Every year there’s one award that shines brightly in the crime writer’s calendar. The Theakstons Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year Award has a special place in the heart of crime, not only because it’s presented at the opening of the Harrogate crime writing festival but because it’s a public vote, so readers get to choose their favourite from the short list of books.
The winning author receives a cash prize of £3000 and a handmade, engraved beer barrel provided by Theakstons Old Peculier. 2013 is the ninth award and is sponsored by Theakstons and WHSmith’s. The long list has just been announced.
The Theakstons Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year Long List
From the long-list of 18 titles, a shortlist of six will be announced on 1 July, from which the overall winner will be decided by the results of a public vote online at Theakstons (voting opens Thursday 4 July) and the deliberation of the judging panel.
The 2013 award ceremony hosted by radio broadcaster Mark Lawson will take place on 18 July at the opening night of Europe’s biggest crime writing event, the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, at the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate.
Read more about the Harrogate Programme and the CWA Dagger in the Library Long list.
Don’t forget to vote after the 4th July, so why not start reading them now?