Friday, July 20, 2012

Denise Mina wins Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Award

Well, I'm in Harrogate, England. Surrounded by lovers of crime writing - authors, wannabe authors, critics and reviewers, readers and fans. It's a terrific atmosphere for the 2012 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, and Harrogate is a very lovely town - compact, walkable, and full of old historic buildings and parks. It really is a nice place to be - and weird to think that after a few years' of hearing about this festival, that I'm finally here - on the complete other side of the world from my usual home.

The Festival kicked off last night with the Opening Night Party and the announcement of the winner of the Theakston Old Peculier Crimee Novel of the Year. It was a pretty terrific shortlist (and the wider longlist had many, many great books on it), but in the end Denise Mina deservedly took home the beer barrel trophy for her acclaimed novel THE END OF THE WASP SEASON. It was lovely to see Denise again after meeting her earlier this year at the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

I'll write more about the first night, and the rest of the festival, over the coming days - but for now I have to dash back for another session.
at 10:47 PM
Labels: ,

4 comments:

  1. Michael RobothamJuly 21, 2012 at 5:45 PM

    I'm very jealous Craig, but planning to be at Harrogate next year. Leave your liver at the door and have fun.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Vanda SymonJuly 21, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    Awesome. Haven't read the book yet, but she's a great lady - that was a fun night out in Wellington.

    ReplyDelete
  3. kathy d.July 22, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    I think Denise Mina deserved the award. The End of the Wasp Season is a brilliant book -- whodunnit (yes), whydunnit, police procedural, psychological suspense. Lots of plates to juggle in this very elaborate plot. When I finished it (and it was an unputdownable book), I felt like I'd been on a journey, on a case, unpeeling the onion layer by layer along with Alex Morrow.
    Can't wait for more from Mina. This from a fan of Garnethill and Paddy Meehan.
    P.S. Please identify those in the photo.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJuly 23, 2012 at 9:50 AM

    Hi Craig, Hope you enjoyed the Festival, even if your taste in company leaves something to be desired. :)

    If you're on Twitter you should look up @SidewaysPony. Good to meet you. Safe journey home.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)