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PAST CRIMEFEST NEWSLETTERS:

Thursday, 12 May, 2011.

Hi all,

This is the last newsletter for CRIMEFEST 2011. (Delegates for this year's convention will receive at least one more update with further information.)

Keep an eye out for the first newsletter for CRIMEFEST 2012 (24-27 May) because it will have news of at least two Featured Guest Authors for next year's convention. There will also be give-aways, audio links to some of this year's panels (technology willing) and much more.

In this newsletter:
- CRIMEFEST AWARDS SHORTLISTS
- IN THE SPOTLIGHT
- TRIPS
- WHOLE STORY AUDIOBOOKS COMPETITION

CRIMEFEST AWARDS SHORTLISTS
To keep the suspense going just a little bit longer we've listed them at the bottom of this email. The categories are:
- eDunnit award for best crime ebook of 2010
- Last Laugh award for best humourous crime novel of 2010
- Sounds of Crime award for best abridged audiobook of 2010
- Sounds of Crime award for best unabridged audiobook of 2010

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
As they were so popular last year, the twenty-minute In the Spotlight slots are back. They have been added to Saturday's programme and the PROGRAMME page has been updated to reflect any last minute changes.

TRIPS
It is no longer possible to register for any of the trips online. However, it may be possible to buy tickets for A Panoramic Tour of Bristol (22 May) and John Curran and Agatha Christie's Torquay (23 May) during the convention at the CRIMEFEST registration desk. For more info visit the TRIPS/WHAT TO DO page.

WHOLE STORY AUDIOBOOKS COMPETITION
Whole Story Audiobooks has teamed up with CRIMEFEST, offering newsletter subscribers the opportunity of winning one of five copies of The Sounds of Crime short story collection, only available as an unabridged audiobook. Contributors are Mark Billingham, Lawrence Block, Christopher Fowler, Peter James and Val McDermid. Editor of the collection is Maxim Jakubowski. The deadline to enter is 31 May and all correct entries receive a discount voucher for a Whole Story Audiobook. To enter visit the CRIMEFEST page at Whole Story Audiobooks.

It not too late to REGISTER, so see you at CRIMEFEST!

Cheers,

Myles Allfrey & Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.

CRIMEFEST AWARD SHORTLISTS
The winners will be announced at the CRIMEFEST Gala Dinner on 21 May.

eDunnit Award
Shortlist for best crime eBook of 2010:
- Alan Furst for Spies of the Balkans (Weidenfeld & Nicolson)
- Sophie Hannah for A Room Swept White (Hodder & Stoughton)
- Philip Kerr for Field Grey (Quercus)
- Michael Ridpath for Where the Shadows Lie (Corvus)
- C.J. Sansom for Heartstone (Mantle)
- Andrew Taylor for The Anatomy of Ghosts (Penguin)
- Andrew Williams for To Kill a Tsar (John Murray)

In addition to £500 and an Elonex eReader, the winner also receives a commemorative award provided by Bristol Blue Glass.

Last Laugh Award
Shortlist for best humourous crime novel of 2010:
- Colin Bateman for Dr. Yes (Headline)
- Colin Cotterill for Love Songs From A Shallow Grave (Quercus)
- Chris Ewan for The Good Thief's Guide to Vegas (Simon & Schuster)
- Robert Lewis for Bank of the Black Sheep (Serpent's Tail)
- Donna Moore for Old Dogs (MaXcrime)
- L.C. Tyler for The Herring in the Library (Macmillan)

Courtesy of sponsor Goldsboro Books, the winner receives £500 and a commemorative award provided by Bristol Blue Glass.

Sounds Of Crime Awards
Shortlists for best abridged and unabridged crime audiobooks of 2010.

Abridged:
- Linwood Barclay for Fear the Worst, read by Jeff Harding, abridged by Elsbeth McPherson (Orion)
- Lee Child for Worth Dying For, read by Kerry Shale, abridged by Carolanne Lyme (Random House)
- Michael Connelly for The Reversal, read by Michael Brandon, abridged by Kati Nicholl (Orion)
- Peter James for Dead Like You, read by William Gaminara, abridged by Kati Nicholl (Macmillan)
- John le Carre for Our Kind of Traitor, read by John le Carre, abridged by Peter Mackie (AudioGO)
- Kathy Reichs for Mortal Remains, read by Linda Emond, abridged by Jan Werner (Random House)
- C. J. Sansom for Heartstone, read by Anton Lesser, abridged by Kati Nicholl (Macmillan)

Unabridged:
- Linwood Barclay for Fear the Worst, read by Buck Schirner (Orion)
- Harlan Coben for Caught, read by Christopher Evan Welch (Whole Story Audio Books)
- Michael Connelly for The Reversal, read by Peter Giles (Orion)
- Lindsey Davis for Nemesis, read by Christian Rodska (AudioGO)
- Jeffery Deaver for Edge, read by Skipp Sudduth (Whole Story Audio Books)
- Peter James for Dead Like You, read by David Bauckham (Whole Story Audio Books)

Courtesy of sponsor Audible UK, the winning authors and readers share the £1,000 prize equally, and each receives a commemorative award provided by Bristol Blue Glass.

Congratulations to all the nominees!

* * * * * * * * * *

Friday, 22 April, 2011.

Hi all,

- DON WINSLOW
- CHRISTOPHER BROOKMYRE
- ANN CLEEVES' VERA
- CRIMEFEST AWARDS SHORTLISTS

DON WINSLOW
We are very disappointed to announce that Don Winslow has had to withdraw as Toastmaster from next month's CRIMEFEST. It is never easy for a headlining author to make a decision like this at such short notice, so we wish Don well. Fortunately he has agreed to view his absence as a rain check rather than a cancellation and we look forward to seeing him at a future CRIMEFEST. In the meantime, look out for Satori, Don's prequel to Trevanian's international bestselling Shibumi, and Oliver Stone's dramatisation of Savages.

CHRISTOPHER BROOKMYRE
Graciously stepping in as a very welcome last minute replacement is another top crime writer: Christopher Brookmyre. There are still some gala dinner tickets available if you wish to see our new Toastmaster in action. And we challenge you to resist buying Chris' new novel, Where the Bodies are Buried, and complete backlist - not to mention the anthologies containing his short stories - after reading the appreciation that Maxim Jakubowski has written for the CRIMEFEST programme. Maxim will be interviewing Christopher on 22 May.

ANN CLEEVES' VERA
Ann Cleeves' detective Vera Stanhope is being brought to life by award-winning and Oscar-nominated actress Brenda Blethyn. Ann will be in conversation with Paul Rutman, the scriptwriter of Vera, at next month's CRIMEFEST. Viewers in the UK will be able to see the first feature length episode on Sunday 1 May, 8.00 - 10.00pm on ITV1. A further three episodes will be shown on following Sundays.

CRIMEFEST AWARDS SHORTLISTS
We'll be announcing the CRIMEFEST Awards shortlists in the first week of May in the final newsletter for CRIMEFEST 2011. (Registered delegates will receive one or more updates with further convention information.) However, there is a good reason to stay subscribed, because the first newsletter for CRIMEFEST 2012 will have details of at least one Featured Guest Author for next year's convention (24-27 May). There will also give-aways, a discounted early bird registration fee, and (hopefully) links to MP3 recordings of (some) of this year's panels.

That is all until next month.

Cheers,

Myles Allfrey & Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.

* * * * * * * * * *

Tuesday, 12 April, 2011.

Hi all,

CRIMEFEST is just over a month away but there is still time to REGISTER for this year's extravaganza. Go to the PROGRAMME page for details of this year's events. (Subject to availability tickets to all interviews and panels will also be available on the door at £12.50 each.)

But now to this month's topics:
- CRIMEFEST HOTEL DISCOUNT CODE EXPIRES 16 APRIL
- FINAL CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP/PITCH-AN-AGENT
- GALA DINNER
- PANEL TITLE THEME COMPETITION
- GIVE-AWAYS (FREE BOOKS)
- CRIME IN THE COURT
- FABER CRIME WRITING WORKSHOP
- AGATHA CHRISTIE'S VERDICT AT THE YORK OPERA HOUSE

CRIMEFEST HOTEL DISCOUNT CODE EXPIRES 16 APRIL
The CRIMEFEST discount code is sent out to all registered delegates. The rates apply for 16-23 May, 2011. A limited block of rooms are guaranteed until 16 April 2011 only. After that the rooms and rates are subject to availability.

FINAL CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP/PITCH-AN-AGENT
The crime writing workshop and Pitch-an-Agent strand are two great ways for aspiring authors to avoid the dreaded slush piles and to increase their chances of getting published. A few places remain. For more information visit the WORKSHOP page.

GALA DINNER
Tickets are still available to the Gala Dinner. The Toastmaster is Don Winslow and the event includes after-dinner speeches by the Featured Guest Authors and the CRIMEFEST presentation for the eDunnit, Last Laugh and Sounds of Crime AWARDS. The shortlists will be announced in May's newsletter. Go to the BUY TICKETS page to purchase tickets.

PANEL TITLE THEME COMPETITION
Miranda Burfield will be receiving her prize for correctly guessing the theme to this year's panel titles when she attends CRIMEFEST next month. It wasn't just that all the titles referred to films but that they were all Cary Grant films.

GIVE-AWAYS (FREE BOOKS)
We have Wilbur Smith and M.R. Hall give-aways this month.

Wilbur Smith is one of the legends in crime fiction's action adventure genre. Courtesy of Pan Macmillan we have two abridged audiobooks of Wilbur Smith's Those in Peril, so there will be two lucky winners. To enter send an email with 'wilbur smith' in the subject line and your name, postal and email address in the body of the message to competition@crimefest.com. The deadline to enter is 30 April.

M.R. Hall has given CRIMEFEST's host city its own sleuth with Bristol coroner Jenny Cooper. The Redeemed is the third in the series and Goldsboro Books is giving a signed limited edition hardcover copy away to one lucky winner. To enter send an email with 'redeemed' in the subject line, and your name, postal and email address in the body of the message to enquiries@goldsborobooks.com. The deadline is 30 April.

CRIME IN THE COURT
Talking of Goldsboro Books, the book collector's bookseller is organising its own big crime fiction event: Crime in the Court. The first annual Crime in the Court evening takes place on 21 June 2011 and coincides with Independent Booksellers Week. This informal gathering - which included wine and soft drinks - gives crime fans the opportunity to meet some of the best crime writers published today. For more information and tickets visit the Crime in the Court website.

FABER CRIME WRITING WORKSHOP
Are you an aspiring crime writer but can't make it to CRIMEFEST's crime writing workshop? In that case why not consider publisher Faber & Faber's event as an alternative? Sophie Hannah and R.J. Ellory, two top crime novelists, will be the tutors of Writing Wrongs: A Hands-on Guide to Writing Contemporary Crime in London this June. Visit the Faber & Faber website for more information.

AGATHA CHRISTIE'S VERDICT AT THE YORK OPERA HOUSE
Not enough drama in your life? Early next month the Royal York Opera House will play host to the stage adaptation of Agatha Christie's The Verdict. Visit the Royal York Opera House website for more information.

That's all until next month.

Cheers,

Myles Allfrey and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.

* * * * * * * * * *

Wednesday, 2 March, 2011.

Hi all,

It's been a while, so let's get straight to the news:

- PETER JAMES & LINDSEY DAVIS
- CRIMEFEST PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED
- CWA SHORTLIST RECEPTION
- CONVENTION HOTEL ROOMS RUNNING LOW
- HOW TO BECOME A PUBLISHED CRIME NOVELIST – BOOK SOON!
- ARIANA FRANKLIN REMEMBERED
- GOLDSBORO BOOKS TWICE AS GOOD
- GIVE-AWAY (FREE BOOKS)
- LEFT COAST CRIME & SLEUTHS!
- BEAT THE CRIMEFEST PASS PRICE INCREASE!

PETER JAMES & LINDSEY DAVIS
We are delighted to announce that Peter James and Lindsey Davis complete this year's Featured Guest Authors line-up. Peter's international bestselling and hugely popular Roy Grace series joins Graham Greene's Brighton Rock in putting Brighton on the crime fiction map. If you start with the first - Dead Simple - you're in for a nail biting ride with a twist at every corner. Lindsey Davis returns to CRIMEFEST as the 2011 recipient of the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger. The Diamond Dagger is awarded for a lifetime's achievement in the genre of crime writing. Lindsey's Didius Falco series revitalised the historical crime novel and makes her a worthy recipient. The Dagger presentation is made during an exclusive champagne reception and CRIMEFEST annually invites the winner to celebrate the honour with a wider audience. Peter and Lindsey join Deon Meyer and Don Winslow as the guest authors to be interviewed at this year's convention.

CRIMEFEST PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED
Details of CRIMEFEST's panels and interviews are now up on the PROGRAMME page. As always, times and panellists are subject to change. There is one major change from earlier announcements: at the end of January the sad news came that Ariana Franklin had passed away. (ARIANA FRANKLIN REMEMBERED follows further down.) The Dagger in the Library Award was to be the focus of an 'In Conversation' between Ariana and Colin Cotterill, the two most recent recipients of the award. Instead the 'In Conversation' will now feature not one but two Colins as Mr Bateman, winner of last year's Last Laugh Award, joins Mr Cotterill. All other previously announced events, plus many others, make up this year's programme. And, as always, we're offering a prize for anyone who can spot the theme that links all the panel titles. To enter send an email with 'theme' in the subject line and your entry together with your name, postal and email address in the body of the message to competition@crimefest.com. The deadline to enter is 31 March.

CWA SHORTLIST RECEPTION
Continuing what we hope will be an annual tradition, CRIMEFEST for the second year will host a drinks reception for the Crime Writers' Association to announce a number of the shortlists for their prestigious Dagger Awards. The reception will take place on Friday, 20 May and all delegates are invited. The following day The Times newspaper, CRIMEFEST's media partner, will look at some of the nominees in its Saturday 21 May edition. On the subject of Dagger Awards, in the last newsletter we mentioned that a sleuth of 2010 Dagger winning and shortlisted authors were attending this year's CRIMEFEST. Since then Belinda Bauer, winner of the Gold Dagger for Blacklands, has joined this year's line-up and all of them are highlighted by a small dagger alongside their name on the AUTHORS & DELEGATES page.

CONVENTION HOTEL ROOMS RUNNING LOW
The convention hotel, the Bristol Marriott Royal, has notified us that their block of allocated rooms (guaranteed until 16 April) are starting to run low for some of the dates of the convention. The hotel discount code is only sent out to registered delegates. So, to be able to reserve a discounted room at the Bristol Marriott Royal - and qualify for the complimentary breakfast buffet - register soon to avoid disappointment. For more details, as well as information about nearby budget hotels, visit the WHERE TO STAY page on the website.

HOW TO BECOME A PUBLISHED CRIME NOVELIST – BOOK SOON!
Less than half the crime writing workshop places now remain. In addition to the intensive Thursday afternoon workshop the package also includes: a one-on-one assessment with the tutor(s) over the weekend; a Q&A session with a top agent and an editor; and entry to the CWA's Debut Dagger Competition for aspiring crime novelists (subject to eligibility). There are also still places available for the Pitch-an-Agent strand. As it is virtually impossible to get past the slush pile of both publishers and agents, this is a unique opportunity for aspiring authors to pitch their work to three top literary agents and possibly gain representation. For more information visit the WORKSHOPS page.

ARIANA FRANKLIN REMEMBERED
We were very sad and shocked when we heard that Ariana Franklin had passed away in the last week of January. Shocked because we had been corresponding with her about her participation just a few days before her death. We were delighted when Ariana attended CRIMEFEST in 2008, and we loved her books so much that we invited her back as a Highlighted Author in 2010. Unfortunately that was the year that she became very ill but, responding well to treatment, Ariana said she would love to attend this year instead. Sadly, it was not to be. Fortunately, Ariana leaves behind a body of work that will remind us of her for years to come. When she died Ariana was close to completing a stand alone crime novel, but she fully intended to continue her Adelia series. (Fans will be relieved to hear that Bishop Rowley would have returned had there been a fifth instalment.) Prior to her series, Ariana had written another little-known but interesting stand alone called City of Shadows, which centred on the Anastasia mystery. As Diana Norman (her real name) she also wrote a number of superb historical novels which are well worth searching out. John Lawton, who was her agent when she wrote as Diana Norman, wrote a lovely obituary which he and Ariana's family kindly allowed us to share with you. (John is now a crime novelist and he will be attending this year's CRIMEFEST.) Regardless of whether people knew her as Ariana or Diana, this wonderful woman will be missed by family, friends and readers.

GOLDSBORO BOOKS TWICE AS GOOD
How could London's Goldsboro Books, the book collectors' bookseller, possibly improve? By doubling in space! Staying in the legendary Cecil Court, Goldsboro has moved up a couple of doors, and is now at numbers 23-25. Their range of stock has also expanded to include non-fiction titles. Goldsboro continues to be the number one UK store for signed first editions of new and collectible crime titles. For more information, or to join their mailing list, visit the Goldsboro website.

GIVE-AWAY (FREE BOOKS)
Courtesy of Hersilia Press, a British publisher specialising in Italian crime fiction, we have three copies to give away of Blood Sisters by Alessandro Perissinotto (translated by Howard Curtis). A misunderstanding and difficult financial circumstances lead a female psychologist into investigating an apparently accidental death. Not surprisingly, the situation soon spirals out of control in this, the first part of a trilogy. To enter send an email with 'blood sisters' in the subject line and your name, postal and email address in the body of the message to competition@crimefest.com. The deadline to enter is 31 March.

LEFT COAST CRIME & SLEUTHS!
It's not too late to attend the Left Coast Crime convention in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The dates are 24-27 March and the convention is a must for any fans of the US' South West. Top authors and wonderful locations (for those who wish to extend their stay - and you should!) make this an unmissable weekend. We'll be there to promote CRIMEFEST, so be sure to come to our stand to say hello and enjoy some treats. Visit the Left Coast Crime website for more information. For those of you who prefer to celebrate crime fiction on this side of the Atlantic (and can't wait for CRIMEFEST) there is Sleuths! The English Riviera Festival of Crime & Thriller Writing in Torquay. Again, top authors and wonderful locations but with an appropriate English slant. For more information visit the Sleuths! website.

BEAT THE NEXT CRIMEFEST PASS PRICE INCREASE!
The rate for the Full CRIMEFEST Pass goes up on 31 March, so REGISTER soon to beat the price increase!

That is all until next time.

Cheers,

Myles Allfrey and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thursday, 16 December, 2010.

Hi all,

In this CRIMEFEST newsletter:
- GIVE THE GIFT OF CRIMEFEST THIS CHRISTMAS
- NON-FICTION COMES IN FROM THE COLD IN ESPIONAGE PANEL
- PARTICIPATING AUTHORS UPDATE
- CRIMEFEST 2011 PROGRAMME
- CRIMEFEST AWARDS LONGLISTS ONLINE
- MIDAS PUBLIC RELATIONS JOINS CRIMEFEST AS SPONSOR
- BLACKWELL BACK AS BOOKSELLER WITH HEFFERS
- DIBDIN GIVE-AWAY
- HOTEL INFO
- THE BIG SLEEP


GIVE THE GIFT OF CRIMEFEST THIS CHRISTMAS
Looking for a last-minute Christmas present? Then why not give someone a spree of crime in the form of a CRIMEFEST registration. (On request CRIMEFEST will provide a small poster to 'represent' a gift registration.) Or better yet, treat yourself and visit the BUY TICKETS page to give yourself a criminally good start to 2011.

NON-FICTION COMES IN FROM THE COLD IN ESPIONAGE PANEL
Next year CRIMEFEST highlights non-fiction with a unique event that lifts the veil on Britain’s security services. Dame Stella Rimington, former head of MI5 and the inspiration for Judi Dench's 'M' in the recent James Bond movies, will interview two authors who have each written ground breaking books about highly secretive organisations. Richard Aldrich's GCHQ gives the inside story on Government Communication Headquarters (successor to the famous Bletchley Park wartime Enigma code-breaking organisation), the largest intelligence organisation in the country. In MI6 Keith Jeffery provides an unprecedented study and an authoritative account of one of the best-known intelligence organisations in the world. Dame Rimington, having left the British counter-intelligence service, now writes the Liz Carlyle spy novels. This panel will give an insight into the UK's intelligence services and should be of enormous interest to anyone who loves espionage novels and spy dramas.

PARTICIPATING AUTHOR UPDATE
A sleuth of authors have signed up since the last newsletter. The line-up now includes eight writers who were shortlisted for the 2010 CWA Dagger Awards and three 2010 winners: Rory Clements (with Revenger for the Historical Dagger), Simon Conway (with A Loyal Spy for the Steel Dagger) and Ruth Dudley-Edwards (with Aftermath for the Non-Fiction Dagger). Ann Cleeves returns to CRIMEFEST as a highlighted author. Starring Oscar-nominated Brenda Blethyn, Ann's Vera Stanhope novels have been adapted for television and she will be in conversation with Paul Rutman, the script writer of the series. (Vera will be broadcast in the UK in early 2011.) Other highlighted authors appearing in conversation are Simon Beckett and S.J. Bolton. Further newly registered authors include Jeremy Duns, Kate Ellis, Caro Ramsay, Steven Saylor, Len Tyler and Anne Zouroudi. For a full list with hyperlinks to websites visit the AUTHORS & DELEGATES page.

CRIMEFEST 2011 PROGRAMME
We anticipate announcing a draft version of the 2011 programme in late January or early February. However, here is a taster of what's to come: in addition to the two-authors-in-conversation interviews above and the Featured Guest Author interviews, next year will see the return of favourite events such as the opening night Pub Quiz, Forgotten Authors and Debut Authors panels, and the very popular closing Criminal Mastermind Quiz (where one lucky delegate can win an all-inclusive registration to CRIMEFEST 2012).

CRIMEFEST AWARDS LONGLISTS ONLINE
Authors, has your book been submitted for the CRIMEFEST awards? The submitted titles are now online on the CRIMEFEST AWARDS page. If you are eligible and are not listed - please check the SUBMISSION GUIDELINES first - then you may wish to contact your UK publisher requesting that they do so. To allow for late entries we are extending the deadline until 15 January 2011. (Only publishers are permitted to submit entries!) By voting for titles they would like to win, CRIMEFEST delegates are able to win great prizes. Look out for more information in upcoming emails.

MIDAS PUBLIC RELATIONS JOINS CRIMEFEST AS SPONSOR
We are delighted to announce that Midas Public Relations has joined CRIMEFEST as a sponsor. What does this mean for delegates? The participation of Midas, together with media partner The Times, will ensure a higher profile for the convention. This will result in an increased attendance and, subsequently, higher book sales for registered authors. (Blackwell reported a rise in sales of almost 100% for 2010.) So, readers, authors, register while you can and before the next price increase in 2011.

BLACKWELL BACK AS BOOKSELLER WITH HEFFERS
We are pleased to announce that Blackwell returns as the onsite CRIMEFEST bookstore. In charge will be crime bookseller extraodinaire Richard Reynolds of Heffers (Blackwell's Cambridge bookstore).

DIBDIN GIVE-AWAY
Fans of Michael Dibdin's Aurelio Zen novels will be thrilled to hear that Left Bank Pictures, the company behind the hugely successful adaptations of the award winning Wallander, has filmed three of them. Ratking, Vendetta and Cabal will be broadcast by the BBC in January and Rufus Sewell will star as the Italian detective. Courtesy of Faber & Faber we have two sets of the three TV tie-ins to give away. For a chance to receive one of the two sets send an email with 'Zen' in the subject line, and your name, postal and email address in the body of the message to competition@crimefest.com. The deadline to enter is 31 December.

HOTEL INFO
All registered delegates should by now have received the discount code for the CRIMEFEST convention hotel. (If not, please let us know and we'll send you an email with the details.) When booking with the discount code the rates for the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel are £96 single occupancy and £120 double occupancy. This includes the full breakfast buffet (usually costing an additional £17.25). The rates apply for 16-23 May 2011. A limited block of rooms are guaranteed until 16 April 2011. The recommended budget hotels are the Travelodge and Ibis, both less than a 10 minute walk away from the convention hotel. For more information visit the WHERE TO STAY page on the CRIMEFEST website.

THE BIG SLEEP
And finally, UK delegates might be interested in knowing that the classic 1946 film version of The Big Sleep will receive a limited re-release later this month. It is a rare opportunity to see this Humphrey Bogart movie where it belongs: on the big screen. For more info visit the British Film Institute website.

That's all until January.

Season's greetings,

Myles Allfrey and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thursday, 3 November, 2010.

Hi all,

In this CRIMEFEST newsletter:
- THE TIMES TO CONTINUE CRIMEFEST MEDIA PARTNERSHIP
- MULHOLLAND BOOKS LAUNCH PARTY AT CRIMEFEST 2011
- CWA DAGGER SHORTLIST RECEPTION RETURNS
-  CRIMEFEST AWARDS
- EXCLUSIVE TOUR OF AGATHA CHRISTIE'S HOME
- GOLDSBORO BOOKS GIVE-AWAY
- FOLLOWING THE DETECTIVES GIVE-AWAY
- LEFT COAST CRIME IN SANTA FE

THE TIMES TO CONTINUE CRIMEFEST MEDIA PARTNERSHIP
We are delighted to announce that The Times are to continue their media partnership with CRIMEFEST in 2011. In addition to ensured press coverage for CRIMEFEST, there will also be one or more Times branded panels. Britain's top quality newspaper will also run a number of exclusive CRIMEFEST competitions.

MULHOLLAND BOOKS LAUNCH PARTY AT CRIMEFEST 2011
CRIMEFEST is honoured to announce that Mulholland Books will be celebrating their launch with a pre-Gala Dinner drinks reception reception—open to all delegates—at next year's CRIMEFEST. An imprint of Hodder & Stoughton, Mulholland Books will bring the most exciting new American thriller writers to a UK and international audience, as well as seeking out a select number of British crime authors who will also deliver what thrill-hungry fans demand.

CWA DAGGER SHORTLIST RECEPTION RETURNS
Following last year's hugely popular Dagger shortlist reception, the Crime Writers' Association and CRIMEFEST will continue their successful promotion of Britain's most prestigious crime writing awards. On Friday 20 May CRIMEFEST will again host a reception for the announcement of CWA Dagger shortlists, with coverage in The Times the following day. In addition to the previously announced Dagger in the Library panel—with Colin Cotterill and Ariana Franklin—CRIMEFEST looks forward to highlighting the awards through the participation of shortlisted and award winning Dagger authors. More information will follow in future newsletters.

CRIMEFEST AWARDS
Talking of awards, UK publishers have been sent the submission guidelines for the following CRIMEFEST awards:
eDunnit Award for best crime ebook of 2010
Prize: £500, an eReader and a commemorative piece of Bristol Blue Glass
Last Laugh Award for best humorous crime novel of 2010
Prize: £500, sponsored by Goldsboro Books, and a commemorative piece of Bristol Blue Glass
Sounds of Crime Awards for best abridged and unabridged crime audiobooks of 2010
Prize: a commemorative piece of Bristol Blue Glass
(Only publishers are permitted to make submissions. See the SUBMISSION GUIDELINES page for details.)
The longlists of all submitted titles should be up on the website in December, with the shortlists following in early 2011. The winners will be announced at the CRIMEFEST Gala Dinner on 21 May.

EXCLUSIVE TOUR OF AGATHA CHRISTIE'S HOME
The tour of Greenway, Agatha Christie's home in Torquay, was undoubtedly a highlight of this year's CRIMEFEST trips. So we are pleased to announce that the excursion will be available as a day trip at CRIMEFEST 2011. On Monday 23 May the National Trust property opens it's doors exclusively to CRIMEFEST delegates, with John Curran, author of Agatha Christie's Secret Notebooks, as the guest tour guide. (John's follow-up Agatha Christie's Notebooks and Beyond, will be published next year and will include a previously unpublished Miss Marple story.) Visit the CRIMEFEST TRIPS page for more information.

GOLDSBORO BOOKS GIVE-AWAY
The book collectors' bookseller continues its generous monthly give-away with a signed first edition of Revenger by Rory Clements. Revenger is the second in Clement's exciting Elizabethan John Shakespeare series. It is also one of the six titles nominated for this year's CWA Ellis Peter Historical Award. For a chance to receive a free copy of Revenger, send an email with 'Clements' in the subject line, and your name, postal and email address in the body of the message toenquiries@goldsborobooks.com. The deadline to enter is 30 November.

FOLLOWING THE DETECTIVES GIVE-AWAY
After the rave review in the previous newsletter, New Holland Publishers have generously provided CRIMEFEST with a number of free copies of their exceptional non-fiction book Following the Detectives. The book should appeal to a wide range of readers who enjoy the works of crime novelists such as Conan Doyle, John D. MacDonald, Colin Dexter and Arnaldur Indridason. These are all authors who use location as a character as much as their sleuths, and it is these locations that are featured in essays in Following the Detectives. The publication has contributions by the likes of Declan Burke, Martin Edwards and John Harvey, and it is beautifully designed and illustrated with maps and photographs.

For a chance to receive a free copy of Following the Detectives, send an email with 'detectives' in the subject line, and your name, postal and email address in the body of the message to competition@crimefest.com. The deadline to enter is 30 November.

LEFT COAST CRIME IN SANTA FE
With October's Bouchercon done and dusted—one that will set a benchmark for future World Mystery Conventions—crime writers and readers should now look forward to Left Coast Crime in Santa Fe. The New Mexico capital and the surrounding areas have been central to the works of crime writing luminaries such as Tony Hillerman and LCC Guest Author Martin Cruz Smith. Left Coast Crime conventions are smaller and more intimate, and anyone attending should seriously consider spending some extra time to visit sites as Chaco Canyon, Los Alamos and Taos. For more information visit the Left Coast Crime website.

Alternatively, you might wish to consider CRIMEFEST, Britain's international crime fiction convention. (Just check out the participating authors from Australia, Europe and the United States on the PARTICIPANTS page). A registration could be the perfect gift for your Christmas wishlist, or a great present to a friend or relative. (On request CRIMEFEST will provide a small poster to represent a gift registration.) Visit the REGISTRATION page to register.

That's all until December.

Cheers,

Myles Allfrey and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.

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Thursday, 30 September, 2010.

Hi all,

In this second CRIMEFEST newsletter:

- MORE CRIMEFEST AUTHORS
- PITCH-AN-AGENT
- MULTIPLE REGISTRATIONS
- CONVENTION HOTEL
- ONLINE READING GROUP (FREE BOOKS)
- BUSTED FLUSH PRESS AND DAVID THOMPSON
- GOLDSBORO GIVE-AWAY
- FOLLOWING THE DETECTIVES
- BOUCHERCON IN SAN FRANCISCO


MORE CRIMEFEST AUTHORS
The PARTICIPANTS page on the site has been updated with the latest authors scheduled to appear at next year’s CRIMEFEST. This includes Colin Cotterill, who will appear in conversation with Ariana Franklin on the CWA Dagger in the Library panel. The Dagger in the Library award goes to a writer nominated by library users and chosen by a panel of librarians, all of whom work with the public. Colin and Ariana were the 2009 and 2010 recipients and CRIMEFEST is delighted to highlight the award that is presented by the Crime Writers’ Association.

PITCH AN AGENT
We already have a number of bookings for CRIMEFEST's limited Pitch-an-Agent places. Think of this event as speed-dating with three of Britain's top agents, and you will realise what a unique and rare opportunity it is for aspiring authors. Not only are manuscripts being lost in publishers’ slush piles, many agents find themselves overwhelmed by submissions as well. This is an exceptional chance for an unpublished novel to be guaranteed at least a look-in. Participants receive a ten-minute face-to-face with each of the three agents who will have read a sample submission before the pitch. The subsequent feedback from them will include constructive criticism and could lead to representation and, who knows, publication. For more information visit the WORKSHOPS/PITCH AN AGENT page.

MULTIPLE REGISTRATIONS
Since the first CRIMEFEST we have received queries about why it was not possible to register more than one delegate at a time. Well, the CRIMEFEST online REGISTRATION site is now able to accommodate bookings of up to five people in one go. So, why not save time and bring along a friend or family member.

CONVENTION HOTEL
The rates for the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel will be £96 single and £120 double occupancy. This includes the full breakfast buffet (which usually costs up to £17). The prices apply for 16-23 May 2011, and a limited block of rooms are guaranteed until 16 April of next year. The booking code will be sent out to all registered delegates toward the end of October.

See the CRIMEFEST HOTELS page for budget alternatives.

ONLINE READING GROUP (FREE BOOKS)
The next reading group title is The Power of the Dog, one of the highly acclaimed novels by Don Winslow, Toastmaster for CRIMEFEST 2011. The Power of the Dog brings together a diverse cast of characters in an explosive story about the drugs trade. Don is about to make a big splash on the small and big screens with Oliver Stone working on a television adaptation of Savages, and Robert De Niro's rumoured appearance in a film of The Winter of Frankie Machine. To receive one of the 20 copies of The Power of the Dog send an email to read@crimefest.com with 'Winslow' in the subject line and your name, postal and email address in the body of the message. The deadline is 29 October.

To participate in the discussion of some of the more recent titles visit ONLINE READING GROUPS.

BUSTED FLUSH PRESS AND DAVID THOMPSON
The CRIMEFEST organisers were sad to hear of the death of David Thompson. Besides his many years at Murder by the Book in Houston, David was a founder of Busted Flush Press. The press publishes crime fiction novelists such as Ken Bruen, Daniel Woodrell and Zoë Sharp, the author of last month’s online reading group title. His death is a great loss to the crime writing community and our condolences go out to his family and friends.

GOLDSBORO GIVE-AWAY
This month’s Goldsboro Books give-away is a signed first edition of Tigerlily’s Orchids by Ruth Rendell. This is the most recent of the author’s unnerving stand-alone psychological crime novels. For a chance to receive a free copy of Tigerlily’s Orchids, send an email with ‘Rendell’ in the subject line, and your name, postal and email address in the body of the message to enquiries@goldsborobooks.com. The deadline is 29 October.

Don’t forget that Goldsboro, the book collectors' bookseller, also do their own give-aways. For more information visit the Goldsboro Books website.

FOLLOWING THE DETECTIVES
Every now and then we will highlight something that we think might be of interest to crime fiction readers. In October, New Holland will publish Following the Detectives, an exceptional non-fiction book. Twelve authors—including  Arthur Conan Doyle, John D. MacDonald, Colin Dexter and Arnaldur Indridason—who write books where location is as much a character as their sleuths are featured in Following the Detectives. The publication has contributions by the likes of Declan Burke, Martin Edwards and John Harvey, and it is beautifully designed and illustrated with maps and photographs. With the festive season coming up it might be something you want to put on your wishlist.

BOUCHERCON IN SAN FRANCISCO
CRIMEFEST will have a registration booth at the San Francisco Bouchercon, 14-17 October. A sleuth of world class crime writers will be appearing at the World Mystery Convention and tickets are still available. For those attending, don't forget to come by the CRIMEFEST registration booth to say hi and enjoy some British treats. 

Cheers,

Myles Allfrey and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.

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Thursday, 19 August, 2010.

Hi all,

Welcome to the first newsletter for CRIMEFEST 2011.

In this email:
- CRIMEFEST 2010 AUTHORS
- CRIMEFEST TRIPS
- ONLINE READING GROUP
- COMPETITIONS AND GIVEAWAYS (FREE BOOKS!)
- GOLDSBORO BOOK CLUB
- CRIMEFEST WEBSITE
- EARLY REGISTRATION OFFER

CRIMEFEST 2010 AUTHORS
We're delighted to announce that South African crime writer Deon Meyer will be the Translated Featured Guest Author at next year's convention. Doing the honours as Toastmaster will be Don Winslow, a former PI turned novelist. If you need some indication of the quality of their writing, both were shortlisted for CWA Daggers this year (International and Steel respectively). And joining them as one of the highlighted authors at CRIMEFEST 2011 is Ariana Franklin, winner of the Dagger in the Library. For more information on finalists and winners do date – congratulations to all – visit the CWA website. Also appearing at next year's convention will be Colin Bateman, winner of CRIMEFEST's 2010 Last Laugh Award. A great way to open the first newsletter, we think! More authors will be announced in the months to come, but for a list of those signed up so far visit the CRIMEFEST website PARTICIPANTS page.


CRIMEFEST TRIPS
Cumbrian Discoveries/Tours of Discovery – long-time collaborators on the Smithsonian Tours’ Classic Mystery Lover’s England – have once again put together a first-class package for those who wish to turn their CRIMEFEST trip in a criminally good holiday. The title for this year’s excursions is From Brother Cadfael to Lydmouth: The Borders of England and Wales Through Time. If you’re looking for an event-packed holiday that includes four-star accommodation, meals, author events (such as Edward Marston, Phil Rickman and Andrew Taylor) then this is for you. You can tailor the trips to your specification from an all-inclusive package to individual day trips such as a visit to Greenway, the National Trust property that was formerly Agatha Chthe ristie’s home. The special tour guide for this excursion is John Curran, author of Agatha Christie’s Secret Notebooks. Last year Greenway trip was one of the most popular but is was only available as part of a package. Next year the property will be opening their doors exclusively for CRIMEFEST delegates, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity! For more details visit the CRIMEFEST TRIPS page.


ONLINE READING GROUP
After a break for this year’s convention we’re starting up the ONLINE READING GROUP with a special title. US publisher Busted Flush has recently re-published the first instalment of Zoë Sharp’s Charlie Fox thrillers, Killer Instinct. The rare book has been out of print for some time, and this new edition comes with an introduction by Lee Child, a long-time fan of Zoë’s. To receive one of the 20 copies send an email to read@crimefest.com with 'Sharp' in the subject line and your name, postal and email address in the body of the message. The deadline is Tuesday 31 August.

To participate in the discussion of some of the more recent titles visit the ONLINE READING GROUPS page.


COMPETITIONS AND GIVEAWAYS
Goldsboro Books, the book collectors’ bookseller, is again providing CRIMEFEST newsletter subscribers with a great giveaway: a signed, first edition of Adrian Magson’s Red Station. This, the first in a new series featuring MI5 Officer Harry Tate, captures some of the best elements of John le Carré, Ian Fleming and Frederick Forsyth, and we eagerly await the further exploits of Harry. For a chance to receive a free copy of Red Station, send an email with ‘Magson’ in the subject line, and your name, postal and email address in the body of the message to enquiries@goldsborobooks.com. The deadline to enter is Tuesday 31 August.

To celebrate the publication of Laurie King’s latest Mary Russell adventure, The God of the Hive, Constable & Robinson have reissued some of the backlisted titles with glorious new covers. Newsletter subscribers can win one of six copies of either The Game or Locked Rooms by answering this simple question: what is the name of Russell’s famous husband and sleuthing partner? To enter send an email to competition@crimefest.com with 'King' in the subject line and your reply together with your name, postal, email address and preferred title (The Game or Locked Rooms) in the body of the message. The deadline is Tuesday 31 August.


GOLDSBORO BOOK CLUB
In addition to the CRIMEFEST giveaway, Goldsboro Books, sponsor of CrimeFest’s Last Laugh Award, have their own competitions as well. For more details visit Goldsboro competitions. Goldsboro also run a book club that might interest newsletter subscribers: each month they recommend an exciting new title, thoughtfully chosen by the Goldsboro team. When you become a member, you will receive a new signed, first edition at 10% off the listed price. Goldsboro will also offer you a discount of 10% off every book that you order directly from them, and they also give you priority to buy their special limited editions with notification of exclusive information on these books before they post it on their website. For more information visit the Goldsboro Book Club.


CRIMEFEST WEBSITE
The CRIMEFEST website has been updated to include all the latest info including authors who have signed up so far, workshops, trips, etc. Most of the info for previous years is still on line as well and can be found through links on the MEDIA/HISTORY page.


EARLY REGISTRATION OFFER
As this newsletter is going out later than anticipated we’re extending the early registration offer of £100 for the full CRIMEFEST 2011 pass until the 31 August. The price will ultimately go up to £140, but if you sign up now the savings will pay for your ticket to the Gala Dinner! Visit the REGISTRATION page to sign up.

And if you can’t wait until 2011, don’t forget there is the Reading Festival of Crime Writing in the UK (16 – 19 September) and Bouchercon, the 43rd World Mystery Convention in San Francisco (14 – 17 October).

The next newsletter is scheduled for September. Until then.

Cheers,