Who’s Coming to the 2025 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival?

Crime fiction fans, get ready—Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is back from 17-20 July 2025, and this year’s special guests are nothing short of legendary. If you love gripping thrillers, clever mysteries, and crime stories that keep you up all night, this is the festival for you.

So, who’s on the lineup?

Crime writing superstars in 2025

Curated by Mick Herron (yes, the mastermind behind the Slow Horses series), the 2025 festival features a mix of crime fiction royalty and fresh voices. Expect:

• Attica Locke – One of the biggest names in US crime fiction
• Irvine Welsh – The Trainspotting author turns his sharp eye to crime
• Kate Atkinson – The genius behind Life After Life and Case Histories
• Kate Mosse – Historical fiction meets mystery in her work
• Lee & Andrew Child – The brothers behind Jack Reacher (yes, they’ll be revealing details about the 30th book!)
• Mark Billingham – The Tom Thorne creator, and a festival favourite
• Paula Hawkins – The Girl on the Train author returns to Harrogate
• Steph McGovern – Broadcaster and crime fiction fan
• Val McDermid – The Queen of Crime herself

That’s a serious lineup. Expect witty murder mysteries, dynamic double acts, and plenty of thrilling discussions.

What’s new for 2025?

This year, you can look forward to:

• A sneak peek at the 30th Jack Reacher novel—because let’s be honest, we all want to know what Reacher is up to next.
• Attica Locke in conversation—discussing crime, politics, and writing thrillers that matter.
• Panel talks, book signings, and surprise events that put readers face-to-face with their favourite authors.

And, of course, the festival’s famous mix of crime, comedy, and chaos.

Want the full festival experience?

For those who want to immerse themselves in the festival, the Weekend Break Package has you covered:

✔️ 3 nights in a festival hotel (with breakfast!)
✔️ Access to all 20 live events in the festival tent
✔️ Lunch at The Old Swan Hotel on Friday & Saturday
✔️ Exclusive festival access to bars, book signings & more
✔️ A festival goody bag—because who doesn’t love a freebie?

📞 Booking opens at 10 AM – Call 01423 562 303 (Monday-Friday, 10 AM-5 PM) to secure your spot.

Something to Read While You Wait…

If you love a good whodunnit, Helle’s Hound (out 30th January) should be on your list.

The setup?

🔍 A dead art historian
🕵️ A reluctant Danish detective
🐶 A very hungry dog

From the author of Helle & Death, this Cold War-meets-classic murder mystery is full of twists, dark humour, and academic rivalries gone very, very wrong.

👉 Pre-order your copy now!

Join the Conversation

Chat all things crime fiction using #TheakstonsCrime and #TheakstonsAwards—because half the fun is sharing theories with fellow book lovers.

See you in Harrogate, 17-20 July 2025—it’s going to be killer. 🕵️‍♂️🔎