Crime fiction authors and fans to descend on Bristol for CrimeFest 2022

Now in its 15th year, CrimeFest has become one of the biggest crime writing conventions in Europe. It is open to commercially published authors, editors, publishers, reviewers, fans and readers alike, and this year will feature up to 150 authors and 50 panels exploring all facets of the crime fiction genre.

This year’s event takes place on May 12-15 at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, with a bill featuring Ann Cleeves, the author behind Vera, Shetland and the Two Rivers series, all of which have been adapted for TV and won legions of fans worldwide.

Both awarded the Crime Writers’ Association’s highest accolade – the CWA Dagger, doyen of the pacey thriller, Robert Goddard and leading authority of crime fiction, Martin Edwards will also be appearing.

Robert Goddard – photo: Graham Jepson

Andrew Child, who has taken on authorship of the worldwide phenomenon that is Jack Reacher from his elder brother Lee, will be making his first appearance at CrimeFest.

The smash-hit series now totals 26 books, with two successful film adaptations to its name, as well as the recent Amazon Prime series Reacher (recently commissioned for a follow-up).

Amongst the wealth of other celebrated authors in attendance include Holly Watt, Matt Wesolowski, Lynne Truss, Barry Forshaw, Simon Brett, Vaseem Khan, Helen FitzGerald, Ruth Dudley Edwards and Michael Ridpath.

For 2022, CrimeFest has also given away more than £5k worth of books to inner city schools across Bristol.

Andrew Child – photo: courtesy of CrimeFest

For director and co-founder of the event, Adrian Muller, the ethos and location of CrimeFest is key to its success: “Behind the scenes there is a team of passionate readers and volunteers, so there’s a friendly and inclusive energy at CrimeFest.

“Bristol is known for its vibrant, creative and independent spirit, and CrimeFest offers an exciting opportunity for writers and readers alike to meet and mingle.”

Authors such as detective constable in the Met police, Vicki Bradley, former lawyer Steve Cavanagh and thriller writer Simon Conway, a former officer in the British Army and international aid worker, will be discussing the ways in which they have brought real-world experiences to bear on their writing.

Martin Edwards – photo: courtesy of CrimeFest

The annual CrimeFest awards will also take place at the convention. For co-host Donna Moore, they represent an important touchpoint for crime fiction, across a diverse range of genres, noting: “We are proud to be one of the few genre awards that recognise e-books and audiobooks, humour, children and Young Adult crime fiction novels.

“We aim to be the most inclusive of awards to reflect the values of our convention, and the incredible diversity and reach of the genre which dominates the cultural landscape.”

Award categories include the hotly-contended Specsavers Debut Crime Novel Award and the Audible Sounds of Crime Award (both of which come with a £1,000 prize fund), the Best Crime Novel for Young Adults, and the H.R.F. Keating Award for best biographical or critical book on crime fiction. All category winners will receive a Bristol Blue Glass commemorative award.

CrimeFest 2022 Debut Crime Award shortlist – photo: CrimeFest

Crimefest is at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel from May 12-15. For the full list of authors and to book, visit www.crimefest.com.

Main photo: Ann Cleeves, by Micher Theiner

Read more: Four days of Crimefest begin in Bristol

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