Dates For Your Diary

Hi guys, did you miss me?! No, don't answer that! Apologies, I took a few unplanned but much needed days away.

Just a short post today to mention some forthcoming events, all crime related - books, obviously!

Theakston's Old Peculiar Crime Festival

First up is the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Festival in Harrogate from 19th to 22nd July.

I haven't managed to get to this festival yet, now in its 15th year, yet, and sadly won't be there this year either. But I know it is recognised as one of the best ones, and attracts fabulous speakers. 

You can find out all about it here. 

Bute Noir

Yesterday saw the announcement of the line up at Bute Noir Crime Festival on 3rd to 5th August.

Held in Rothesay on the beautiful island of Bute, this is a relatively new addition to the crime festival circuit, but has already proved popular with many events selling out last year. Tickets for all events are just £4 and the island is easy to reach by train (or car) and ferry - a return ticket for a foot passenger on the boat is less than £7.  Ferry details are here. 

The schedule for the event is below:

and you can get full details on the website. 

Last year when I couldn't go I promised myself that I would definitely go this year, but things haven't worked out that way.  However I'm still hoping I might get there for at least some of the Saturday. 

Bloody Scotland

Last, but very definitely not least, is the awesome Bloody Scotland Crime Festival in Stirling on 21st to 23rd September.

This one, I will definitely be at! My accommodation is booked and it's a highlight in my year. It will be my fourth time attending, and my second staying for the whole weekend. Last year, I met so many lovely authors, bloggers and readers it was fabulous. I came home knackered and broke but had the best time. And I don't know any other book festival which features a Scotland vs England (plus rest of the world) football match! 

This year is special for me as I was asked to be a reader for the 2018 McIlvanney Prize, which is why I haven't been posting about the books I am currently reading. Cos it's TOP SECRET! 

I can't tell you much more about it just now - we have to wait til this coming Monday when the programme will be announced at afternoon tea with Alexander McCall Smith. But you will be hearing A LOT more about it over the next few months! 

You can find out more on the Bloody Scotland website.

I hope that's whet your appetite a wee bit about some of the fabulous events that are coming up in the next wee while. These  festivals are such great opportunities to meet some of your favourite authors and discover new ones, and to connect with friends, old and new - maybe people you've 'met' in social media.  Whatever, they are well worth saving up for! 

Suze x