Strong line-up for Theakstons crime novel award

May 2, 2008: The longlist has been announced for the fourth Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year award.

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	l Brought to book: Simon Theakston, executive director of Theakstons, with Simon Kernick, chair of the Theakstons Crime Writing Festival

The longlist once again covers an exceptional mix of new and more established writers covering styles from across the crime genre.

The only award of its kind to be voted for by the general public, it has generated a real mix of winners in the past, from well established authors like Val McDermid, who won in 2006 for The Torment of Others, to the surprise win in 2007 of Allan Guthrie for his first novel Two-Way Split.

Simon Robertson, crime buyer for Waterstone's, which is also associated with the award, said: "This is the strongest longlist yet for the award, which is a real reflection of the fantastic shape British crime fiction is in at the moment."

Simon Theakston, executive director of T&R Theakston, added: "Each year this competition becomes more exciting as the profile of the award and the calibre of the writers grows. I am looking forward to seeing who the public will vote onto the shortlist."

The longlist comprises: Simon Beckett (for The Chemistry of Death), Mark Billingham (Buried), Benjamin Black (Christine Falls), Christopher Brookmyre (A Tale Etched in Blood and Hard Pencil), Sophie Hannah (Hurting Distance), John Harvey (Darkness and Light), Reginald Hill (The Death of Dalziel), Susan Hill (The Risk of Darkness), Graham Hurley (One Under), Peter James (Not Dead Enough) Simon Kernick (Relentless), Patrick Lennon (Corn Dolls), Stuart MacBride (Dying Light), Alexander McCall Smith (Blue Shoes and Happiness), Val McDermid (The Grave Tattoo), Mark Mills (The Savage Garden), Stef Penney (The Tenderness of Wolves), Peter Robinson (Piece of my Heart), CJ Sansom (Sovereign), and Chris Simms (Shifting Skin).

n Voting is open now in all Waterstone’s stores and online at www.waterstones.com and will continue until June 17. The shortlist will be released on June 26 and the winner announced on July 17, on the opening night of the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. The winner will receive £3,000 and a hand-made Theakstons cask. The Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will take place in Harrogate from July 17 to 20. Weekend packages are available by calling 01423 562303. Individual tickets are available on 0845 130 8840.