Reader in Residence

Read All About It!

Down the pub, in the bath, under the covers, on the beach, at the park, books transform the lives of millions:  a humdrum lunch hour eased by blood-pumping prose; the routine commute propelled into a thrilling ride. Heart-stopping, mind-blowing, hair-raising – crime fiction can pull on your emotions and mess with your mind.  It can be poetic, punchy, fast, reflective, thoughtful, or escapist – the diversity of the genre is why it’s so popular.

If you are an innocent to the crime genre or already a fan – our Reader in Residence – is your perfect partner in crime.

The position of Reader-In-Residence was held by award-winning crime writer Ann Cleeves from 2003-2009. During her time in post Ann ran book groups in libraries across the North of England and rural pubs in North Yorkshire, presented countless versions of her library-set who-dunnit mystery, Brought To Book,  to enthralled audiences in venues from universites to renovated barns,  and worked with school children in isolated communities to discover the thrill of crime scene investigation and the joy to be found in reading and writing in general, and mystery stories in particular.

Ann was succeeded in 2010 by fellow crime writer Martyn Waites. In addition to being an acclaimed crime author, Martyn has worked with young offenders in prisons and delivered drama and creative writing workshops to socially excluded adults and teenagers in South London and Essex. He is also currently the RLF Writing Fellow for Essex University.

Here at Harrogate, we give readers the space and opportunity to share their opinions about the books and authors featured, and so far, you’ve taken us up on it, big time, through the notice board, the free Saturday lunchtime book groups, over coffee, or in the bar.  So, if you like the thought of getting together with other readers, why not contact Martyn at crime@harrogate-festival.org.uk or keep an eye on our website for the latest readers’ news.