Meeting old friends and new…. #theakstonscrime #harrogate

So that’s it! Another year at the Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival done. This is my third year and what a weekend…wall to wall crime events, writers and fans taking over Harrogate! As I sit here writing this post drinking a cup of tea, I feel jaded and contemplating a snooze (if my boys would let me) but it was so worth it!

Thursday evening was the unofficial-not-part-of-the-festival Noir at the Bar. This wee gig is organised by the fabulous Vic Watson and Jackie Collins and was held in Harrogate’s Blues Bar, an intimate venue that was packed! As you can see, the line up was rather fantabulous! And the readings made my TBR grow!

Then Friday and Saturday was full of mingling, people watching, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. The weather tried to put a dampener in proceedings but it failed! Friday afternoon, I went to a meet and greet event at Hales Bar with Quercus Books and Head of Zeus. There I go to meet the lovely Elly Griffiths who was telling us about her next book which is a stand-alone psychological thriller with a gothic undertone. One to look out for!

Saturday had more in store with a meet and greet with Bookouture, a Bonnier Zaffier party and a New Blood gathering back at Hales Bar. There I met Candice Fox, an Australian author who works with James Patterson as well as solo. She was telling us about her visit to Death Row in California to meet a notorious serial killer who’d been there for a hell of a long time – scary stuff! She was fascinating to listen to! And then there was the End of the World Party, launching the rather intriguing The Last by Hanna Jameson which is out in January. A very atmospheric affair in a darkened room with a reading from the author herself. Can’t wait to read this! #dontdrinkthewater

It wasn’t all about the parties and organised events. I got to catch up with friends I have seen since last year, and I got to meet new friends and those I’ve conversed with online. I finally got to meet the fabulous Kate Moloney (bibliophilebookclub) and her hubby Kev and she’s as lovely in person as she is online!

I can’t not mention my wee book haul! Plenty of books to keep me out of trouble and the lovely Jo Robertson (My Chestnut Reading Tree) brought me some Agatha Christie audiobooks for me to try too! I have the best friends ever!

If you love reading crime fiction and want to met those people who write the books you love, I highly recommend a trip to the festival. You don’t need to buy the panel tickets, you don’t need to be a crime writer to attend. Everyone is super friendly, crime writers and readers are such a supportive bunch. None of the authors mind you popping over for a selfie with them or telling you loved their book. Definitely worth a weekend in Harrogate which is a beautiful place as it is!