As I shared a few weeks ago, it's great to see that the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival has re-embraced crime, mystery and thriller fiction in 2012, after something of a lean run the past few years for fans and afficianados of the genre (other than the excellent Michael Connelly special event last year).
The Festival kicked off today with some children's programme events, but gears up properly tomorrow evening, before a full slate of excellent events on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This year, there are five great events in the 'Crime and Intrigue' line-up, along with several other author events involving writers of crime fiction, in their other guises (eg Joan Druett talking about her marine histories, Greg McGee talking about his latest novel - although no doubt he will touch on his 'Alix Bosco' crime thrillers, Eoin Colfer - who wrote PLUGGED, as well as his beloved Artemis Fowl kids books, etc)
From a crime and thriller perspective, bestselling British crime writer Peter James is winging his way to our shores, along with thriller writer and former MI5 head Stella Rimington, and Australian crime writer Jennifer Rowe (who also writes young adult books under the name Emily Rodda). Booker shortlisted thriller writer AD Miller (SNOWDROPS) is also coming, and local exponents of the genre are represented by Paul Thomas, whose latest book DEATH ON DEMAND sees Thomas's return to crime after a decade away.
As I said back in March, a big bouquet to the festival organisers for their outstanding efforts this year!
You can see the full line-up of crime and intrigue events here. Hopefully those of you in the area will head along to one, some, or all (the Stella Rimington lunch has already sold out, by the way).
Today, I'd like to highlight one event in particular: A MIND FOR MURDER, on Sunday morning. The good news is you get to see three crime fiction authors (James, Rowe, and Thomas) all in the one panel event, talking about crime fiction in general, as well as their own work. The bad news? I'm chairing the panel.
Should be a fun session though. Here's the official info:
Hope to see you at some of the events! Should be a great few days.
There’s been a flurry of commentary lately musing on the violence of Scandinavian and other modern crime fiction.
In this panel discussion, three exponents of the form discuss whether there’s been a transformative shift over time from the age of beloved cerebral detectives to far more gruesome fare and, if so, whether something’s been lost along the way or is it business as usual?
UK Crime Writers Association chair and bestselling crime writer Peter James, Australian crime writer Jennifer Rowe and New Zealand’s own Paul Thomas are in discussion with Kiwi crime blogger Craig Sisterson.
James’ appearance is supported Pan Macmillan Publishers.
Date: Sunday 13 May 2012
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Venue: LOWER NZI ROOM, AOTEA CENTRE
Category: CRIME AND INTRIGUE
Price: Earlybird $20, Standard $25, Patrons $16, Students $12.50
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