Hi.I've booked to attend on Friday & Saturday. Has anyone read anything really good by the authors who are due to come?

Hi elkiedee

In response to your feedback below and other similar enquiries received, we have now made event date and time information available on the website. Visit the Events page.

This information is ahead of the publication of our event guide and tickets to individual events are not yet on sale. If you want to treat yourself to a long weekend at Yorkshire's hottest crimespot, then Weekend Break packages are available to book now. To book call the Festival Office on 01423 562303.

I'm hoping to come to some of this year's Crime Festival but wish you'd provide a proper timetable including special guests, as I'm trying to confirm my plans with my mum who lives in Yorkshire and it's a bit hard to do that properly at the moment.

My comments on the following news Crime authors tops library chart
US thriller writer James Patterson has retained his position as the most borrowed author from UK libraries.

He writes a book every 6 months or less. Quantity does not mean quality.
I will tell you who is a good author : It is Henning Mankell now there is a proper author .

Now the early Alex Cross books were good but then he diluted it later on. Where is the control ? Editors what are you doing ? How can you print those amount of books ? Don`t you have a quality control system ?

Craig Russell was a guest in 2006 I met him as well . If I am not mistaken
if the publishers don`t pay some of the expenses then the authors do not attend. I think that a repeat of some of the authors is not avoidable. Most of them write a book every year. So if you see them again they might have a new book. Also there is another event in Bristol.

How about Craig Russell as a guest? His new Jan Fabel book (the fifth) is due out in the early summer and he's also launching a new character in a series set in Glasgow.

actally not too impressed same old,same old. n0 point in paying money to see the same ones over and over.
a few years ago it was pretty good with sheila quigley martina cole mo hayder. now its the same faces. actually there should be more writers from the north.jane

Harlan Coben was a guest in 2007. I met him. Nice tall author . The list for 2009 is good . I am ashamed to say that I haven`t heard some on the list but I have done an online search and I might buy their books.

Edited by author 14-01-2009 02:27 AM
I loved the 2008 Festival - just a wonderful four days of books, crime, writers and readers- outstanding! I'm coming back (all the way from California) in 2009 and have some gentle suggestions. Please will you provide an email retrieval station? I had to go to the public library at lunch to check messages. Even on vacation, those of us far from home have to keep in touch. Also, I think the quiz was superb - but I don't think the writers should have been allowed to win. I'd be disappointed if the writers' team *didn't* know more about the genre than the rest of us. As it was, my team got the highest "civilian" score. We were so proud - and so unsung - no sour grapes of course..................haha. I met all my heroes and some new writers who are becoming favorites. Lastly, how about Kate Atkinson and Harlan Coben as guests?

Thank you to all the organisers and authors for such a great informative time during 'Creative Thursday'! My first Thursday workshop and like others I wished I'd booked every event. Great people to meet, especially loved Val McDermid and Stuart , Greg Mosse, and Zoe Sharp's input; such a refreshing surprise that people were so willing to suggest books and contacts to help with basic questions. Many thanks to kind and friendly new faces I met in the audience, a really great day! Val McDermid was overheard saying, the audience are quite good; well the tutors were super, Thank you one and all.

Well good news my followers!
Here is the website for Crime scene 2008 event :
http://www.tcmonline.co.uk/microsites/crimescene/index.htm
Thanks.

Only came to see Robert Crais but ended up wishing I had booked for the whole weekend. I had not expected it to be so relaxed and though it was fantastic. Thank you for organising a very good event.

Agree about Robert Crais being Handsome, those eyes!!!
Just a quick word of thanks to Sharon and the team, Simon and all involved in the Festival this year - totally brilliant - Good luck to Laura Wilson for the year ahead. 365 days to go.........

Thanks for the dates all - in the diary now for '09
Keith

Edited by author 23-07-2008 08:56 AM
Well, the Festival is all over for another year... Harrogate 2008. For http://www.crimesquad.com/ it was great be a lot more visible - our banner and badges proved popular - and say hello to so many new people. Thanks for all the nice comments on the site, it's nice to hear we are appreciated! We'd like to add our thanks to the Festival's organising team. Hard work, but so worth it.

Too many highlights to mention really... Creative Thursday was great. We went to almost every panel between us and then the late-night entertainments, the Balloon Game and quiz, were fun too... Sunday afternoon was a real downer driving back to reality, but we are already making plans for 2009. Note the date change! We've updated the Festival microsite and added a couple of Harrogate event reports on the site, but nothing can do justice to the greatest Crime and Thriller Festival in the world! See you all next year...? You bet!

Information, gossip and features on Harrogate will stay online throughout the year. We always try to be among the first to bring you details of each Festival, so check back with us often - and visit the Festival website too!

Edited by author 23-07-2008 09:32 AM
The dates for the 2009 Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival have had to be altered from those previously printed in the Event Guide.

The festival will now take place 23rd -26th July 2009 at the Crown Hotel.

Hope to see many of you there!

keith - dates for next year's festival 16th - 19th July according to this years programme

2009 dates are 23-26 July 2009
if I am not mistaken.
If I find money I might buy a flat in Harrogate.

Hi

Really good to see the festival's growing and getting better and better every year.
Haven't been there myself for about three years but itching to get to 2009 Festival.

If anyone knows the dates, please can you post them here so I can book hols, cheers.

Also interested to hear from anyone about the Creative Thursday - how did that go?

Thanks
Keith

I have returned from the Crime writing festival as well. I want to thank Johan Theorin for the nice chat . I want to nominate Robert Crais as one of the most handsome male crime writers. Any comments ? Thanks.

Have to say I have just returned from a fabulous weekend at the Crown Hotel and the Crime Writing Festival. Today I feel deflated that the whole event is over and I can not wait to return for next years programme.

Special highlights were the authors dinner where I shared a table with simon Kernick and listening to Robert Crais - it makes me realise I could not even be an author if i tried. Andy McNab very disappointing and I think he missed the whole point of the experience of the festival =m but thia did not detract from any of the other events.

it was such a privledge to hang out with people you so admire in the bar and hotel ( who I have to say the whole team were fabulous - nothing too much trouble - special mention to Hayley and Fabien) and authors who were so happy to spend time talking to you and sharing their experiences with you and treating you as part of thier family.

This is the first time I have visited the festival and already wish it was 2009.

i have made so many new friends and can not wait to meet up next year

Thank you to the Crime Writing festival 2008 and all of the organisers.

Why offputting ?

Edited by author 09-07-2008 10:05 AM
Well, it is all getting a bit close now isn't it? How exciting! FYI We have just added a couple of interesting stories onto the Festival's very own microsite here at http://www.crimesquad.com. (Just click onto the Festival logo on the left hand side of our homepage to view it...) The 10-word sorry results are in and we have listed them - along with a download of ALL the entries. Makes for interesting and amusing reading... If you haven't seen it yet, there's a 10-point guide to enjoying the Festival from our illustrious Editor, Chris Simmons, and an exclusive interview with Simon Kernick, this year's Festival Chair. Lots to read, and lots to look forward to... see you in Harrogate!

How come every other message is from (obviously pseudonymed) Lux Ferre? Is s/he part of the Fesitval committee? A little offputting, I find.

2009 Programming Chair Laura Wilson is working on the final touches to 2009 as we type - ready for annoucements to be made at the 2008 Festival.

All I can tell you at this stage is that it's looking like we'll have a very strong line-up and a few Festival 'firsts'!

I am looking forward to Chris Kuzneski & Tess Gerritsen.
Is there any information for 2009 ?

Hi all,

Firstly, apologies for the recent spam take over. This forum is now back in control and any further spam messages will be deleted as soon as they appear. So you should be able to get back to your regularly scheduled crime chat without interruption!

With the Festival now only a month away, the excitement is building at the Festival Office. We are very much looking forward to welcoming this year's special guests, including Andy McNab, Robert Crais, Peter Robinson, Tess Gerritsen and Jeffery Deaver, to Harrogate. Programming Chair Simon Kernick has put together some great panels too, such as Damaged Heroes and Bloody Women. We would love to know who (or what) you are most looking forward to seeing in July, so please tell us!

The full Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2008 programme is available to view on our website events page

has anyone stayed at the Cairn Hotel before for the festival - is it within easy walking distance?

Thank you administrator.
Religious Symbolism - The Da Vinci Effect
Are there many authors who used religious symbolism before The Da Vinci code by Dan Brown ?

This used to be a forum just for crime lovers. What happened? Is someone entitled to get rid of the spam messages? If the topic administrator will not or cannot solve this problem, why don't we turn to another forum?

What the hell is going on here?

I would like to invite the topic administrator to this forum.

I don't think so Betty - I'm definitely bringing my inflatable to Harrogate.

Is it me or is the board been taken over by strange messages

It's a pleasant surprise to find a sanctury from all that modern inane garbage they call music.

We are delighted to announce that the full line-up of top name authors and events at this year's Festival is online now at http://www.crimesquad.com

Click onto the dedicated CRIMESQUAD.COM Festival microsite and you'll find all the latest news there...

Anybody know the Creative Thursday lineup?

I'd like to book a room ASAP while there are still 1 or 2 affordable ones left in town, but I'm not sure which days I want to attend.

Edited by author 27-03-2008 12:04 AM
John Connolly will be signing The Reapers on 17 May, 19, 22,27, 28 and 29 May 2008 . Not sure when Michael Connelly will be in U.K. for his next book. I hope I have the correct details.

I'm sure that Michael Connolly was originally listed as a guest for 2008 but today's programme doesn't mention him. Does anybody know whether it's true that he's not coming and if not is he doing any personal appearances/signings in the UK this year>

Insider tip... Many of the authors will sign multiple copies to private collectors, but I think the etiquette is to wait at the back of the line to avoid long delays to those simply getting one or two books signed. Of course there is never any obligation on the part of the author, and sometimes they simply have to be somewhere else...busy lives... often the authors themselves are fans wanting to visit another panel!

re: B.Ford
You don`t need to hang about in the bar. There are various events and after the event the authors attending the event sign their books. Maybe the authors can sign their first book and last book so if there are 10 authors that is twenty books. I think I have 50 books as well. So I might have to attend in 2009 and 2010.

2008 will be my first Harrogate festival and I am wondering what is the protocol for getting books signed? I am coming from the States so it will be quite a job to bring the 50 or more books I have for many of the authors and I don't want to have to haul all of the books around with me all the time on the outside chance I might see one of the authors. I am not a drinker, and hanging about in a crowded, noisy bar sounds like pure hell to me! What to do?

Learn everything you need to know about working from home and online
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I would like to contact Simon Theakston to say hello and determine our linage. I live in Wichita, Ks-USA and am a loyal consumer of "Old Peculier". My husband and I would like to plan a trip to the area and attend your festival. I am also interested in the history of Theakston's LTD and the origin of the brewery. Strangely enough, my father(Jack Ford Theakston)love brewing his own beer. Look forward to hearing from Simon--Jane Theakston Stalker-316 218-1082--jdstalk@cox.net

I have met Jeffery Deaver and he is a very nice person. Jeff Lindsay wrote Dexter.
I think the authors are put forward by their publicists, agents and the authors themselves for participation.

Edited by author 15-12-2007 05:44 PM
My signed copy of Frederick Forsyth's THE AFGHAN finally arrived curtesy of Harrogate Crime Festival 2007 and the Summer Floods which stopped Mr Forsyth from Attending. To be honest, I had given up hope. 2008 looks terrific. Can't wait to meet Jeffery Deaver, Jeff Abbot (of DEXTER fame) and Peter Robinson.

Can I recommend they invite MICHAEL CORDY, author of THE MIRACLE STRAIN (re-released as THE MESSIAH CODE) and DAVID MORRELL (a very influencial thriller writer) for 2009?

Any one else intending to do the Creative Thrusday? My resolution is to have a finished manuscript by the time I get there!

This is a message for the book publishers :

Please publish Jean-Christophe Grange

Thank you.

I am just a reader.
I read a lot of crime fiction books.

We just got a review copy of Sword of God which is not published until October. Good reading so far... RU a publisher or a reviewer LuxFerre?

I would like to recommend
Chris Kuzneski Sword of God

I really liked Sign of the Cross

His first book is The plantation which introduces Payne and Jones

You are right about James Patterson
I still like Alex Cross series
I dont understand why JP writes a book every six months or less

Edited by author 24-08-2007 08:31 PM
 stopped reading James Patterson since he started to write with someone else. what is the point?

I attended the festival this year for the first time and was interested in the wide variety of authors and genres represented. I was also interested in the opinions of the readers of crime fiction about the genre.
I am currently writing my dissertation about Gender and Crime Fiction (both novels and film/TV) and am looking for some volunteers to complete a survey about crime fiction. If anyone is interested in taking part, please email me at the.muddiman@fsmail.net and I will send you a survey. Your help would be very much appreciated.

Edited by author 17-08-2007 11:48 PM
Here is the website for Crime scene 2007 event

http://www.tcmonline.co.uk/microsites/crimescene/index.htm

Hi,

I've just finished reading Volume 3, Quatrain 77 in THE INCEPTOR TRILOGY by a brilliant new thriller writer Maureen Farenden. This final volume is a roller coaster ride of Charity's battle to uncover the dark secrets of her past and her destiny... Her life hangs in the balance for the entire book and you never know who to trust or who, amongst her intrepid RING is the betrayer... Maureen Farenden is a consummate and thrilling story teller...

Belated thank you LOSTWELSHMAN for your advice way back in June. (Sorry, this is my 1st time back on this website since my last post). Not sure about James Patterson; I've toyed with reading his books before BUT I'm so excited about your recommendation of Jack Higgins Sean Dillon series. I've had a look at his website and I think these novels sound exactly the type of stories I want to read! I'm off to the library later to enquire and order in. I'll let you know how i get on in the next few weeks.
Stella from Wales!

Hi again

Crime Scene 2007 is being held next month at the Ritzy Cinema - Brixton, with some screenings etc taking place at other picturehouse cinemas.

Keith

My husband and I, along with our two daughters attended the Festival from Wednesday night thru to Sunday. It was our first time, and we had an amazing time. It was such a professional job and the Hotel was great (even better after refurb is completed I would imagine). all Authors and events were brilliant. We will certainly be coming again. Enjoyed Harlen Coben, we were going to see the film based on his book Tell No one the next day, so he signed our cinema ticket. The film was incredible.

Hi everyone,
I have just read The Inceptor Trilogy, Volumes one, The Spirit and two, The Patient, having read your message board recently and I can confirm that this trilogy is a real treat. A supernatural thriller with a refreshingly different edge that both thrills and chills you and yet pricks your own conscience... The Inceptor, Charity and her intrepid band of helpers named the RING are a real mixed bunch that you warm to immediately and are willing them along to succeed. The books are real page turners and packed with fascinating facts about all sorts of creatures, both human and spirit... It may be fiction, but once you start reading, it becomes real... I have just ordered volume three, Quatrain 77 and can't wait to find out what happens to Charity and her team... I hope Maureen Farenden will be writing some more thrillers with that dark, intriguing edge! She's certainly hooked me in...

Hi LuxFerre
I think Crime Scene disappeared off the map for a while - I last went a few years back when Ian Rankin was there, and previously to a year when Graham Hurley, Horace Silver, Mark Timlin, Michael Marshall etc were there.
Anyway, sounds like it's coming back in September - I'm awaiting details from Murder One bookstore in London as there's no September info on the bfi website as yet.
Keith

May I ask where was Crime scene in 2000 ?
(the bfi one )
 I went to one event in 2003.

Thanks Chelbel - now I've just got to make sure it all makes sense - am putting big sheet of wallpaper up tonight so I can start scribbling the timeline and who's where in each chapter just to make sure I haven't made any daft mistakes that could only have been accomplished by time travel!
I assume Betty and your goodself are saving now for 2008, so hope to catch up with you next time round.
Glad it was a good one - I'm saving up now for Crime Scene which apparently is taking place at the bfi on London's Southbank in early September - Mr B and others are due there, and it's a lot closer to home.
Best for now to you and Betty

Keith

This was my first experience of Harrogate Festival and I had such a fantastic time it's just untrue! I'm currently in the throes of booking up next years trip already, I just can't wait!

Thanks to the organisers for a great job well done.

Congrats on finishing your first draft Keith. That was worth missing Harrogate for. Break a leg.

Hi all - really glad you had a blast again this year and really sorry to have missed out on all the fun.
I did make up for it though, on the Weds night Harlen Coben came to Bromley, so I got to meet him - what a great guy.
And...working into the small hours on Friday night I finally finished the first draft of my first attempt at a full length crime novel - job done! - Now to edit the thing and see if there's any logic in there at all.
Treated myself to a new hardback journal to start book #2 and a few pints over the weekend.
Hope to catch up with you all again in '08 at the 'gate.
Bye for now
Keith

Thank you to Adina and Sharon for another great weekend. xx

Exhausted after a brillinat four days in Harrogate - it was great to meet writers and readers alike. Really looking forward to 2008 already.

I hope that I will be able to attend in 2008.
I want to say a thank you for The Crown hotel
and the festival organisers (sorry if i spelled wrong).

re:Louise
Did you manage to see Harlan Coben ?

I don`t want to boast but I had a quick chat with H.Coben on Friday 20 June
and I asked Laura Lippman to take a picture of me and Mr.Coben

I've only just heard about this brilliant festival! I missed Harlan Coben today at his book signing in Manchester and wondered about heading to Harrogate on Sunday. Would I need a ticket for this? If you can help me, thank you very much!

Hi Charlie,
I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the Inceptor Trilogy as I too find it rivetting and compelling reading. I loved the mixture of murder, mystery and the paranormal. Maureen Farenden's ability to mix her vast knowledge of the mantic arts with a gripping and compelling thriller is brilliant and her characters are so intriguing and interesting. She is a very clever writer who manages to bring warmth, humour, suspense and terror together in a truly original style and story. A new writer that I think has a real future. LIke you I have already ordered Volume 3, Quatrain 77, which is due out on 26th July and I can't wait to find out what happens to Charity, the intrepid INCEPTOR and her RING...

Edited by author 19-07-2007 09:54 PM
Hi, Can anybody advise the format of the evening when not attending events? This will be our first year and we are attending the Lee Child interview and Foul Play on Friday. We are not sure what to do during the interim (interview finishes at 9 and Foul Play starts at 10) I assume we make our own entertainment in the bar area but I am sure I have read somewhwere that the Authors roam around the bar etc, chatting? Can you have your books signed that you take with you??

Regards

Stuart MacBride - class!
Another favourite - Chris Simms!!!

Edited by author 19-07-2007 12:10 AM
I have just discovered a new writer, Maureen Farenden, who has written a trilogy called the Inceptor Trilogy, a supernatural thriller. Normally I wouldn't read this type of thriller but the trilogy was recommended to me by a friend. It is gripping and compelling reading with a fascinating twist on murder, intrigue and the supernatural. There are three separate crimes to solve spanning three volumes linking the main character, Charity Holmes, The Inceptor, whose own destiny is dependant upon solving these mysteries. The books have endless twists and turns that stretch not only your imagination, but also your whole sense of dark and light. If you want a thrller with a difference that is a page turner then read The Inceptor Trilogy. Vol One, The Spirit, Vol. 2 The Patient and Vol 3, Quatrain 77, which is due out on 26th July and already on my order list. Be careful what you do in life... for The Inceptor will call to collect...

The Crown has undergone an extensive refurbishment programme and promises to be a wonderful venue for the forthcoming Festival.

If you have any issues of problems over the Festival period please don't hesitate to talk to any of the Festival team at the Registration Desk within the Crown Hotel foyer.

We look forward to welcoming you to Harrogate this week!

re: Crown Hotel
I will be staying in the Crown Hotel
Don`t worry
If you give me a couple of free books I will try to sort out any problems

The latest review of the Crown Hotel on Tripadvisor is a bit concerning: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1...kshire_England.html
Is anyone else going to be staying there?

I am looking for other fans of Nordic crime fiction. I am new to the genre and like it very much and would like to communicate with others who enjoy this literature. I am 54, married with 3 children and only speak English. I only want to communicate with others who appreciate this literature.
Mike Keefe
USA
my email is fnkrump@baileytechnical.com

Hi all!
 
Looks good! Very useful, good stuff. Good resources here. Thanks much!
 
 
G'night

Message for Stella. Try reading James Patterson. I like his short chapters they just make me keep on reading. Oh the stories are pretty good too. If you like Reacher also try Jack Higgins Sean Dillon series.

If you can try a new Crime Writer from New Zealand.She is Vanda Symon and her first book is "Overkill" published by Penguin NZ with isbn 9780143006657.Hopefully good bookshops in Britain could source it from Penguin UK.
"Overkill"is selling extremely well in NZ and provoking a great deal of comment.
As a crime reading nut and a bookseller I enjoyed it immensely.

Edited by author 19-06-2007 06:41 PM
re: Michael Robotham The Night Ferry


I haven`t read it yet but I have noticed that it is nominated for
The CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award

Has anyone read Michael Robotham's The Night Ferry?

I liked One shot as well. I have put Alex Barclay in my list . Thanks.

Moenia amnlata videt, triplici circundata muro, quae rapidus flamnis ambit torrentibus amnis…
I was wondering whether anyone can translate the above ?
p129 The Dumas Club

Thanks LuxFerre, I've always been into love stories and biographies until I read One Shot so I'm totally new to crime novels. Today I picked up Darkhouse and The Caller by Alex Barclay and cant wait to get started. I hope she writes as well as Lee Child. I only wish I had more time for reading!

I have read all Lee Child books apart from two and enjoyed them.
I think most crime writers try to keep you in suspense but let you know what is happening with an element of surprise and usually a fantastic ending. (Sorry)

Jools: <<Makes Dan Brown look good>>

Surely not possible?? Each to their own, I suppose - but I enjoyed Jacquot, and the writing didn't strike me as bad at all, which is more than can be said for one extremely popular author I'm reading at the moment for an article - sixteen plus so far in this series (no-one on the Long List!)

Really pleased to see the link from WhereDunnit. When I go on holiday I like to take books that are set in the country I'm visiting and often struggle to find them. This will be really useful!

Im reading the Lee Child series in order. Just finished Echo Burning and about to start Without Fail. These stories are fantastic and so gripping from the first page. I think its the way Lee Child writes that makes them such a good read for me whereby he keeps you in suspense but will let you know whats happening with an element of surprise and always a fantastic ending. Can anyone recommend other authors who writes crime novels in this way? Many thanks.

Edited by author 03-06-2007 05:33 PM
Sorry, have to disagree about Jacquot & The Angel. It probably makes OK holiday reading, and the story may be a good one, but you've got to plough through some pretty terrible writing to get to it. I gave up! (Makes Dan Brown look good, iykwim)

Hi, Re. Tales from the Darkside. If you're within travelling distance of the Yorkshire Dales, you might be interested in taking part in these readers' sessions. If you haven't found them already, click on www.harrogate-festival.org.uk/crime/ and then the tag for Tales from the Darkside. I'll be at the Cover Bridge Inn, Nr Leyburn, Yorkshire at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, 5th June, with a box of free books from the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Fiction longlist. Free books, a cosy country pub, the chance to talk about crime fiction with other crime readers - sounds like heaven to me - see you there?

Edited by author 30-05-2007 02:35 PM
I agree about the qualities of 'Jacquot & The Angel', which I read last year prior to a holiday in the South of France. It evokes a wonderful sense of place, and the mystery is a good one too.

http://www.wheredunnit.com

Crime Fiction by location and setting.

Jacquot and the Angel by Martin O'Brien is by far the worthiest for this award.
This novel has everything a reader wishes for in a crime novel: mystery,up-lifting spiritually, suspence, heroism, greed, passion, and humanity. And all this around a small village in provence. A stonking great novel to get your teeth into!

My vote went to Robert Goddard, although I've only read a few books from this years list.
Can anyone tell when the shortlist becomes available. I have only just seen it this week at my local Waterstones.

Or when does next years list become available?

May I ask which books you are reading at the moment ? Thanks.
on 26 May I will continue reading Mr.Clarinet

I haven't read them all. Not even close. I did vote though!

The long list is here:

http://www.harrogate-festival.org.uk/crime/index.html

I particularly enjoyed 'The Stranger House' and 'Jacquot & The Angel' - the P.D.James was a good read, but the solution too obvious, IMO. I also liked Goddard's 'Never Go Back' and Booth's 'The Dead Place'. Goddard is a master of the convoluted plot, and tension on every page. However, personally, I prefer whodunnits.

Has anyone read them all?

http://www.wheredunnit.com
Crime fiction by location and setting.

Who are on the long list? I've not seen it either.

Which books would you shortlist ?

I would shortlist Craig Russell Eternal
and John Connolly The Unquiet

Has the shortlist for the TOP prize been announced yet? Anyone know?

I agree Helena and Chelbel, not the sort of comments to make to an author, or indeed anybody. We should be supporting each other.

The festival has never been boring, and has a fantastic line up this year, people are travelling from all over the world, I know someone who is coming from as far as New Zealand to attend...says it all!
I don't read these threads very often either, but like to keep up with it as it gets closer to the festival, and will be bobbing in and out more
frequently, to keep up with the news and views.

Not so nice to read some of the messages here, no wonder I don't pop in very often. The line up hardly sounds boring to me and I for one am very much looking forward to it!

Hey, this will be my third year at Harrogate. I love the laid back attitude everyone has. To me it's a place where people gather to discuss books and have a good time.
P.S. I am appalled at the personal digs to a writer i respect a great deal. Never heard of typos?

Betty, Thanks for the reply- will definitely try to be there!

Ann, to answer your question, yes I think Harrogate is definitely worth a visit. This will be my fourth year attending and IMHO they only get better. A lot of writers who are not necessarially (sp) on a panel also attend and of course the readers who all mingle and chat. It's wonderful

Fiona, I really don't think nastiness is called for - who hasn't made a typing mistake when posting on any forum.

Have you written a novel yourself ? I think that on internet apostrophe rules should not apply.

You may not be boring, but you certainly can't use an apostrophe properly. And for a published author, that is appalling.

"Now that's just not nice, I have been called many things, but never boring. And I am certain the other author's there this year, ain't boring either."

Re: Yrsa Sigurdardottir

It looks like the first one, Last Rituals, is still being published in English in October but only in the USA - not in the UK until next February. The second, My Soul To Take, is still due in hardback in late 2008.

Regards
WhereDunnit
http://www.wheredunnit.com

For crime fiction listed by location and setting - USA, UK and Europe!

I'm reasonably new to reading crime novels, it started with Tess Gerritsen and has taken off from there- Mark Billingham, Lisa Scottoline,Lisa Gardner, Richard Montanari, Karin Slaughter, and just finished my first Harlan Coben yesterday. And me being Scottish, I love Christopher Brookmyre's sense of humour- if you haven't read any of his you should "take an edgy"
Anyway, is Harrogate festival worth a visit?

you are gay

I think her book(s) have been pushed back to 2008 in the UK.

I have a list of Scandinavian authors (and their books) who have been translated into English on my website at http://www.eurocrime.co.uk/books/books_Scandinavia.html.

I'll be at Harrogate this year but I've yet to sort out any tickets!!

Arnaldur Indridason I have one of his books but I havent read it yet
I have heard of Yrsa Sigurdardottir the book is coming out October 2007 I think.

Henning Mankell, Karin Fossum - do you also like Arnaldur Indridason, LuxFerre? He's one of my favourites at the moment. I'm also looking forward to reading a new Icelandic author, Yrsa Sigurdardottir, when she's published in English later this year - hopefully.

There's a full list of Scandinavian (& Icelandic & Finnish) authors from the Europe link on my website www.wheredunnit.com - hope it's okay to mention that here!

Well, hmmm, oh go on then, seeing as you read Stephen King we will forgive you.

Hi LF - some similiar to my own I notice. Well this year there is Lee Child and Harlen Coben. Last year John Connolly was there as was Jeffery Deaver, year before Michael Connolly and Kathy Reichs and the year before that Minette Walters.
I agree it's not easy making a list and I could add a lot more myself. Hope to meet you there LF.

Betty

I am not sure that I have a brain
I watch too many American television series.
I was at Harrogate last year.
I already booked for this year.
Will you buy me a drink ?
I will send you my dark duke.

666

Hi LuxF,

Glad to see you are someone with a brain, humour and not a troll!
Personally, I think this year's programme has some hidden delights, i.e. perhaps authors who are bloody brill, but not on your radar yet? Newbies also, for sure.

Look forward to seeing you at Harrogate, LF. Now you have full info as opposed to "limited", you just have to be there, don't you?

Wishing you all the best and a prompt booking, LF!

EO

Camilleri, Andrea
Chase, James Hadley
Child, Lee
Christie, Agatha
Coben, Harlan
Connelly, Michael
Connolly, John
Cussler, Clive
Deaver, Jeffery
Dibdin, Michael
Fossum, Karin
Gerritsen, Tess
Grange, Jean Christophe
King, Stephen
Koontz, Dean
Mankell, Henning
Pattison, Eliot
Reichs, Kathy
Reilly, Matthew
Russell,Craig
Steinbeck, John
Vargas, Fred
Walters, Minette
Williams, Tennessee
Zafon, Carlos Ruiz

These are the authors that I like . It is not easy making a list.

I'm looking forward to seeing (and hearing) Sheila Quigley on a panel year. Her fourth book is due out begining of May, and if it's anything like the first three - it will be well worth waiting for. I don't know what authors you read LuxFerre - maybe you should give us an example so we can see where you're coming from.

I want to apologize for my earlier message. I had limited information. Unfortunately sometimes I tend to jump in a river before asking how deep it is.
Maybe I used that word instead of perforate.
I would appreciate to be fed by information.Thank you.

Now that's just not nice, I have been called many things, but never boring. And I am certain the other author's there this year, ain't boring either.

Don't feed the troll!

enlightened one
May I ask what is the relevance of 007 ? Thanks.

Lux,
You've been reading/seeing too much of 007 of late.
No one needs to boycott the festival on account of your tastes. We all have different tastes, so let it be.
Best wishes,
EO

I think everyone should boycott this years Crime Writing Festival because of the lack of writers from Germany, Sweden, France, Norway, Iceland, Finland.

Well I guess it's each to their own, personally I have read books by quite a lot of this years guests - but there is such a long list surely there is something for everybody and it's great to see Anne Cleeves is on a panel this year.

It does not look like a very interesting line up. It is a boring line up.

Well it looks like a very interesting line up again this year. Won't be long now.

Hi there - A full Weekend Rover ticket gains you access to all Festival events, including the Opening Night Party. The Weekend Rover ticket can be bought seperately for £140, or as part of a Full Accommodation and Ticket package.

If you've got any queries about your booking please do email me on crime@harrogate-festival.org.uk

I have purchased the complete package: does this include the Opening Night Party, or should a ticket for that be bought separately? Thanks!

It looks like Ian and I will be attending the festival this year again. Hurray! It was overwhelming last year--so many interesting people in one place! I hope there are still some tickets left.

I attended the festival 2 years ago and had a wonderful time. Actually met Michael Connelly,Ruth Rendell,Val Mcdermid, Kathy Reichs and many many more. Will be there again this year. Could not recommend it more !!

I've got as far as booking the time off work. Just waiting for the programme to come out before I make a final decision.

Incidentally, if you're in the UK and want to win a copy of the Edgar nominated 'The Dead Hour' by Denise Mina - call in at www.eurocrime.co.uk/Competition.html

Hi,
This might sound silly but I am wondering if you can enlighten me please. What do you actually do at these crime weekends? I am a HUGE fan of many 'crime' books of various authors and I was thinking of coming down to Harrogate-but just curious at what the weekend entails. Please reply so I can make my mind up...
many thanks :)

Ammie

Dear Team,

Thanks for the confirmation - I'm looking forward to it hugely already!

http://www.wheredunnit.com

The full details of your booking are included on your Booking Confirmation. WhereDunnit - you are correct the 3 nights B&B in the Weekend Package are Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st July 2007. The final event will finish at 12.30pm on Sunday 22nd July.

From the Festival Team.

I've added some details about the hotel to my blog:

http://wheredunnit.blogspot.com/

Hope someone finds it useful!

http://www.wheredunnit.com
The Crime Locations Website

Edited by author 28-12-2006 09:29 PM
I've made my booking for the weekend package and the Thursday workshop - I'm a little unclear as to the 3 nights B&B - I presume it's the nights of Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Sat 21st, checking out on the morning of Sunday 22nd.

Can anyone confirm that this is correct? Ta!

http://www.wheredunnit.com
The crime locations website

I hope this isn't too tacky but I've got a competition running on the Euro Crime website for the new book from Martyn Waites - 'Bone Machine'. I know Martyn is a regular crime conference attendee so I hope this makes this message slightly relevant :-).
http://www.eurocrime.co.uk/Competition.html.
Runs until the end of the year.

Hi Betty

Thanks for your message.

I am hoping to get there next year - although it might have to be a shorter trip than origianlly intended (maybe a one or two day trip) - this is basically due to the fact that I am changing jobs in January and my new job means I'll need to already take nearly two weeks away from my family on business during 2007 - and, to be frank, I'll miss 'em - so will try my best to be there for at least some of it.
Probably won't be able to make my decision and booking until Jan '07 - would you recommend the writing day on the Thursday as one of the days I pick? - I'm still writing (you'll be pleased to hear) and have read lots lately - especially as I am currently on jury service (great for research!) and that gives me lots of train journeys and sitting still time to read!

Will let you know as and when I've sorted out my year ahead!

All the best for now to you and to Michelle


Keith

Check out the festival microsite at http://www.crimesquad.com and get a 5% discount on weekend bookings!

Have you booked Keith, Michelle and I are all booked up - really looking forward to it - now to start saving the pennies. Take care

Spotted that yesterday Keith, will be booking first thing Monday morning - glad to have it sorted so we can really start looking forward to July. Hopefully see you there.

Hi Betty

Thanks for your message - and as if by magic ome news is now on the site - well a contact number and confirmation of venue anyway.

Will visit Mark's site again soon to catch up with things there.

All the best with the nanowritemo - don't let work get in the way too much!

Keith

Hi Keith,

Been busy trying for the 50K for the nanowritemo, which I'm well short of, lots of overtime at work, trying to get on top of stuff so we don't have to go in over Christmas. The weeks are flying by - still now news of booking for Harrogate - I do hope it's going to go ahead. I was reading Chris High's column in the Writing Magazine and he said Natasha Cooper was busy organising the guests so hopfully we'll hear something soon. We're all talk about it over on Mark Billingham's Forum, there is a whole bunch of of looking forward to getting together in July.
Hope you and the family are keeping well and the writing is going well.

Knock knock - anyone there?

Hi Betty

Good to hear from you.

Hoping to get to HCWF 2007 - will let you know once I receive the info - but certainly would like to attend.

Seeing Ian Rankin on Thursday evening in Guildford, and then a crime writing panel with several authors.
Then seeing Ian Rankin again in November in London.
The last one I attended was John Connolly at Bromley - with a surprise visit by a certain Mr Billingham - that was a very entertaining double act.

My writing? - Well, I think (no, I will damn it!), finish my first novel by Christmas - Oh, won't they all be disappointed in the Walters house to receive a stack of photocopied sheets of paper instead of a CD or a decent book this year!
My full time job is pretty tough going at the moment, so it's nice to have something to do to take out the old creative urges and kill off a few characters based on line managers and customers without the legal problems!

How's your own writing going?

All the best for now to you and Michelle.

Keith

Dear All,

Thank you for your interest and patience. Package bookings will open in the coming few weeks. We look forward to seeing you in July 2007!

The Crime Festival Team

Hi Keith, I emailed and asked and all the info I got was keep an eye on the site. I'm curious too, I'm fairly sure we'd paid a deposit by this time last year. You're going this year right? How's the writing coming along. Been to any readings/signings lately?

Take care Betty

Hi to anyone who may be checking by here from time to time - where'd everybody go?
The ticket section of the web-site says to check back in September for info on events and accomodation deals or sign up for emailed updates.....

Anyone got any news about 2007 HCWF?

Thanks

Keith

I think I had booked by this time last year. In fact I think they took bookings at the event - before the venue change. I've emailed Ann to ask when they'll be taking bookings for '07. It's got so popular, and there was so much press coverage I want to be sure that I get my place! Hope all is well with you.

Thanks for that Sarah - it sounded really interesting. I was wondering about booking for 2007 as well. Had we a deposit paid by this time last year?

St Hilda's was very interesting Betty. It had a more academic feel than Harrogate as the speakers presented a 35-40 minute paper from a lectern. Each session contained two papers and then 10-15 minutes for questions. Natasha Cooper chaired each session brilliantly. The theme was "All in the Family" - and the ground covered was vast; from writers who based their stories pretty much on their own families and lives, to writers with a strong sense of family underpinning the behaviour of their investigators, to a discussion of incest. As you can see - vast. I had to miss the last two sessions due to my own family crisis (had to drive my husband to A&E).

Looking forward to next year's Harrogate. I'm sure I had booked by this time last year - has anyone had any correspondence about 2007 yet?

Hi all

This occassional trip back into the forums is doing me no good at all - this year sounds like it'll be the best ever (so sorry I'm missing out this time round).

Hope you all have a superb festival and please be sure to post your reports or details of where us less fortunate souls can read up and look at your pics after the event.

Wishing you all a fantastic 2006 Harrogate Crime Writing Festival and hope to be back next year.

Keith

Welcome to the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival Discussion Forum.

This is your opportunity to discuss and dissect what's coming up and which of your favourite writers are coming to this year's inaugural Festival. What are your reading recommendations, whether you're a die-hard fan or a complete innocent new to the crime scene. This is your chance to share your reading pleasure with others.

You can also use the forum to feedback to the Festival team on your views & opinions on the Festival itself, what you are looking forward to, what you enjoyed and what you would like to see next year?

Val McDermid, I and all the Festival team are waiting to hear from you.