Kate Mosse

There has been a change to the line-up of previously announced 2012 Special Guests. Sadly, Charlaine Harris is no longer able to make the trip to the UK this summer due to family commitments. It’s not all bad news though – far from it! – as we are delighted to announce that joining the Special Guest roster in Charlaine’s place is the internationally bestselling author and co-founder of the Orange Prize for Fiction, Kate Mosse.

Kate Mosse is the author of two non-fiction books, two plays and five novels, including the multi-million selling international No. 1 bestseller, Labyrinth. The first of her Languedoc Trilogy, it was translated into 37 languages and published in 40 countries. The second in the series, Sepulchre, was also a No. 1 bestseller, as was The Winter Ghosts, a novella based on her contribution to Quick Reads 2008, The Cave. The third in her Languedoc trilogy, Citadel, will be published in September 2012.

While we are sorry not to have the pleasure of welcoming the author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels to Harrogate in 2012, we hope that we will have the opportunity in future years and wish Charlaine Harris and her family all the very best. We are sorry for any disappointment this change to the programme may cause.

Kate Mosse will appear alongside fellow 2012 Special Guests Harlan Coben, John Connolly, Peter James, Jo Nesbo, Ian Rankin and Peter Robinson. And if these names alone weren’t reason enough to make sure you don’t miss the hottest crime scene of the summer, then check out the Authors Page for details on which of the cream of the crime writing crop are so far confirmed to join them in Harrogate this July!

More names will follow in the next few weeks, so check back regularly for updates.

2011 Festival Programme Committee and title sponsor Simon Theakston

Some of the greatest names in crime writing gathered in London on Thursday 3rd February to celebrate the launch of this year’s Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival programme. The world famous festival is the biggest of its kind and each year is chaired by a different acclaimed crime writer. This year, Dreda Say Mitchell, author of Geezer Girls and more recently Gangster Girl takes the helm, choosing the theme of ‘true crime’ as the inspiration for the programme.

Headliners of this year’s festival include Howard Marks, David Baldacci, Linwood Barclay, Martina Cole, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner and Tess Gerritsen as well as Mystic River author Dennis Lehane. Other highlights include a panel discussion with former prison inmates-turned-writers including Noel ‘Razor’ Smith; journalists who have made the transition to writing crime fiction; and Val McDermid’s regular “New Blood” event, showcasing her selection of some of the most exciting and hotly tipped emerging talent. Crime fans will also have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the cream of international crime writing at the annual Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year party where one author will be awarded the prestigious prize.

Dreda Say Mitchell said: “It’s such an honour to be selected to chair the crime festival and I’ve had great fun helping to choose the themes and authors who will all be descending upon Harrogate, the crime-writing capital of the world! At a time when funding for the arts and libraries in particular is ever decreasing, it’s even more important to have a festival that encourages people to pick up a book and get reading. I can’t wait!”

Simon Theakston, Executive Director of T&R Theakston and festival sponsor said: “We are extremely proud of our ongoing association with Harrogate’s world-class crime fiction festival. This year’s line-up is a potent mix of home grown and international talent and we look forward to welcoming a host of stellar names from across the Atlantic to do battle with Britain’s finest perhaps over a glass or two of our Old Peculier ale.”

Download the full 2011 Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival programme here.

Joanne Harris will be appearing at the 2010 Festival

Ahead of the launch of the full Festival programme in the New Year we are delighted to announce that the 2010 Special Guest line up just got a little bit more special. Joining the already impressive line up of Ian Rankin, Karin Slaughter and Christopher Brookmyre, are three heavyweight talents, two from across the pond and one from much nearer to home. It’s our great pleasure to reveal that Jeffery Deaver, Jeff Lindsay and Joanne Harris will also be appearing at the 2010 Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Harrogate.

Keep an eye on the website for more information on events and authors coming over the next few months.