New Blood | Harrogate International Festivals

Discovering the bestsellers of tomorrow

New Blood is a legendary panel at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, dedicated to fostering new voices in crime fiction by spotlighting the most exciting debut authors in the genre.

This highly anticipated event has launched the careers of some of the genre’s biggest names, offering a vital platform for outstanding new talent. Traditionally curated by giant of the genre Val McDermid, the featured authors are now selected by a panel of notable critics, who have continued Val’s legacy of creating opportunities for the best fresh voices.

With New Blood alumni including SJ Watson, Stuart MacBride, Liam McIlvanney, Fiona Cummins, Stuart Neville, Abir Mukherjee and Chris Hammer among a host of other bestselling authors across the genre, this prestigious showcase remains a must-see event for fans eager to discover the next big name in crime fiction.

Experience New Blood

The authors of four outstanding debuts, as chosen by some of the UK’s top crime fiction critics, will discuss their books with head critic Natasha Cooper in this perennial Festival favourite on Saturday 25 July at the 2026 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.

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HIF Engage

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The singer Laura Mvula takes the stage, singing into a microphone on a stand whilst holding a keytar (portable keyboard) over her shoulder.

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