Programme subject to change due to the rail strike.
Thursday 23rd June
2pm – 3.30pm How to solve a crime Sponsored by BAGLEY WOOD PRODUCTIONS A practising forensic scientist for over 45 years, Angela Gallop CBE has personally overseen complex cases that include the murders of Damilola Taylor, Rachel Nickell and Stephen Lawrence. She discusses her latest book, How To Solve A Crime, which reveals the ways in which criminals, however skilled, always leave a trace. Chair: Paddy Magrane Speaker: Angela Gallop CBE
4pm – 5.30pm Crime that goes bang in the night Sponsored by THE GALLEY CAFE Three mistresses of crime fiction tinged with magic, witchcraft and shades of the supernatural discuss the allure of the unknown, the alchemy of writing and how they weave ‘dark matter' into their work. Panellists: Caroline Green, Syd Moore and Roz Watkins in conversation
6pm – 7.30pm Would I lie to you?Three authors, one truth, two lies Three crime writers reveal unusual facts and embarrassing personal tales for the evaluation of the audience. Some are true, some are not. It’s your job to decide which is which. Chair: Anna Mazzola Panellists: Paul Burston, Derek Farrell and Abir Mukherjee
8pm – 9pm Noir at the Marine Theatre Bar Crime fiction authors (established, emerging and aspiring) and fans gather to enjoy an evening of readings, conversation and laughter. Free entry. Chair: Derek Farrell
Friday 24th June
10am – 11.30pm New blood: three hotly-tipped debut authors and their explosive titles A murderous twin living a double life, and unexplained disappearances at a former sanatorium in the Swiss Alps. Two debut crime writers discuss their breakthrough books. Chair: Erin Kelly Panellists: Sarah Bonner and Sarah Pearse
12pm – 1.30pm All our yesterdays Sponsored by ALEXANDRA HOTEL & RESTAURANT The chilling splendour of 18th century Versailles, the glittering gin shops and bawdy brothels of Georgian London, and the sumptuous palaces and filthy back alleys of Renaissance Florence. Three stars of historical crime fiction invite you to take a trip back in time. Chair: Abir Mukherjee Panellists: D.V. Bishop, Antonia Hodgson andAnna Mazzola
2.30pm – 4pm Cream teas and crime scenes Three authors talk about why the West Country is the perfect setting for a crime novel – and how its soft green valleys and sunlit coves belie a heart of darkness. Chair: William Shaw Panellists: Isabel Ashdown, Amanda Jennings and Heidi Perks
4.30pm – 6pm Friend or foe? Sponsored by THE VOLUNTEER INN Keep your friends close and your enemies closer … but what happens when friendships turn toxic and those closest to you become the deadliest of foes? Sarah Hilary explores the dark side of personal relationships in her book, Fragile. Chair: Caroline Green Panellist: Sarah Hilary
6.30pm – 8pm Partners in crime: special guests Nicci French Nicci Gerrard and Sean French, two of crime fiction’s most popular and enduring stars who write together as Nicci French, talk about their collaborative process, inspirations and latest books. Chair: Erin Kelly Speakers: Nicci French
Saturday 25th June
10am – 11.30am The Mindful Detective Laurence Anholt discusses his trilogy of leftfield mysteries set in and around Lyme Regis that feature the unlikely crime-fighting duo of wisecracking single mum, DI Shanti Joyce, and her reluctant partner, Buddhist detective Vincent Caine – a cop who feels too much for his own good. Chair: Paddy Magrane Speaker: Laurence Anholt
12pm – 1.30pm Wrong side of the law Sponsored by EWING LAW Three explosive legal thrillers take readers from the White House to the school gates, and behind the closed doors of the courtroom as their authors navigate the deep waters of what makes a great legal thriller. Panellists: Tony Kent and Harriet Tyce in conversation
2.30pm – 4pm Wish you were here? Sponsored by SWIM After two years of lockdown, who wouldn’t want to get away from it all, if only in the pages of a great novel? Our panellists are ready to whisk you off to the dark side of sunny Lagos, the bustle of Istanbul, and aboard a luxury yacht bound for the Caribbean with deadly stowaways in tow. Chair: Tony Kent Panellists: Emma Haughton, Barbara Nadel and William Shaw
4.30pm – 6pm Reputation: the longest shadow Reputations can define or destroy. Three authors look at the ways reputation can shape a protagonist, for better or worse, and what happens when it all comes crashing down. Chair: Paul Burston Panellists: Erin Kelly, Winnie M Li and Charlotte Philby
6.30pm to 8pm From Cabinet Minister to crime writer: Alan Johnson Sponsored by LYME BAY WINERY Former Home Secretary and the author of the acclaimed biography, This Boy, Alan Johnson talks about his love of crime fiction and a first foray into the genre, his contemporary thriller The Late Train to Gipsy Hill. Chair: Harriet Tyce Speaker: Alan Johnson