SOME of the greatest names in crime writing gathered in London for the launch of this year’s Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival programme.

The festival is the biggest of its kind and each year is chaired by a different acclaimed crime writer.

This year, Dreda Say Mitchell, author of Geezer Girls and more recently Gangster Girl takes the helm. She has chosed the theme of True Crime as the inspiration for the programme.

Headliners of the festival, which is held at the Old Swan Hotel, in Harrogate, include Howard Marks, Martina Cole, Lee Child and Tess Gerritsen as well as Mystic River author Dennie Lehane.

Other highlights include a panel discussion with former prison inmates-turnedwriters, including Noel “Razor” Smith; journalists who have made the transition to writing crime fiction; and Val McDermid’s regular New Blood event, showcasing her selection of some of the most exciting and hotlytipped emerging talent.

Festival-goers will also be able to rub shoulders with the cream of international crime writing at the annual Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year party, where one author will be awarded the prize.

The party will mark the launch of the festival’s new online venture You’re Booked.

The website, harrogatefestival.org.uk/yourebooked, will be an interactive hub for crime writers and readers alike to celebrate the genre by posting their own reviews, joining the book club, as well as reading exclusive interviews with top authors and reading essential writing tips from industry experts.

Festival chief executive Sharon Canavar said: “Over the years, it became clear that one festival weekend wasn’t enough to discuss all the fantastic crime writing out there, so it’s great that we now have a site where fans can continue the conversation.”