WELCOME TO THE THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL 2026
This year’s Festival sits at the heart of a very special moment, as Harrogate International Festivals celebrates its 60th anniversary. For six decades, Harrogate International Festivals has brought world-class artists and audiences together in Harrogate, and this Festival has become one of its most iconic and internationally recognised moments.
Each summer, Harrogate becomes the home of crime fiction, welcoming the biggest names in the genre alongside rising stars and thousands of passionate readers. It’s a place where stories unfold beyond the page embedded in that unmistakable Festival atmosphere.
This year’s programme is packed with standout events, exclusive interviews and the very best in crime writing today. Whether you’re here for the headline names, discovering new voices or simply soaking up the buzz, there’s something on every page to tempt you.
At the heart of it all are our readers, central to everything we do. This is a Festival built for you. As we celebrate 60 years of Harrogate International Festivals, we’re proud to continue that legacy here, bringing people together through stories, ideas and shared experience.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Harrogate this summer.
Sharon Canavar 2026 Chief Executive, Harrogate International Festivals
To get away from all the dark deeds, murder and mayhem that seems to dominate the world’s news every day, it is with great pleasure and relief that I welcome you to Harrogate and the twenty-third Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, where more dark deeds, murder and mayhem are on offer but, thankfully, in a mainly literary sense!
Our annual gathering brings together another spectacular line-up of the world’s greatest crime authors, ready to delight, motivate and inspire the so many fans of the crime genre attending. Under the expert direction of our Festival Programming Chair, the incomparable and multi-awardwinning Lisa Jewell, we have amassed a stellar roll call of the best crime writers from all over the world. We can promise four packed days of fun and delight that I know you will enjoy immensely.
In the meantime, I will be murdering a pint or two of Theakston Old Peculier in anticipation of my favourite time of the year and catching up with friends old and new. Thank you all for coming and here’s to a great 2026 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.
This year marks the Festival’s twenty-third turn around the Sun, making it exactly the same age as my eldest daughter, who was also born in July 2003, and like my daughter, the Festival has grown over the years into the most delightful, welcoming, inspiring and brilliant entity. 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 sun shine, the drinks flow and a bounty of brilliant writers cast their spells as we gather together to enjoy another unforgettable year at the best crime-writing Festival in the world.
FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL
Enjoy the very best of Harrogate International Festivals by becoming a Friend of the Festival – from star-studded events to intimate concerts and hidden gems. Whether you want to support our arts charity or simply make the most of exclusive benefits at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and beyond, join today from just £30.
Membership Perks at #TheakstonsCrime:
Priority Booking Get tickets up to a week before general sale.*
Fast-Track Entry Skip the queue with priority access to Theakston Stage events.*
Friends Lounge Access Sit back, unwind and enjoy the events from the comfort of the lounge.**
*Ticket availability not guaranteed. ** Applies to selected events and requires a valid event ticket
Lisa Jewell 2026 Festival Programming Chair
WEEKEND BREAK PACKAGES
For one long, sultry summer weekend, Harrogate becomes the beating heart of crime writing.
Treat yourself to the ultimate Festival weekend escape with a combined ticket-and-hotel package: stay in a specially selected Festival hotel and enjoy access to top authors, lively panels, and late-night bar buzz. Not sure which option suits you? Our team can help you choose. Book fast, Festival bedrooms are in high demand.
Classic Weekend Break Packages Include
• 3 night stay (arriving Thursday 23 July) with Bed & Breakfast at a Festival hotel*
• Classic Weekend Rover Ticket with access to all 22 events on the Theakston Stage and 2-course lunch on Friday & Saturday
• Full Site Access: bars, bookshop & author signings
• Festival Goody Bag
Prices from:
• £855 sole occupancy
• £1,315 based on two sharing
Tailor made 1, 2, or 4 night packages available on request.
*Hotel choice subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
CLASSIC ROVERS TICKETS
Friends of the Festival
16 April, 12pm
General Sale
21 April, 12pm
Prices:
Classic Weekend Rover £339
Classic Friday Rover £157
Classic Saturday Rover £155
INDIVIDUAL EVENTS & SITE PASSES
On sale to Friends of the Festival 13 May, 12pm
General Sale 15 May, 12pm
PLOTTED BY HIF
Harrogate International Festivals welcomes you to Harrogate for a weekend of thrilling crime fiction. Since 1966, we’ve been shaping the arts scene with our portfolio of Festivals, and the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is one of the many events creatively plotted throughout the year, bringing leading global artists and immersive experiences to the town.
JANUARY – APRIL HARROGATE INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY SERIES
Chamber music concerts and coffee featuring international artists and rising stars.
JUNE – JULY
HACS HARROGATE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Featuring the best of international musical talent spanning classical, jazz and folk, as well as hosting the prestigious Young Musicians Series.
SPIEGELTENT
Landing in the centre of Harrogate, this iconic pop-up venue hosts a huge varietyof cabaret, music and entertainment for all the family, lighting up Harrogate for two weeks.
JULY THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL
Celebrating the best in crime fiction with world class events, award-winning authors and exciting new voices.
THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME AWARDS
Crowning the very best of crime fiction with the Crime Novel of the Year Award, alongside breakthrough debuts and lifetime legends.
SEPTEMBER THE BIG READ
“The North of England’s biggest book club” Encouraging as many people as possible to read a classic work of crime fiction, increasing links across the region between the libraries and reading groups whilst inspiring new readers.
OCTOBER RAWORTHS HARROGATE LITERATURE FESTIVAL
A celebration of storytelling, bringing together bestselling authors, big names and brilliant voices.
HIF YEAR ROUND RAWORTHS SALON NORTH
Across the year, Raworths Salon North showcases inspiring ideas from arts, science and psychology in an intimate, cabaret-style setting.
HIF PLAYER
Our digital platform hosting online events, talks and concerts as well as our online crime Festival You’re Booked, featuring our monthly, Book of the Month.
HIF ENGAGE
Throughout the year, our diverse HIF Engage programmes deliver a wide range of projects, designed to improve lives through access to the Arts, in partnership with schools, communities and other agencies to ensure access to the arts for all.
To see our full year-round programme and to be kept up to date, please visit harrogateinternationalfestivals.com
CREATIVE THURSDAY
9.00AM – 5.45PM BALLROOM & LIBRARY
9.00AM
DOUBLE LIVES: WRITING AND WORKING
Most writers have a second job, and the second job is writing. Four authors will share how their day jobs shape their storytelling and their unique paths to publication. Former pharmacist A.A. Dhand’s new novel The Kingpin is an explosive, no-holds barred, drugs war thriller. The new destination thriller from ex-journalist and therapist Nikki Allen is the twisty Below the Deck. Former aerospace engineer GR Halliday, king of rural Scottish noir, returns with the atmospheric From the Shadows. Professional gardener LC Winter makes a stunning debut with the devilishly dark Spider, Spider. Journalist Edel Coffey will chair.
10.15AM
THE PITCH
How do you sell your idea to publishers, editors and agents? N.J. Cooper & Laura Sherlock deliver a whistlestop tour of useful techniques for pitching your ideas to industry professionals as delegates prepare to do just that in The Dragons’ Pen, later in the day. Short one-on-one Pitching Surgeries will also be available later in the day for anyone that wants extra inside knowledge.
11.00AM & 2.00PM
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SUSPENSE (WORKSHOP)
With Becca Day & Sophie Flynn
A workshop centred on emotional tension rather than plot mechanics alone. We’ll look at how fear, uncertainty, relationships, and unreliable perspectives create suspense, with practical exercises to help writers turn quieter scenes into gripping ones.
11.00AM & 2.00PM
With Julie Mae Cohen
IT’S A PLOT! (WORKSHOP)
When it comes to plotting your novel, are you an impeccable Dexter Morgan, or more of an improvisational Villanelle? No matter how you approach writing, Julie will show you how to master the concepts of story structure to make your crime novel a page-turner, in this fun hands-on workshop.
4.15PM
THE DRAGONS’ PEN
Four brilliant publishing professionals. Two minutes to convince them that your synopsis and first chapter are worth reading. One audience full of your fellow would-be writers. Our literary version of the popular TV show, Dragons’ Den, hosted by Mark Billingham is not for the faint-hearted.
Includes a 2-course lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments.
THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME AWARDS & FESTIVAL OPENING PARTY
8.00PM THEAKSTON STAGE
£25
Join us as we honour the finest voices in crime fiction with the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Awards, a cornerstone in the literary calendar and a celebration of the genre’s enduring power, precision and popularity. This prestigious trio of awards recognises excellence across the genre, from emerging talent to lifetime achievement.
Hosted by Steph McGovern, these awards not only recognise individual brilliance but also showcase the incredible breadth and vitality of modern crime fiction. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, this is your invitation to raise a glass of Theakston Old Peculier and celebrate the very best in the business.
Celebrations continue after the Awards with the Festival Opening Party.
#THEAKSTONSAWARDS
THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR
Widely regarded as the UK’s most coveted crime fiction award, this accolade celebrates the best in British and Irish crime writing. Voted for by the public and a panel of expert judges, it recognises a novel that has captured imaginations and pushed the boundaries of the genre.
The longlist of18 titles will be announced onThursday30April
Previous winners include Mark Billingham, Denise Mina, Lee Child, Val McDermid, M.W. Craven, Jo Callaghan and 2025’s winner, Abir Mukherjee.
MCDERMID DEBUT AWARD
Named in honour of Val McDermid co-founder of the Festival - this award shines a spotlight on new talent. It champions debut crime authors whose first forays into crime fiction signal the beginning of exceptional literary careers.
The 6 shortlisted debutswill be revealed onThursday18 May.
Previous winners include Marie Tierney and 2025’s winner, David Goodman.
THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO CRIME FICTION
This lifetime achievement award honours an author whose body of work has left an indelible mark on the world of crime writing. Designed to recognise an icon of the genre whose influence continues to inspire readers and writers alike.
The 2026 honoured crime writer will be revealed on the night of the Awards. Past recipients include Ian Rankin, Martina Cole, Michael Connelly, and Elly Griffiths, honoured in 2025.
Title Sponsor: In Partnership with:
BLACK BULL IN PARADISE VISITOR CENTRE
Brewing Legends Since 1827 – Immerse yourself in nearly 200 years of Yorkshire brewing history at Theakston Brewery in Masham, home of the iconic Old Peculier.
Brewery Tour – Book a guided tour to discover traditional brewing techniques, our working cooperage, and experience real tradition first-hand as our brewers bring every batch to life.
The Black Bull in Paradise - Finish your visit with a perfectly poured pint in Paradise Brewery Tap. Explore the gift shop, stocked with bottled beers and Peculier souvenirs.
Put Masham on your MUST-VISIT list and experience the heritage, craftsmanship, and character of Theakston Brewery.
NADINE MATHESON & STEVE CAVANAGH
No one is above the law. And no one is below it. In the ever-twisting world of crime fiction however, people can be above, below and beyond the law, often all at once. Meet two former lawyers who use their legal training to brilliantly fiendish effect.
Former criminal defence lawyer Nadine Matheson shook up the established order with her debut The Jigsaw Man and continues to blaze a trail with deliciously dark novels. Her latest book, The Shadow Carver, sees DI Angelica Henley on the trail of a vigilante killer. Steve Cavanagh gave up a career as a civil rights lawyer to concentrate on his brilliant, and hugely successful, series about New York-based conman turned defence attorney Eddie Flynn. Eddie’s tenth outing, the thrilling One of Us Is Guilty, is classic Cavanagh.
FROM POIROT TO PODCASTS
It is 50 years since Agatha Christie’s death and 100 years since her hideaway in the Old Swan Hotel. Four crime writers explore her enduring influence on the genre.
Ruth Ware proves herself a fitting heir to the Christie crown with TheWomaninSuite 11. Former Christie translator Ragnar Jónasson returns with The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer. Lucy Foley’s new novel, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel is an official Miss Marple mystery. Ross Montgomery’s The Murder at World’s End is a classic sealed mansion mystery. The modern queen of crime, Val McDermid, will chair.
Ruth Ware
Val McDermid
Nadine Matheson
Steve Cavanagh
GILLIAN MCALLISTER & HOLLY JACKSON
12.00PM THEAKSTON STAGE
Spend an hour with two rising stars of crime fiction unafraid to do things differently and whose hallmark is their ingenuity and originality.
Gillian McAllister is the SundayTimes and New York Times bestselling author of nine stand-alone novels. Even though several of her earlier books were optioned for TV and film, it was the mind-bending Wrong Place,Wrong Time with its time-travelling twists that rocketed Gillian to the forefront of the genre. Her latest book is the heart-stopping Caller Unknown. Holly Jackson changed the rules of the game as she harnessed the power of TikTok to propel her sensational YA debut A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder to be New York Times #1. The book and its sequels have sold an incredible 10 million copies worldwide and are now a major TV series. Holly’s adult crime debut is the twisty thriller Not Quite Dead Yet.
CAN’T GET YOU OUT OF MY HEAD
2.00PM THEAKSTON STAGE £16
Not all crime involves blood or murder, but all crime begins in the mind. This panel examines the insidious control of one person by another, through a distinctly female lens.
Abigail Dean’s The Death of Us takes a heartbreaking dive deep into the dynamics of relationships. Female friendships are under the microscope in Erin Kelly’s enthralling new novel, The Night Stairs. Jo Murray’s accomplished debut Dissection of a Murder is a thought-provoking courtroom drama. The lethal margins of love are explored in Yemi Dipeolu’s wickedly witty thriller Kiss Marry Kill. Podcaster and author Andrew Hunter Murray will chair.
Abigail Dean
Yemi Dipeolu Erin Kelly
Jo Murray
Andrew Hunter Murray
Gillian McAllister
Holly Jackson
MAN ABOUT THE HOUSE
3.30PM THEAKSTON STAGE £16
Domestic Noir refers to a particular form of thriller focusing on home, family and children. So that means female writers, right? Wrong! Meet four “masters” of the craft.
Letting your life flash before your eyes is a dangerous game in John Marrs’ Dead in the Water. CM Ewan’s inventive Eye Spy pairs emotional family survival with high octane suspense. Secrets and survival drive Mark Edwards’ psychological page-turner One ofthe Family. Friendships descend into treachery and deceit in TM Logan’s rollercoaster hit The Weekend. Keeping the men in order is queen of domestic noir, Lisa Jewell
CHRIS BROOKMYRE
5.00PM THEAKSTON STAGE £18
Incredibly, it is 30 years since Chris Brookmyre’s debut novel Quite Ugly One Morning introduced us to the hard-drinking, wise-cracking investigative journalist Jack Parlabane –as well as a certain object on a mantlepiece that has gone down in crime fiction folklore. In the three decades since, Chris has firmly established himself as one of the very best, boldest and most brilliant crime writers in the business, winning the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, the CWA Dagger in the Library, and twice winning the McIlvanney Prize. His iconic protagonist Parlabane makes his return, older and wider, in a sort-of-but-not-really sequel Quite Ugly One Evening, which sees Jack trying to solve a murder on a cruise liner but only succeeding in stumbling over one of his own. Chris will be interviewed by Mark Billingham, the recipient of the 2026 CWA Diamond Dagger and a fellow member of the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers.
Chris Brookmyre
Mark Billingham
John Marrs CM Ewan
Mark Edwards TM Logan
Lisa Jewell
Special Guest
Proud official bookselling partner at 23 – 26 JULY 2026
Join us there at the Old Swan Hotel. Meet some of the country’s finest writers as they sign their books, and discover your new favourite crime novel.
COME DINE WITH ME ON FRIDAY
6.15PM – 8.00PM WEDGEWOOD RESTAURANT £57
The first of two fantastic opportunities for crime fiction fans to get to know authors in a relaxed but fun dinner environment – and solve a mystery! Leading crime writers will each host a table of diners, and together they’ll try to unravel a brand new tale written especially for the evening by Lisa Jewell. Your host for the night, Mel Pennant, will guide guests through the twists and turns as actors – or more accurately ‘crime writers in daft wigs’ – bring the clues to life.
The dinner includes a glass of wine on arrival, and a two course meal, plus tea or coffee. There are prizes to be won by the top detectives among our tables of diners, ably assisted by their author for the evening – but only if they can work out “whodunnit”!
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
Paula Sutton
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH?
6.30PM THEAKSTON STAGE £16
Crime fiction can be the perfect framework for exploring difficult themes like trauma, class, grief, and identity. Meet four authors whose work tackles the parts other genres cannot reach.
Dorothy Koomson’s The Quiet Girls is a dark, gritty thriller unafraid to ask the big questions. Murder and medicine are a deadly cocktail in Adam Kay’s razor-sharp A Particularly Nasty Case. Saima Mir’s powerful new thriller Deliverance is a bold exploration of women daring to challenge the patriarchy. Garry Disher’s Mischance Creek is a compelling critique of broken communities and small-town secrets. Journalist Matt Nixson will chair.
Dorothy Koomson
Saima
Mir
Matt Nixson
INTRODUCING THE SWIFT HALF STAGE
New for 2026, the Swift Half Stage brings an exciting addition to the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. Named in a playful nod to our Festival’s long-standing partnership with Theakston Brewery, each Swift Half event serves up a perfectly paced 30-minute conversation – the ideal in-between moment to discover something fresh before diving back into our main programme.
Across two days, the Swift Half Stage will present 10 bite-sized events celebrating the richness of today’s crime writing. From rising stars to household names, this new space offers more opportunities to hear from brilliant storytellers, discover debuts and explore a wider range of voices shaping the genre right now.
As Harrogate International Festivals marks its 60th anniversary in 2026, the Swift Half Stage reflects our continued growth and commitment to championing authors across the crime writing genre. Expect lively discussions, new perspectives, and a dash of Festival spirit –all in half the time.
How does it work?
Our Swift Half events run between sessions on the Theakston Stage, so you never have to choose one or the other. These smaller, more intimate £5 events are designed as drop in moments to discover even more voices across the weekend. With a mix of seating and standing, they offer a flexible, lively new way to experience #TheakstonsCrime
More Swift Half events will be revealed in the coming weeks.
“We’re adding a new chapter to the Festival story, and we’d love you to dip your toes into a Swift Half.”
Are you a publisher? Do you want to programme your own event on the Swift Half Stage? Get in touch with us. You curate the content, and we’ll take care of the rest. Email clemence@harrogate-festival.org.uk
PROGRAMME PREVIEW
FRIDAY 24 JULY
TRUTH, LIES & ALIBIS
10.00AM
£5
Join crime writers Harriet Tyce and Anna Mazzola for a fast, fun game of secrets and deception. Through quick fire rounds of Two Truths and a Lie, they’ll test each other’s stories, and your detective skills. Expect bold confessions, wicked humour and surprise revelations. Chaired by C.B. Everett.
WHEN TWO BECOME ONE: HOW DO WRITING PARTNERS STAY IN SYNC?
11.30AM £5
How do two writers create a seamless novel, and what happens when one half isn’t in the room? Join half of Evelyn Clark and the duo behind Ellery Lloyd for a candid conversation about collaboration for crime fans and aspiring writers alike.
STILL KILLING IT: 20 YEARS OF DOUG JOHNSTONE
3.00PM
£5
Celebrate 20 years since Doug Johnstone’s debut and the release of his 20th book. Interviewed by Chris Brookmyre, Doug reflects on two decades of crime writing, how his work has evolved and the stories that shaped his career.
UNSPOKEN: WHY ARE SECRETS SO POWERFUL IN CRIME FICTION?
4.30PM
£5
Clare McGowan and Kia Abdullah, two of crime’s most psychologically astute voices, explore the power of hidden truths. Drawing on their own novels, they discuss how secrets shape character, drive tension and keep readers hooked.
SATURDAY 25 JULY
FROM PAGE TO SCREEN
10.00AM
£5
Is crime fiction more powerful on the page or on screen? M. J. Arlidge and Chris Chibnall compare the craft of writing novels and television drama, offering sharp insights and a glimpse behind the scenes. Chaired by Julia Wheeler.
DARK MINDS & TWISTED TALES: WHY DO WE ENJOY BEING UNSETTLED? 11.30AM
£5
Ahana Virdi and Will Carver, two standout voices in contemporary crime and psychological fiction, discuss pushing genre boundaries, using darkness and humour, and what makes modern crime feel fresh and distinctive.
THE FIRST CRIME IS THE HARDEST 3.00PM
£5
Rebecca Philipson’s How to Get Away With Murder is one of the year’s most exciting debuts, and her journey began at Creative Thursday. In conversation with Val McDermid, she shares her path from aspiring writer to published novelist.
ARE SPIES HEROES ANY MORE? 4.30PM
£5
From glamorous Cold War operatives to flawed modern insiders, the spy hero has changed dramatically. Mick Herron and David McCloskey discuss how and why espionage fiction has shifted from swagger to doubt, failure and complexity.
DAVID BALDACCI
David Baldacci’s credentials as one of the world’s leading crime fiction authors are beyond question. These lie not just in the 45 languages he’s been translated into, the over 80 countries that he’s published in, or the 130 million copies sold across the globe, but in the quality of his work that has thrilled and delighted a legion of readers. From his electrifying debut Absolute Power in 1996, to his latest novel some 30 years later, he has combined breakneck plots with forensic research and complex characters to produce unputdownable tales.
David’s latest, Hope Rises, sees the return of Walter Nash, a man forced to be an informant for the FBI, who discovers something so unexpected that it turns everything he believes upside down. David, always a fascinating and entertaining speaker, will be interviewed by journalist Julia Wheeler.
INTERVIEW
BINGO
Four authors. Questions submitted by readers. A bingo cage of chaos. Each number reveals a mystery question they must answer – from the insightful to the ridiculous. Fast-paced and funny, anything could happen and probably will.
Abir Mukherjee’s new thriller is the pulse-pounding The Pinnacle. The Killing Time is the latest inventive thriller from the superb Elly Griffiths. Actor and comedian Andi Osho’s crime debut is the hilarious Most Wanted. Drag comedian Holly Stars is the author of the riotous Missing in Soho. Luca Veste has the balls.
David Baldacci
Julia Wheeler
ANTHONY HOROWITZ
9.00AM THEAKSTON STAGE £18
Few writers can match the prolific output of Anthony Horowitz. On screen and on the page, he has racked up a hugely impressive body of work and a deadly body count. He created and wrote the first seven episodes of Midsomer Murders for the BBC, created and wrote ITV’s Foyle’s War, and has a string of other TV and film credits including the adaptation of his novel Magpie Murders.
He has written 50 books for children and young adults – including the phenomenally successful Alex Ryder series – as well as fourteen acclaimed and award-winning adult novels. His latest Hawthorne and Horowitz novel, A Deadly Episode, takes meta to a new level as the fictional detective investigates the murder of the actor who played him in a screen adaption, assisted by a fictional version of the author. Anthony will be interviewed by TV presenter Matthew Stadlen.
WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL THE SERIAL KILLERS?
10.30AM THEAKSTON STAGE £16
As technological advances make it ever easier for police to catch criminals, how do killers and crooks (and crime writers) navigate a new world where crime doesn’t pay?
The shady world of AI is at the heart of Ajay Chowdhury’s pulsating new thriller Eden Falls. Vaseem Khan helps manage the Dawes Centre for Future Crime and his latest is The Edge of Darkness. Renowned forensic pathologist Sue Black’s new book is the aptly titled An Expert Witness. Former police officer G.D. Wright’s third novel is the tense and compulsive Against the Tide. Bestseller and ex-cop Clare Mackintosh takes charge.
Ajay Chowdhury
Vaseem Khan
Sue Black
G.D. Wright Clare Mackintosh
Anthony Horowitz
Matthew Stadlen
CRITICS' NEW BLOOD
The authors of four outstanding debuts, as chosen by some of the UK’s top crime fiction critics, will discuss their books with head critic Natasha Cooper in this perennial Festival favourite. Leodora Darlington’s impressive debut The Exes is an unbearably tense thriller which will keep you guessing. Anna Maloney’s breathtaking The 10:12, centres around a train hijacking and a split-second decision that changes everything. ASociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage is the wickedly funny debut from M. K. Oliver. Mel Pennant introduces a formidable lead character in the delightful and thought-provoking A Murder for Miss Hortense.
A WAY WITH WORDS
Words are all I have to take your heart away. And your liver, spleen and limbs. Meet four writers who describe the dark stuff with a dazzling touch of poetry.
Denise Mina wields words like a scalpel and those skills shine in suspense thriller The Good Liar. CWA Dagger winner Tracy Sierra showcases her talents in the atmospheric thriller Warning Signs. Sunday Times bestseller Sabine Durrant’s latest, Dead Heat, sizzles with secrets, and betrayal. Calum McSorley’s bold use of the Glasgow vernacular is electrifying in the darkly comic Rat Race. Author Tariq Ashkanani is in the chair.
If one genre can get away with unlikeable characters, it’s crime fiction. Four leading authors discuss perfecting the art of the imperfect protagonist.
Liz Nugent proves herself the queen of complex characters with the utterly absorbing The Truth About Ruby Cooper. Araminta Hall’s groundbreaking Unreliable Narrator is a daring dive into truth and those who get to tell it. Dinner is served in Callie Kazumi’s dark, delectable and disturbing novel Greedy but would you eat it? Chris Bridges’ The Death Bed features a fabulously flawed lead with a twisted plan. The never less than perfect bestseller Shari Lapena will chair.
LJ ROSS & JANE HARPER
Meet two natural storytellers with a gift for using remote and atmospheric locations –Northumberland and smalltown Australia – to spin beguiling stories of murder and mystery.
LJ Ross’ phenomenal career began with a self-published novel which sold 25 copies on day one; now, 30 Amazon number ones and eleven years later, Louise has sold over 12 million books. In Berwick, the latest in her much-loved DCI Ryan series, the detective must prove his wife innocent of murder. Manchester-born Jane Harper has become the undisputed queen of rural Australian noir with a string of highly acclaimed novels. The Dry was an international smash and was adapted into a major film, as was Force of Nature. The Survivors also reached Netflix’s global top ten list in 2025.
LJ Ross Jane Harper
COME DINE WITH ME ON SATURDAY
6.15PM – 8.00PM WEDGEWOOD RESTAURANT
£57
The second of our fantastic dinner experiences gives crime fiction fans another chance to get to know authors in a relaxed but fun setting – and take on a fresh mystery! Once again, leading crime writers will each host a table of diners, and together they’ll attempt to unravel a completely different plot crafted by Lisa Jewell for this special night.
Your host, Mel Pennant, returns to steer the investigation as a new set of actors – crime writers in different wigs - perform the clues. The evening includes a glass of wine on arrival, and a two course meal, plus tea or coffee. Prizes await the sharpest detectives among our diners – helped along by their author host – but only if they can crack the case!
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
Sean Watkin
WHITEBOARDS VERSUS EMPTY SCREENS, HOW DO THEY DO IT?
6.30PM THEAKSTON STAGE
£16
Four very different writers discuss (at least) four very different ways of writing a crime novel in a lively and informal panel about the joys of writing and the mystery of technique.
Actor Richard Armitage proves his undoubted writing credentials with his outstanding second novel The Cut. Irish actor, comedian and author Ardal O’Hanlon’s crime debut is the hilarious A Plot to Die For. The latest domestic thriller from bestseller Adele Parks is the tension-packed Our Beautiful Mess. Remi Kone’s terrific second novel Just Kill combines emotional depth with page-turning twistiness. Author Sophie Hannah is in the chair.
LISA JEWELL
8.30PM
To have one hugely successful literary career could possibly be considered a lucky accident (it really wasn’t) but to have two is testament to a once-in-a-generation writing talent. Lisa Jewell wrote ten much-loved women’s fiction and romantic comedy novels before turning to crime with even greater success, delivering a dazzling dozen psychological thrillers, which fans have devoured.
Lisa, our 2026 Programming Chair, has sold almost 15 million books worldwide, translated into 30 languages. With novels such as Don’t Let Him In,Then She Was Gone, None ofThis is True, and The Family Upstairs, she has established herself as the master of addictive narratives, complex character and shocking twists, skilfully exploring themes of family, loss, love, and betrayal. Her latest is the gripping It Could Have Been Her. Lisa will be interviewed by global superstar and creator of Jack Reacher, Lee Child.
THE LATE-NIGHT QUIZ
10.15PM
Let’s get quizzical at the most fun, frantic and fiercely fought event of the festival weekend. This is where legends are forged, where reputations come to die, and where years of reading crime novels and drinking beer pays off. Maybe! Teams of authors and readers go head-to-head to test their crime fiction knowledge in pursuit of prizes and those all-important bragging rights.
Your quizmasters are the Mac & Cheese of quizzing, the Sid & Nancy of crime writing, the incomparable Val McDermid and Mark Billingham. Join a team, grab a table, and bring those little grey cells with you.
Lisa Jewell
Lee Child
ALICE FEENEY & CHRIS WHITAKER
9.00AM THEAKSTON STAGE £18
Make a stylish start to Sunday in the company of two wonderful writers who share a natural gift for storytelling. As well as having a string of bestselling novels behind them, they both have fascinating and moving back stories which must not be missed.
Alice Feeney is an inspiration to all aspiring authors, overcoming almost ten years of rejection letters before storming to international success and becoming a multi-million seller. Her latest novel, My Husband’s Wife, is a psychological masterpiece and possibly her best book yet. Chris Whitaker is the winner of two CWA Daggers, the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, and has deservedly surged to global prominence with his most recent books, the multi-award winning We Begin at the End and the epic All the Colours of the Dark.
YOUR LOCAL WRITER
10.30AM THEAKSTON STAGE £16
An author’s workspace is their home from home; whether it’s coffee shops, libraries, pubs or public transport. Four writers tell us how their adopted environment affects their work.
Amen Alonge is on top form in the electrifying thriller A Killing in Lagos set in his native Nigeria. The latest in M.W. Craven’s brilliant Washington Poe series is the darkly funny The Final Vow. Frances Crawford’s assured debut A Bad Bad Place is rich in dialogue, heart and authenticity. Marie Tierney’s mesmerising debut DeadlyAnimals won the inaugural McDermid Debut Award. Jeremy Vine takes charge of proceedings.
Alice Feeney
Chris Whitiaker
Frances Crawford
Marie Tierney
Jeremy Vine
ANN CLEEVES & BRENDA BLETHYN
Not one special guest to finish the 2026 festival, but two very special ones. Ann Cleeves and Brenda Blethyn are the two remarkable creatives responsible for bringing one of crime fiction’s most iconic detectives to life. DCI Vera Stanhope was a fixture on our TV screen for 14 years, reaching up to nine million viewers an episode, and of course, featured in 11 much-loved novels by Ann.
Unconventional, relentless, abrasive, compassionate, and endearingly dishevelled, Vera delights readers and viewers as she solves murders amidst the rugged landscape of Northumberland. Ann is the author of over 40 novels and has sold over five million books worldwide. Her latest is The Dying Light, part of her Two Rivers series. Brenda is one of the UK’s favourite actresses and a winner of a Golden Globe and a BAFTA and has been nominated for two Academy Awards and two Emmys.
CONTACT US & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
By Phone: 01423 562 303
Online: harrogateinternationalfestivals.com
Email: crime@harrogate-festival.org.uk
In Person: Harrogate International Festivals 32 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1DB Our office is open 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Opening dates and times may vary during the Festival season.
Ticket Collection:
Tickets for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival must be collected from the Box Office at the Old Swan Hotel from 3pm on Thursday 23 July. They cannot be sent or collected in advance. Creative Thursday attendees will receive collection details closer to the event.
For more information about the Festival, scan the QR code or call our team.
Booking Fee:
Harrogate International Festivals charges a £2.50 transaction fee per booking. Ticket sales alone do not cover the costs of our Box Office, and these fees are essential for the development, maintenance, and operation of our in house Box Office. For more information and full Terms and Conditions, please visit our website.
Visitors
with Additional Access Requirements:
The Old Swan Hotel is fully wheelchair accessible. We offer free tickets for carers and can arrange provisions for visitors with access needs. Please contact us or sign up to our Access Scheme for support. Large print guides are available on request.
Ann Cleeves
Brenda Blethyn
ABOUT US
Harrogate International Festivals is the flagship arts Festival for the North of England. A charitable organisation, our passion and ambition maintain our position as an arts organisation delivering Festivals of national importance and dramatically increasing the cultural opportunities for Harrogate and the wider region.
Patron
His Majesty King Charles III
Honorary President
Peter Blackburn CBE
Vice Presidents
Mrs Frainy Ardeshir
Helen Bagnall
Mrs Liz Bramall CBE
Dr Terry Bramall CBE
Lesley Garrett CBE
Jane Gregory
David Haxby
Julian Lloyd Webber OBE
Val McDermid
David Salter
Christine Woods
Support Services
Board of Trustees
Fiona Movley MBE, Chairman
Matthew Osbourne, Treasurer
Julie Gray
Jenny Harris
Lucy Hind
Iain Jenkins
Deborah Larwood
Craig Ratcliffe
Susan Rumfitt
Theakston Old Peculier
Programming Committee
Lisa Jewell 2026, Programming Chair
Mark Billingham
N.J. Cooper
Vaseem Khan
Steve Mosby
Francesca Pathak
Laura Sherlock
Ruth Ware
Sharon Canavar
Marc Dunleavy
Clemence Roux
Avenue Printing House, B&W Studio, Charlotte Wilkinson, Chris Bond PR, Dot & Diode ED Public Relations, Karen Sweeney, Marc Dunleavy, Tim Garbutt Events
Thanks
With special thanks to the Harrogate International Festivals team and all our volunteers, without whom the Festival could not happen.
The information in this guide is correct at the time of printing, but changes may occur. Updates will be communicated in advance and signposted on site.
SPONSORS
Harrogate International Festivals would like to thank the following organisations for their support.
