Theakston's Old Peculier Harrogate Crime Writing Festival, 2005

A Word From Chris High

2005 was the third year for the Theakston's Old Peculier Harrogate Crime Writing Festival, which is growing ever more popular and prestigious.

The many authors, agents, distributors and publishers here were all so accessible, friendly and patient; the fantastic organisation behind the event, overseen by William Culver-Dodds and his wonderful team, ensured that everything ran to plan in the fittingly grand surroundings of The Cedar Court Hotel.

This is Europe's biggest Crime Writing festival, which this year attracted names such as Ruth Rendell, Michael Connelly, Kathy Reichs, Mark Billingham, Simon Kernick, Stella Duffy, John Sandford, Martin Edwards, Val McDermid, Alexander McCall Smith, Tom Bradby, Cath Staincliffe, Anthony Horowitz, Stuart Pawson, Ann Cleeves, Reginald Hill and Natasha Cooper. There was also space for new authors Stuart McBride, Louise Anderson, Catherine Sampson and Ilona van Mil, whereas authors from Europe who have only recently had their work translated into English, Kjersti Scheen of Norway and Gianrico Carofiglio of Italy, were also given a forum that was greeted with great enthusiasm.

2005 Festival Image Gallery Click on image to enlarge

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In future, The Theakston's Old Peculier Harrogate Crime Writing Festival is set to grow as authors and industry insiders clamour to be included. Based on the evidence of this weekend, the years ahead look nothing but bright and those involved in its organisation and creation should be justly proud of their achievements.

For Chris's articles and interviews relating to the festival please see www.writersnews.co.uk

He beat off strong competition to claim the prestigious prize with his book entitled Lazy Bones.

Festival Director, William Culver Dodds, said; “We are thrilled to announce Mark Billingham as the winner of the first ever Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. The response from the public has been fantastic and is reflected in the number of votes received. We congratulate him on his win, it is well deserved and we eagerly await the next installment of the series.”

For an in-depth fan view of Crime Fiction and of the Harrogate 2005 Crime Writing Festival, visit Rhian Davies Blog at -
http://itsacrime.typepad.com/its_a_crime_or_a_mystery/

Kathy Reichs has written novels as well as technical books on anthropology and forensics. Her novels have been translated in 30 languages. Her first novel 'Déjà Dead' won the 1997 Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel.