‘Cosy’ was – shamefully – a bit of a negative label in the crime writing world until its incredible, chart-topping explosion in recent years exposed its wit, inventiveness and charm for all to see. Here are three of its best executioners. Sally Smith’s A Case of Mice and Murder is a delightfully cunning mystery set in the world of London’s law courts in 1901. Ian Moore’s Death in Le Jardin is un libre fantastique as a housekeeper is accused of murder in rural France. Knife Skills For Beginners is a delicious slice of murder mystery from former MasterChef semi-finalist Orlando Murrin.
This event will be chaired by the king of Indian cosy, Vaseem Khan.

Our 2024 festival gets off to a rip-roaring start with two hugely popular authors who have found their own routes to success. JD Kirk and Rachel Abbott both started their careers by self-publishing their novels and have grown enormous fan bases as they’ve raced to the top of the bestseller charts. In J D Kirk’s latest heart-pounding thriller, A Killer of Influence, DCI Jack Logan traverses the Highlands and the Internet to catch the killer of a group of social media influencers. Rachel Abbott’s 16th novel in a remarkable career is the gripping page turner The Last Time I Saw Him.

This event will be chaired by author Ed James.
Crime in the Spotlight reading from Simpson Grears.

We are delighted that one of the world’s best-loved crime writers is making a welcome return to Bloody Scotland. Ann Cleeves is the creator of three outstanding crime series, two much-loved television drama in Vera and Shetland, and 36 novels translated into over 20 languages. Vera returns in The Dark Wives, as two bodies and a missing teenager set DI Stanhope onto a dark path where fact and folklore collide.
Ann will be in conversation with Bloody Scotland co-founder Lin Anderson. The latest in Lin’s Rhona MacLeod series, Whispers of the Dead, features a gangland slaying and a missing movie star in Glasgow.
Crime in the Spotlight reading from Nina Bhadreshwar.

We are delighted that one of the world’s best-loved crime writers is making a welcome return to Bloody Scotland.

This is a long-awaited return for one of Scotland’s favourite sons. The hugely popular Peter May is back on the Stirling stage for the first time since 2017 and is guaranteed a warm welcome. As a journalist, television writer and producer, and multi-award-winning author, Peter has had a remarkable career. From his first novel, The Reporter in 1978, through the Enzo series, the China thrillers, and the Lewis Trilogy, he’s delighted readers across the world. Now we eagerly await the publication of The Black Loch, the much-anticipated fourth Lewis book. It doesn’t disappoint! 

Peter will be in conversation with author Craig Robertson.
Crime in the Spotlight reading from Donna Morfett.

We welcome one of the UK’s most popular actors to Bloody Scotland in his latest role as bestselling author. Richard Armitage’s string of stellar acting credits include The Hobbit, North and South, Into the Storm, and Spooks, but he’s now turned his talents to writing crime fiction with his outstanding debut Geneva. A Nobel Prize-winning scientist with Alzheimer’s attends a biotech conference where technology will be unveiled that could save her life. But with her memory failing, Sarah Collier knows only that she can trust no one. Not even herself.

Richard will be interviewed by TV and radio presenter Bryan Burnett.
Crime in the Spotlight reading from Jake Bowen-Bate.

We are delighted that one of the world’s best-loved crime writers is making a welcome return to Bloody Scotland.

This is a long-awaited return for one of Scotland’s favourite sons. The hugely popular Peter May is back on the Stirling stage for the first time since 2017 and is guaranteed a warm welcome. As a journalist, television writer and producer, and multi-award-winning author, Peter has had a remarkable career. From his first novel, The Reporter in 1978, through the Enzo series, the China thrillers, and the Lewis Trilogy, he’s delighted readers across the world. Now we eagerly await the publication of The Black Loch, the much-anticipated fourth Lewis book. It doesn’t disappoint! 

Peter will be in conversation with author Craig Robertson.
Crime in the Spotlight reading from Donna Morfett.

We welcome one of the UK’s most popular actors to Bloody Scotland in his latest role as bestselling author. Richard Armitag’s string of stellar acting credits include The Hobbit, North and South, Into the Storm, and Spooks, but he’s now turned his talents to writing crime fiction with his outstanding debut Geneva. A Nobel Prize-winning scientist with Alzheimer’s attends a biotech conference where technology will be unveiled that could save her life. But with her memory failing, Sarah Collier knows only that she can trust no one. Not even herself.

Richard will be interviewed by TV and radio presenter Bryan Burnett.
Crime in the Spotlight reading from Jake Bowen-Bate.

As a special Sunday treat for being so good all weekend, we offer a TV favourite and an international bestseller who have both placed reality television at the heart of their new books. Louise presented BBC Breakfast for 20 years as well as a host of other shows. Her first foray into fiction is with the acclaimed Isolation Island which draws deep on her TV experience. Ruth has had a string of stunning hits across the globe, such as The Woman in Cabin 10 and In a Dark, Dark, Wood, and is on top form in her new blockbuster One Perfect Couple.

This event will be chaired by TV and radio presenter Bryan Burnett.
Crime in the Spotlight reading from Jane McLoughlin.

We are delighted that one of the world’s best-loved crime writers is making a welcome return to Bloody Scotland. Ann Cleeves is the creator of three outstanding crime series, two much-loved television drama in Vera and Shetland, and 36 novels translated into over 20 languages. Vera returns in The Dark Wives, as two bodies and a missing teenager set DI Stanhope onto a dark path where fact and folklore collide.
Ann will be in conversation with Bloody Scotland co-founder Lin Anderson. The latest in Lin’s Rhona MacLeod series, Whispers of the Dead, features a gangland slaying and a missing movie star in Glasgow.
Crime in the Spotlight reading from Nina Bhadreshwar.