New Zealand seems to be a popular destination for big-name international crime writing stars for August and September. Along with Simon Kernick and RJ Ellory, who I've already discussed on Crime Watch, at least four other international crime writers will now be hitting our shores in those months. I'll have more information about all of the visiting authors in the coming days, but for now I thought I would highlight that 2010 Cartier Diamond Dagger recipient Val McDermid will be here in late August.
McDermid has written dozens of bestsellers, sold more than 10 million books, won and been shortlisted for many awards (including winning the prestigious CWA Gold Dagger for THE MERMAIDS SINGING, and also winning the LA Times Book of the Year Award and the Stonewall Writer of the Year Award), and had her stories adapted into acclaimed TV shows like Place of Execution and Wire in the Blood. In 2009 she was also inducted into the Hall of Fame at the ITV3 Specsavers Crime Thriller Awards.
McDermid will be touring New Zealand in support of her latest crime thriller, the standalone TRICK OF THE DARK. I understand she will be doing a public event in Auckland on 24 August, and one in Christchurch on 22 August. There may also be an event or events in other centres (particularly Wellington). I will post more information about the Auckland and Christchurch events in the coming days.
Have you read McDermid's work? What do you think? Do you like going along to author events? Will you go and see her when she comes to New Zealand? Comments appreciated.
I think Val McDermid is a brilliant writer. I haven't read her earlier two series but really enjoyed all her Tony Hill books and her standalone novels. She creates very interesting characters as well as page-turning plots. I don't know if I will be able to see her when she visits New Zealand but am certainly looking forward to her new novel.
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