On now and the award winners have just been announced:
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We are thrilled to let you know that The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths has just been announced as the winner of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2026, the UK and Ireland’s most prestigious crime fiction award. The Frozen People is the first book in a new series with a time-travelling spin, as an unsolved mystery takes cold cases investigator Ali Dawson back to the frozen Victorian London of January 1850 to explore a series of killings that have twenty-first century consequences for politicians and Ali's own family. The judges described The Frozen People as 'bold,' 'superbly plotted' and 'highly original'.
Crime fiction phenomenon Elly Griffiths has been shortlisted for the Award eight times, and was Highly Commended in 2023 for The Locked Room. She received the Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution Award in 2025. Griffiths is the author of the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries; the Brighton Mysteries and the Detective Harbinder Kaur series. Her intricately plotted novels told with wry humour and featuring engaging characters have sold over 5 million copies worldwide, winning her fans across the globe. Tonight is the opening night of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival which runs until Sunday 26 July, with the Awards kicking off proceedings.
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Frances Crawford awarded the McDermid Debut Award, with Mel Pennant gaining Highly Commended recognition, and David Baldacci honoured for his contribution to the genre |
The McDermid Debut Award, named in recognition of world-famous crime writer Val McDermid, was won by Frances Crawford for A Bad Bad Place, a moving and engaging thriller set in Glasgow’s Possilpark in the 1970s. The judges described it as "an engrossing read, and a remarkable debut from a first-time author in her 60s".
The judges also gave a Highly Commended nod to A Murder for Miss Hortense by Mel Pennant, saying "Mel Pennant takes us deep into Miss Hortense’s world with wit, intelligence and irresistible storytelling." Bestselling novelist David Baldacci received the Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of his remarkable crime fiction writing career and unwavering commitment to the genre.
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For updates, pictures and behind-the-scenes gossip from this year's Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and join the conversation!
#TheakstonsCrime & #TheakstonsAwards |
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Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival takes over town.
From 23 - 26 July the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate, will become a buzzing hub of excitement, as Festival attendees, Special Guests, and the great and the good of the crime-writing world come together to celebrate.
Curated by bestselling author Lisa Jewell, this year’s Festival brings together over 140 authors and speakers, for the biggest event in the Festival’s 23-year history.
Take a look at a few of our highlight events below, or browse what's on for the full Festival programme. |
From Poirot to Podcast Friday 10.30am A proper treat for Christie fans. Val McDermid leads a panel of writers who’ve taken her influence and legacy in totally different directions. |
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Nothing But the Truth Friday 6.30pm Crime fiction at its boldest. Four authors exploring trauma, identity and the tougher themes behind their stories.
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Critic’s New Blood Saturday 12pm Discover the bestsellers of tomorrow. Four brilliant debut authors, all tipped as ones to watch, chatting with Natasha Cooper.
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Your Local Writer Sunday 10.30am Discover how an author’s surroundings shape their writing, as they share the places they write, from coffee shops to trains, and how those spaces influence what ends up on the page. |
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Shortlist Announcement Section We’re just a week away from revealing the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year shortlist. You voted for your favourite out of the 18 amazing, longlisted titles; now we find out which six make the final cut. Definitely one to pop in the diary.
And if you haven’t already, grab your tickets for Awards Night. It’s always a brilliant evening celebrating the very best in crime writing, followed by the Festival Opening Party. |
In a rare appearance on the writing course calendar, bestselling authors Abir Mukherjee and SJ Parris will show you how to bring the past to life and create compelling narratives on this inspirational five-day retreat.
Drawing on their award-winning experience of historical fiction and the crime novel tradition, they will guide you through the vital elements of plot, character, research and pacing to help you build a strong foundation for your novel, whether historical, thriller or a combination of both.
Set within 42 acres of gardens, woodland and orchards in the Cotswolds, Hawkwood’s beautiful country house provides a peaceful residential setting where writers can focus on their craft while enjoying comfortable accommodation and delicious home-cooked meals. |
Join the conversation #TheakstonsCrime & #TheakstonsAwards |
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