BLOODY SCOTLAND International Crime Writing Festival: Sneak Peek

Bloody Scotland, Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival (September 13-15, 2024) announced a Peek at the Program, just ahead of next week's launch. These are the authors released as part of the 'sneaky peek.' Sounds fabulous..and this is only part of the program. 

Richard Armitage: Headlining the opening night, one of the UK’s most popular actors will talk about his debut thriller, Geneva. His string of acting credits include The Hobbit, North and South, Into the Storm, and Spooks.

Ann Cleeves: The creator of three outstanding crime series, two television dramas in Vera and Shetland and 26 novels translated into over 20 languages will be in conversation with Lin Anderson.  

Peter May: Launching the much-anticipated fourth book in the Lewis series, will be in conversation with Craig Robertson.

Louise Minchin: The BBC Breakfast TV presenter will talk about her debut novel, Isolation Island. The book draws heavily on her TV experience.

Ruth Ware: – The international bestselling crime writer, in conversation with Louise Minchin, discussing her new mystery, One Perfect Couple, chaired by TV and radio presenter, Bryan Burnett.

Tickets for all of these events are now on sale! See https://bloodyscotland.com/whats-on/ for details.

2023 McIlvanney Prize Shortlist: Bloody Scotland

The Shortlist for the 2023 McIlvanney Prize for Scotland's prestigious annual crime writing award, was announced. The Prize is named in memory of the 'Godfather of Tartan Noir', the great William McIlvanney: 

SQUEAKY CLEAN by Callum McSorley (Pushkin): the judges said: "A wonderfully rich and funny new voice in Scottish crime. McSorley has created characters you invest in and plot that keeps you hooked right from the start."

 

THE SECOND MURDERER by Denise Mina (Vintage): the judges said: "Seriously stylish and oozing with attitude, this Philip Marlowe mystery is an exquisite read."

 

CAST A COLD EYE by Robbie Morrison (Macmillan): the judges said: "A story inhabited by brilliantly drawn characters. Not just a crime novel but a vivid and immersive account of life in Glasgow in the 1930s."

 

THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND by Craig Russell (Little, Brown): the judges said: "Mesmerising from the start. Devilishly dark and dripping with menace. A breath-taking masterclass in twisty crime writing."

These events are part of a three-day annual showcase of crime writing at Bloody Scotland, which is Scotland's international crime writing festival. Both prizes are again sponsored by The Glencairn Glass, Kirsty Nicholson, Design and Marketing Manager at Glencairn Crystal, said: 

"Now in our third year of sponsoring these prestigious awards with the Glencairn Glass, we’re very proud to be a part of this amazing Scottish annual event in the world of crime fiction. We continue to be impressed and enthralled by the talented authors who enter and we wish everyone the very best of luck."

The 2023 Bloody Scotland festival begins at 1: 30pm on Friday, September 15 , with the final event concluding at 2pm on Sunday September 17. It takes place at various venues in the historic centre of Stirling, including the Albert Halls, Trinity Church, and the Golden Lion Hotel. 

IRISH CRIME FICTION: A FESTIVAL

Oh to be in Ireland...

Declan Burke just posted the full schedule for Irish Crime Fiction: A Festival at Trinity College. How cool would it be to attend?

Friday, November 22 (free tickets) 7.00pm-8.30pm:
‘A Short Introduction to Crime Fiction: Why We Write It, How We Write It, and Why We Read It’. Panellists: Jane Casey, John Connolly, Alan Glynn, Declan Hughes, and Eoin McNamee. 

Saturday, November 23 (free tickets for daytime events)
10.00am-11.15am: ‘Historical Crime Fiction’. Panelists: Kevin McCarthy, Eoin McNamee (chair), Stuart Neville, Peter Quinn, and Michael Russell.
11.30am-12.45am: ‘Irish Crime Fiction Abroad’. Panelists: Declan Burke (chair), Jane Casey, John Connolly, Conor Fitzgerald, Alan Glynn, Arlene Hunt.
12.45pm-1.30pm: lunch
1.30-3.30pm: Surprise Film Screening
3.45pm-5pm: ‘Crime Fiction and Contemporary Ireland’. Panelists: Paul Charles, Declan Hughes, Gene Kerrigan, Brian McGilloway (chair), Niamh O’Connor, Louise Phillips.
Closing Event 6pm (doors open 5.30), Exam Hall, Trinity College (€6 tickets) ‘An Evening With Michael Connelly’. John Connolly will be interviewing Michael, who will be signing books, including his newest novel The Gods of Guilt, which will have its Irish launch at this event.

Read more HERE