CHILD ‘A KICK-ASS, PEDAL-

TO-THE-METAL THRILLER’ MARK BILLINGHAM ‘STRAP

YOURSELF IN AND BRACE FOR THE RIDE’ CHRIS WHITAKER

Don’t miss ABIR in conversation with VASEEM KHAN 09:00, FRIDAY 19th JULY 2024

In Conversation: Vaseem Khan & Abir Mukherjee

9am

£18

What be�er way to spend Fridaymorningthaninthe company of two of the mostpopularcrimefic�on authors in the business. Collec�vely, Vaseem Khan and Abir Mukherjee are the Red Hot Chilli Writers and present a riotous podcast of the same name. Individually, they cra� superb historical and contemporary novels that shouldn’tbemissed.

Vaseem is the creator of two much-loved series, the Baby Ganesh novels and the Malabar House series, both set in India. The latest, Death of a LesserGod,isabeau�fully wri�en and insigh�ul thriller.

Abir’s latest book, the heart-stopping Hunted, is a blistering departure from his award-winning Wyndam and Banerjee series. In it, two parents race to find their children before the FBI does in the hope of preven�ng an unimaginableatrocity.

The Past is a Foreign Country

Grab your passport, pack a hat and wear your sexiest shades as we journey to a �me of dastardly deeds to learn what the criminal past can teach us about the criminal present.

Voices of the Dead is the latest ingenious crea�on from Ambrose Parry, the alter ego of husband-and-wife team Chris Brookmyre & Marisa Haetzman. Amy Chua’s epic debut The Golden Gate is set in California, featuring an assassina�on and long-buried family secrets. Anna Mazzola’s The Book of Secrets is a dark yet dazzling novel set in 17th century Rome in the wake of the plague. Alchemy, the seventh instalment in SJ Parris’s astonishing Giordano Bruno series, sees the spy sent to Prague in a tale of twists and turmoil. The brilliant Laura Shepherd-Robinson is in charge.

Welcome to the Mind Palace

Like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel, crime novelists have long thrilled us with neurodivergent characters and the windmills of their minds. Meet four authors who understand the complexi�es and capabili�es of minds built differently.

Stef Penney’s tense thriller The Long Water features the misanthropic Svea, an outsider who harbours the darkest of secrets. The Mystery Guest is the second novel featuring Nita Prose’s beguiling Molly Gray, star of her smashhit debut The Maid. Dark humour and an endearingly flawed heroine are at the heart of Joanna Wallace’s mesmerising You’d Look Be�er as a Ghost. Sarah Hilary’s rich gi� for sympathe�cally showcasing extraordinary minds is on full display in her cap�va�ng new novel Sharp Glass. NJ Cooper holds the keys to the mind palace.

10.30am 12pm

£15

Ambrose Parry Amy Chua Anna Mazzola SJ Parris Laura ShepherdRobinson

Stef Penney Nita Prose

Joanna wallace Sarah Hilary NJ Cooper

Cops and Robbers

From Roderick Alleyn to Aurelio Zen, from Cagney to Lacey and back again, police officers are among the most enduring and intriguing characters in detec�ve fic�on. Four of the best police procedural writers around will explain how they untangle the thin blue line.

The Kill List, the third in Nadine Matheson’s acclaimed Inspector Henley series, sees the reemergence of a killer thought to be behind bars. In Chris�e J Newport’s twisty The Ordinary Man, Detec�ve Beth Fellows races to track down a fiendish killer. Simon Mason’s two DI Wilkins search for a missing celebrity in Lost and Never Found. DS Washington Poe is the much-loved hero of MW Craven’s brilliant series of novels, most recently the #TheakstonsAwards winner for The Botanist. Bestseller Mark Billingham, a Thorne between roses, is in the chair.

The Letter of the Law

Legal thrillers have never lost their appeal and offer suspenseful entertainment from the first sentence to the last. Presen�ng the case for the defence are four outstanding authors equally qualified as expert witnesses.

A Lesson in Cruelty, the fourth novel by former criminal barrister Harriet Tyce, is an object lesson in plo�ng and may be her darkest book yet. Kia Abdullah’s case file contains six legal thrillers, and Those People Next Door is further evidence of her rich talent. Leading criminal barrister Tony Kent’s explosive page-turner The Shadow Network is a blistering thrill-ride that will leave you breathless. Former U.S. A�orney – and director of the FBI – James Comey u�lises all his vast experience in his acclaimed new novel Westport. Barrister and author Imran Mahmood will rule un�l there are no further ques�ons.

Nadine Matheson

Christie J Newport

Simon Mason MW Craven Mark Billingham

Harriet Tyce Kia Abdullah Tony Kent

James Comey Imran Mahmood

In Conversation: Shari Lapena and Liz Nugent

5pm

£18

Spend an hour in the company of two of the sharpest minds in contemporary crime fic�on.

Shari Lapena and Liz Nugent are both masters of characterisa�on and suspense, cra�ing absorbing novels that defy the reader to put them down. Together, they will be a treat for all fans of the genre.

Shari was a lawyer and an English teacher before her debut The Couple Next Door became an interna�onal sensa�on, selling four million copies worldwide. Six more global bestsellers have followed and her new novel What Have You Done? is an irresis�ble thriller.

Liz’s deep dives into the grim recesses of human nature have earned her a dedicated global readership and produced six outstanding novels. The most recent, the award-winning Strange Sally Diamond, is a shocking yet moving masterpiece.

THE BEST IN CRIME FICTION FROM PAN MACMILLAN

Visit our Dead Giveaways tent throughout the festival to grab some free goodies, meet our authors and discover more about the finest crime fiction coming in 2024 and 2025.

PROOFS CHAPTER SAMPLERS

SNACKS AND TREATS PRIZES

POP-UP EVENTS

And don't miss our fantastic author events at the festival

LAURA SHEPHERD-ROBINSON

SARAH HILARY

PETER JAMES

RUTH KELLY ARAMINTA HALL JOHN MARRS

Author Dinner | 6.15pm - 8pm

This is a unique opportunity for crime fic�on fans to get to know authors in a relaxed and fun dinner environment. A crime writer will host each table and together you will try to figure out ‘whodunnit’ as other authors get into character to perform a murder mystery for your delecta�on and delight. Put your li�le grey cells to work, iden�fy the culprit and win prizes.

Kia Abdullah

Heidi Amsinck

M J Arlidge

Penny Batchelor

Dugald Bruce Lockhart

Katherine Faulkner

Heather J Fi�

Louise Hare

Jackie Kabler

Imran Mahmood

Simon Marlowe

John Marrs

Nadine Matheson

Rachel North

Helen Phifer

Rod Reynolds

Tim Sullivan

Lesley Thomson

Bridget Walsh

B P Walter £55

HIF @HOME

HIF @ Home gives you access to all the fun of the Fes�vals, from the comfort of your home. We’re providing a host of content and talent - from Podcasts to Book of the Month features and author interviews - all free from your home, phone or laptop.

Special Guest: Peter James

One of the most popular authors in crime fic�on is celebra�ng a very special milestone at Harrogate this summer, as the 20th book in Peter James’ mul�-million bestselling and much-loved Roy Grace series will be published.

The new Grace novel, One Of Us Is Dead, has been preceded by 19 consecu�ve Sunday Times number ones and the series has sold 21 million copies worldwide and been translated into 38 languages. It has also been adapted into a hit ITV drama series starring John Simm as Detec�ve Superintendent Roy Grace.

With a fascina�ng background working in movies, as Orson Welles’ house cleaner, being a racing driver and a former alpaca farmer, Peter has a fund of stories and the talent to tell them.

Peter will be interviewed by breakfast TV favourite turned crime writer Louise Minchin

Confessions of a Crime Writer 10pm

You've read the books. You've seen them interviewed. Now, see your favourite crime writers in a way you've never seen them before. Our dastardly line-up is ready to confess dark, shocking secrets from their past – whether that be streaking at a major spor�ng event, once pretending to be a famous celebrity to crash a wedding, or serving a meal that had been dropped on the floor. The statute of limita�ons is up and sins will be confessed. But it will be up to you, the audience, to decide if these terrible sins should be forgiven, or if they're just too egregious to ever be forgo�en.

Our all-star roster of jus�fied sinners are interna�onal bestsellers Mark Billingham, Gytha Lodge, Val McDermid and Richard Osman. Chairing proceedings will be arch sinner, Luca Veste

Mark Billingham Gytha Lodge Val McDermid Richard Osman Luca Veste

This event is sponsored by

Proud official bookselling partner at Our booksellers return in 2024 to the Old Swan Hotel to celebrate the richness of contemporary crime writing. Join us, and discover your new favourite novelist.

Special Guest: Chris Carter

Over the course of 13 adrenaline-charged serial-killer thrillers in his Detec�ve Robert Hunter series, Chris Carter has carved out a place at the top table of chilling crime fic�on. Chris has used a background in criminal psychology to take readers on a journey into the darkest depths of the human psyche.

Born and raised in Brazil, he’s had an eclec�c career which includes touring the world as a rock guitarist, being in an exo�c dance group, and working for the Michigan DA’s criminal psychology unit. He’s found his home as an interna�onal bestseller with a devoted global fan base. In his 2024 release The Death Watcher, Robert Hunter is on the case of a killer disguising gruesome murders as accidental deaths.

Chris will be interviewed by journalist Lisa

Howells.

9am

£18

PSYCHO THRILLERS

If you want your reading dark, twisty and chilling, and you think you can handle it, then this is the genre for you. Con�nually finding new ways to mess with your mind, psychological thriller writers are the bad kids on the block.

AA Chaudhuri’s stylish Under Her Roof is an intricately plo�ed and claustrophobic thriller in which the reveals keep on coming. Abigail Dean’s follow up to the haun�ng Girl A is the equally breathtaking Day One, a terrifying unravelling of trauma and truth. C.M. Ewan is the master of everyday situa�ons with deadly consequences and in One Wrong Turn, he twists the knife just a li�le more. T.M. Logan’s addic�ve The Dream Home is a masterful piece of misdirec�on playing on a homeowner’s worst nightmare. The thrilling Luca Veste is in charge.

This event is sponsored by

CRITICS’ NEW BLOOD

This perennial Fes�val favourite provides a showcase for outstanding first�me authors and this year it comes with a twist. Some of the UK’s top crime fic�on cri�cs have selected four terrific debuts and the authors will discuss them with 2024 Fes�val Programming Chair Ruth Ware.

Colin Walsh’s Kala is a heartbreaking thriller set on the west coast of Ireland, a tale of secrets building to a stunning climax. The Kellerby Code by Jonny Sweet is a piercing portrayal of toxic friendships and the poten�al for brutality that might lie within us all. The atmospheric Where They Lie, a haun�ng tale of secrets and startling truths, is the absorbing debut from Claire Coughlan Mar�a Kaukonen’s Follow The Bu�erfly is a powerful, poignant and gripping explora�on of whether a killer can be cured, or stopped.

12pm

AA Choudhuri Abigail Dean C.M. Ewan

T.M. Logan Luca Veste

Ruth Ware

Colin Walsh Jonny Sweet Claire Coughlan Marta Kaukonen

I SPY

As cold wars simmer and real wars burn, as poli�cal truths have become stranger than poli�cal fic�on, the spy novel has rarely been more relevant. Meet four writers who speak truth to power and li� the veil on the world of spies, spooks and secret services.

Terry Hayes’ second novel The Year of the Locust is an epic dive into the shadowy world of the CIA super spy. Ava Glass has been hailed as the new queen of spy fic�on and her latest novel is the adrenaline-filled The Trap. Mick Herron, creator of the wondrous Slow Horses, is the undisputed spymaster and one of the best novelists at work today. In Kim Sherwood’s explosive A Spy Like Me, James Bond is missing, just when the country needs him most. Author and spy biographer Charlo�e Philby is in control.

From AI to PI - Detection in a ChatGPT World 2pm 3.30pm

Enter a new world where the line between human and machine blurs in the pursuit of jus�ce and li�le grey cells give way to graphic processing units. Meet the authors who are pu�ng the tech into detec�on.

An analyst knows what a killer is capable of before he commits his first crime in Helen Fields’s terrifying Profile K. Jo Callaghan’s innova�ve In the Blink of an Eye introduced the AI sidekick, Lock, and he returns in the equally provoca�ve Leave No Trace. Witness X, the compulsive thriller from Sarah Moorhead, uses the newest tech to help solve the oldest crime – murder. A security system has wiped a killer’s memory in Stuart Turton’s extraordinary The Last Murder At The End Of The World. Author Ajay Chowdhury keeps an AI on proceedings.

£15

Terry Hayes Ava Glass Mick Herron Kim Sherwood Charlotte Philby

Helen Fields Jo Callaghan Sarah Moorhead Stuart Turton Ajay Chowdhury

Dorothy Koomson’s gi� for unravelling the intricacies of human nature leaves readers u�erly spellbound. Amongst her diverse output are a number of expertly cra�ed crime novels which have enriched the genre. From her bestselling debut The Cupid Effect, through the haun�ng hit The Ice Cream Girls, to her latest twisty thriller, Every Smile You Fake, her books are always both moving and gripping.

A former journalist, Dorothy is the author of 16 novels that have been translated into over 30 languages. The Ice Cream Girls was adapted into an ITV mini-series. Born in London, she lived in Australia for a �me before returning to England and se�ling in Brighton, where many of her books are now set.

Dorothy will be interviewed by Magic FM’s head book worm Natasha Knight

Author Dinner | 6.15pm - 8pm

This is a unique opportunity for crime fic�on fans to get to know authors in a relaxed and fun dinner environment. A crime writer will host each table and together you will try to figure out ‘whodunnit’ as other authors get into character to perform a murder mystery for your delecta�on and delight. Put your li�le grey cells to work, iden�fy the culprit and win prizes.

Suzy Aspley

Kate Bendelow

Lauren Beukes

Chris Brookmyre

Emily Freud

Araminta Hall

Peter Hanington

David Hewson

Jane Jesmond

Alex Kane

Ruth Kelly

Bonnie MacBird

Syd Moore

Kris�na Perez

Sunny Singh

John Sutherland

Russ Thomas

MJ White

Trevor Wood

Michael Wood

The Tangled Web 6.30pm

The weaving of tangled webs to create the perfect whodunnit is a sneaky business involving the same misdirec�on techniques used by conjurors and pickpockets. Be on your guard as four authors skilled in the dark arts of decep�on reveal their secrets.

Lucy Foley’s intricate new novel The Midnight Feast features the opening of a glitzy hotel as deadly secrets creep from the shadows. Our Holiday is a twisty, sun-soaked thriller from Louise Candlish guaranteed to have you turning the pages. Catherine Ryan Howard has been blazing a bestselling trail and her much-an�cipated new book is the gripping and immersive Burn A�er Reading. Twisted moral dilemmas are at the heart of Jack Jordan’s pulsa�ng Redemp�on as grieving parents hunt the man who killed their daughter. C.L. Taylor, the queen of twisty plots, will chair.

Lucy Foley Louise Candlish

Catherine Ryan Howard Jack Jordan C.L. Taylor

Special Guest: Richard Osman

In the blink of an eye – and the space of just four books –Richard Osman has gone from na�onal ins�tu�on and muchloved TV personality to publishing phenomenon. His wonderful Thursday Murder Club series has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide and made him the biggest new fic�on author of the decade. In a �me of celebrity novelists, Richard is the real deal – cra�ing smart, thrilling, laugh-out-loud books that readers rightly love.

A global army of fans has been recruited to enjoy the adventures of Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron, and now a new series and an iconic new duo is on the horizon in the forthcoming We Love Murders. Richard will talk about books old, new and future as he’s interviewed by the Fes�val’s Programming Chair, Ruth Ware.

8.30pm

£18

And now, from Harrogate, it’s the quiz of the year. Always one of the most an�cipated, and hotly contested, events of the fes�val, the Saturday night quiz is a thing of legend. Teams of authors and readers go head-to-head to test their crime fic�on knowledge in pursuit of prizes and bragging rights.

Your quizmasters are Vallingham – aka the incomparable Val McDermid and Mark Billingham – a pairing with be�er chemistry than Marie and Pierre Curie on radium. Join a team, grab a table and have a lot of fun.

In Conversation: Erin Kelly & Jane Casey

9am

£18

Some�mes pairings just seem right. Erin Kelly and Jane Casey have both produced a string of hugely impressive novels, crea�ng books and characters that speak to a genera�on. As well as possessing brilliantly twisted minds, they are fabulously entertaining speakers and this conversa�on between two smart, insigh�ul crime writers is not to be missed.

A natural storyteller, Erin is the author of such outstanding novels as He Said, She Said and The Skeleton Key. Exploring the dark consequences of obsession and guilt with consummate skill, she has readers clamouring for more.

Dublin-born Jane Casey is the creator of the standard-se�ng Maeve Kerrigan series as well as several acclaimed standalones. Her rare gi� for sharp dialogue, complex characterisa�on and me�culous plots has made the Kerrigan novels an unmissable treat.

Loca�on, loca�on, loca�on. A great novel deserves a great se�ng and this panel celebrates the importance of place and iden�ty in a crime novel as we meet four writers whose stories are uniquely rooted in the landscapes they are set in.

Ian Moore’s deligh�ul Death In Le Jardin is a hilarious murder mystery set amid the idyllic splendour of the Loire Valley. Saima Mir portrays the grim heart of England’s industrial north in Vengeance, the thrilling sequel to her groundbreaking debut The Khan. Chris Whitaker’s extraordinary All The Colours Of The Dark, takes us from small-town America to an epic countrywide odyssey. The sprawling megacity of Lagos in Nigeria is the perfect se�ng for Femi Kayode’s highly acclaimed second novel Gaslight. Author C.S. Robertson’s place is in the chair.

literature festival

OCTOBER 2024

Crown Hotel | Harrogate

Bringing bestselling authors, influen�al poli�cians and stars of the stage to share their stories.

Line-up to be announced in summer. Join the mailing list at harrogateinterna�onalfes�vals.com

‘One of the UK’s best Literary Fes�vals’ – Harpers Bazaar

Ian Moore Saima Mir Chris Whitaker Femi Kayode C.S. Robertson

Special Guest: Elly Griffiths

Bringing the 2024 edi�on to a very special close is a Fes�val favourite and one of the foremost voices in contemporary crime fic�on. Elly Griffiths is the creator of the much-loved Norfolk-set seriesfeaturingforensicpsychologistRuthGalloway,aswellasthe Brighton Mysteries and some stellar standalones. Elly’s skilful blending of mystery and suspense – and a touch of the supernatural – has earned her a dedicated following of readers worldwide.

Elly’slatestbestselleristheunmissable TheLastWord,setinrural Sussexagainstthebackdropofthemysteriousdeath,andpossible murder, of a local writer. Like all Elly’s novels, this one is full of the richly drawn characters, intricate plots and immersive se�ngs thatreadersadore.

12pm

£18

Friends of the Fes�val

Becoming a Friend of the Fes�val is one of the best ways to enjoy all that the Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals have to offer, from big name stars, to in�mate concerts and hidden gems.

Whether you want to get more involved with our arts charity, or if you are simply looking to enjoy the benefits available to you whilst at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Wri�ng Fes�val, as well as at our full por�olio of Fes�vals, join the Friends of the Fes�val today from as li�le as £30.

With benefits including:

• Priority booking up to a week ahead of �ckets going on general sale.*

• Priority entrance to the Theakston Old Peculier Stage (before the crowd) with your membership card so you can get the best seats in the house.

• Advance details of exclusive publisher events on site before the crowd.

• Access to the Friends Lounge on site.**

Join today online harrogateinterna�onalfes�vals.com/fes�val-friends or by calling 01423 562 303

*Although we cannot guarantee availability of �ckets, by being a Friend, you will have up to one week ahead of the public to order your �ckets.

** At certain events only and will require a valid event �cket.

2024 Friends of the Festival

Your criminal getaway starts here

Don’t miss a minute of the drama with our exclusive Weekend Break packages.

For one long, sultry, summer weekend the temperature in Harrogate rises, whatever the weather, as the world’s ho�est celebra�on of crime wri�ng swings into town.

Treat yourself to a weekend at the crime hot spot of the summer by booking a combined �cket and accommoda�on package. Stay in one of our specially selected Fes�val hotels and join over 100 of the world’s most celebrated crime authors in conversa�on, in ac�on and at the bar! If you’re not sure which op�on will best suit your needs, the Fes�val team will be happy to help and advise. Rooms are always in demand during the Fes�val Weekend so don’t miss out and call us now to book!

Our Essen�al Weekend Break Packages include:

• 3-night accommoda�on arriving Thursday 18 July, Bed & Breakfast in a Fes�val hotel of your choice*;

• Essen�al Weekend Rover �cket; giving you access to all 21 events from the main programme throughout the Fes�val weekend. Look out for the Weekend Rover symbol next to the events to see what’s included;

• Access to the site including bars, bookshop and signings;

• First opportunity to access �ckets to exclusive on-site publisher events;

• Theakston Old Peculier Crime Wri�ng Fes�val goody bag.

Prices start from just £749.00 per person.

Tailor-made packages for 1, 2 or 4-night stays are also available on request.

* Fes�val Hotel choice subject to availability at �me of booking.

About us

Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals is the flagship Arts Fes�val for the North of England.

A charitable organisa�on, our passion and ambi�on maintain our posi�on as an arts organisa�on delivering Fes�vals of na�onal importance and drama�cally increasing the cultural opportuni�es for Harrogate and the wider region.

Honorary President

Peter Blackburn CBE

Vice Presidents

Mrs Frainy Ardeshir

Dr Terry Bramall

Liz Bramall

Lesley Garre� CBE

Jane Gregory

David Haxby

Julian Lloyd Webber OBE

Val McDermid

David Salter

Chris�ne Woods

Support Services

Board of Trustees

Fiona Movley, Chairman

Ma�hew Osbourne, Treasurer

Rod Finlay

Jenny Harris

Lucy Hind

Iain Jenkins

Stanley Lumley

Craig Ratcliffe

Susan Rumfi�

Theakston Old Peculier Programming Commi�ee

Ruth Ware | 2024 Programming Chair

Mark Billingham

NJ Cooper

Vaseem Khan

Steve Mosby

Laura Sherlock

Julia Wisdom

Sharon Canavar

Clemence Roux

Marc Dunleavy

Avenue Prin�ng House | Chris Bond PR | Conrad Davies Crea�ve | Dot & Diode

ED Public Rela�ons | Karen Sweeney | Marc Dunleavy | Tim Garbu� Events

Thanks

With special thanks to all our volunteers, without whom the Fes�val could not happen.

Fes�val events will begin punctually at the �me stated. The use of mobile phones, cameras and audio/visual recorders is strictly prohibited. The management reserves the right to refuse admission and change or cancel the adver�sed programme as necessary.

Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals | 32 Cheltenham Parade | Harrogate | HG1 1DB Harrogateinterna�onalfes�vals.org.uk | 01423 562 303

Charity No. 244861. Company Registra�on: 828029.

Frequently Asked Questions & Site Info

ByPhone 01423 562 303

Online: harrogateinterna�onalfes�vals.com

InPerson: Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals 32 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1DB

OpeningTimes: 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday Opening dates and �mes may vary during the Fes�val season.

Payment: Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals accepts all major credit/debit cards (except American Express), as well as cash.

Ticket Collec�on: Tickets purchased for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Wri�ng Fes�val are to be collected at the Old Swan Hotel’s on-site Box Office from Thursday 18 July 2024 from 3.00pm. No �ckets can be collected/sent prior to the Fes�val. You will be issued appropriate access passes upon your arrival at the Box Office. Those a�ending Crea�ve Thursday will be sent an email with �cket collec�on instruc�ons nearer to the Fes�val.

Booking Fee: Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals charges a £2.50 transac�on fee per booking. Ticket sales alone do not cover the costs of our Box Office and booking fees are vital to the development, maintenance and running of our inhouse Box Office. For more informa�on and for full Terms and Condi�ons please visit our website: harrogateinterna�onalfes�vals.com.

Tickets on the Door: Tickets may be available to purchase on the door subject to availability. Be aware events can sell out in advance. Booking early is recommended.

Bag Searches: Please note there may be random bag searches and large bags will not be allowed in the main auditorium.

Site Passes: If you do not wish to a�end any events but would like to gain access to the Fes�val grounds, you will be required to purchase a Site Pass. Site Passes will be available to purchase from Saturday 8 June at 10am. Individual event �ckets or rover �ckets will act as your Site Pass on the designated days of your �ckets. If only booking a publisher event, please note that you will need to purchase a Site Pass to gain access to the Fes�val site.

PublisherEvents:

During the Fes�val, our Fes�val Partners organise a variety of engaging ac�vi�es in addi�on to our main programme. These opportuni�es can include mee�ng authors, par�cipa�ng in scavenger hunts, enjoying drinks par�es and a�ending author discussions. There's something for everyone to enjoy. While many of these events are free, some may require booking �ckets due to limited space and may have a small fee. Please be aware that if you're only a�ending a publisher event and not any other events listed on page 2, you'll need to purchase a Site Pass to enter the Fes�val grounds.

Publisher events will become available to book early June and new ac�vi�es will be added in the lead up to the Fes�val.

Returned Tickets: The Box Office cannot refund money or exchange �ckets, except in the case of a cancelled performance. We are happy to try and re-sell returned �ckets for sold-out events for a small charge.

Concessions: Concessions are available for under 18s, students in full �me educa�on and those receiving unemployment benefits. Appropriate iden�fica�on must be provided. May not be used in conjunc�on with any other offers.

Sea�ng, Queuing and Depar�ng: We are using a large, tented auditorium – The Theakston Old Peculier Stage – for all events of the main programme. Please note that we ask all visitors to vacate the event space between each event to allow the area to be prepared for the next event. Addi�onal informa�on about entry and exit of the tent will be available in the run up to the event.

Parking: There is no parking available on site at the Old Swan Hotel. More informa�on about parking will be sent nearer to the Fes�val to all a�endees.

Lost Property: Will be removed from the main auditorium and taken to the Box Office desk a�er each event. At the end of the Fes�val, unclaimed lost property will be handed to the Old Swan Hotel recep�on.

Visitors with Addi�onal Access Requirements: The Old Swan Hotel is wheelchair accessible. We offer free �ckets for carers and special provisions can be arranged for visitors with addi�onal access requirements. Please call the Fes�val Office on 01423 562303 or visit the Fes�val Box Office tent onsite at The Old Swan Hotel to obtain a blue badge to allow priority entry to unreserved events.

Photography & Recording: The use of photographic, video or audio equipment is strictly prohibited in the main auditorium.

Bookstore: Waterstones will provide the Fes�val bookstore at The Old Swan Hotel and will host book signings a�er each event. You will need to show a �cket for each event to have your book signed. Limit of 3 books per person per event.

Friends Lounge: The Fes�val Friends Lounge will be available for those who have a Friend of the Fes�val membership. A screen and a live link will be available across all the events from the main programme. Valid �ckets and membership cards must be shown in order to access the lounge.

All informa�on in the guide is correct at the �me of going to press and we reserve the right to make such altera�ons as may become necessary. Changes to the programme will be communicated in advance where possible and clearly signposted on site.

A large print version of the event guide can be ordered by calling 01423 562 303.

Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals is a registered charity no. 244861.

Sponsors

HarrogateInterna�onalFes�valswouldliketothankthefollowing organisa�onsfortheirsupport

Title Sponsor Crime Novel of the Year Partners

Crime Event Sponsors

Pla�num Partners

Des�na�on Partner

Premier Partners

Regular Funder

Major Supporter & Honorary Solicitor

Major Funder & Community Partner

Patrons

Accommoda�on Partner