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Named in recognition of world-famous crime writer, Val McDermid, who co-founded the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in 2003 and whose dedication to fostering new voices in crime fiction through the New Blood panel is legendary, this Award seeks to continue her legacy, celebrating and platforming the best debut crime writers in the UK.
A shortlist of six titles, selected by an academy of established crime and thriller authors, will be announced on Thursday 5 June 2025, with the winner determined by a judging panel of industry experts, including literary, broadcasting and media figures.
Hear Sean Watkin, Bonnie Burke-Patel and Louise Minchin, 3 of the shortlisted authors discuss what this award means to them.
- Black Water Rising by Sean Watkin
- I Died at Fallow Hall by Bonnie Burke-Patel
- Isolation Island by Louise Minchin
Hear the remaining shortlistees David Goodman, Nilesha Chauvet and Chris Bridges, discuss what this award means to them.
- A Reluctant Spy by David Goodman
- Her Two Lives by Nilesha Chauvet
- Sick to Death by Chris Bridges