In Conversation: Val McDermid and Steph McGovern

The final event of the Festival can be a bitter-sweet moment but in 2025 we wrap things up in grand style with an hour of fascinating conversation in the company of two wonderful raconteurs, one undeniably the Queen of Crime and one of the UK’s most beloved crime writers, the other a familiar Festival face but when it comes to novel writing, very much the ‘new kid on the block’.

Val McDermid is the creator of over 40 acclaimed novels translated into as many languages. With more than 19 million sales worldwide, she is an iconic figure of the crime fiction genre. She’s fully deserving of her regal status, and long may she reign over us.

In comparison, award-winning journalist and TV presenter Steph McGovern is a new voice in the genre, but what a start she’s made. Her debut, Deadline, is a blistering thriller drawing on Steph’s television career to deliver a pacy, authentic drama that’s a surefire ratings winner. Matt Nixson will chair.