I’m fortunate enough to live in the same town where the Crime Writing Festival takes place. However, we moved here during Covid and lockdown, so this is my first time attending.
The festival is held at The Old Swan Hotel, famously known as the place where Agatha Christie was discovered after her mysterious disappearance.
My friends and I secured VIP passes for the full duration of the festival. It kicked off on Thursday evening with the Crime Novel of the Year awards and the opening ceremony.
On Friday, we enjoyed our first full day of events, which included engaging panels, book signings, and even an ice cream paired with a sampler of Breathless by Amy McCulloch.
Day 2 was just as enjoyable as the first. We attended an exclusive preview of The Dark Remains by Ian Rankin and William McIlvanney, receiving a signed limited proof. We also enjoyed some excellent talks and I had my copy of Garnethill signed by Denise Mina. I picked up this copy in New York in 2010 after it was recommended to me by the staff at Partners & Crime, a wonderful bookshop specialising in crime and mystery that has unfortunately now closed.
In the evening, we participated in an author dinner where we tried to solve a murder mystery. We were at a table with the lovely Marnie Riches, and the night was topped off with a late-night quiz.
Sunday marked the final day and featured more fantastic talks, including a discussion between Richard Osman and Mark Billingham.
Beth Reads Crime 
Leave a comment