We’re delighted to see that Mick Herron‘s The Secret Hours, Val McDermid‘s Past Lying,  William Hussey‘s Killing Jericho, and Simon Mason‘s The Broken Afternoon have been longlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2024.

The award, now in its 20th year, celebrates excellence, originality and the very best in crime fiction from UK and Irish authors. A highlight in the literary calendar, past winners include Clare Mackintosh, Mick Herron, Val McDermid and Lee Child. This year’s longlist features a wide range of crime fiction, including “stories that transport readers from the burning heat of the Chihuahuan Desert to the chill of 1990’s Berlin, from down-at-heel Blackpool to the splendour of Georgian London,” organisers said.

Crime fiction fans are now invited to vote for their favourite novels here to  decide which six titles make the shortlist. Voting closes on 16 May, with the shortlist announced on 13 June. The winner will be revealed on the opening night of Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival on 18 July, receiving £3,000 and a handmade, engraved beer barrel provided by T&R Theakston Ltd.