Vikings, huge crustaceans and a helpful seagull

The basis of A Large Measure of Snow is that in December 1967, with all roads to the town of Kinloch cut off by snow, its fishing fleet sets off for Girvan in search of food. On board one boat, the Girl Maggie, is first mate Hamish, who has – to everyone’s amazement – been…

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Scandis and Americans join Scots for Granite Noir

AUTHORS from Scotland, Scandinavia and the United States will star in next month’s online Granite Noir book festival. Aberdeen’s international crime writing extravaganza will include appearances by Camilla Läckberg and Attica Locke. Well-kent faces popping up on screen include David Baldacci, Stuart MacBride, Peter May, Val McDermid, Jo Nesbo, and Ian Rankin. The festival will…

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The life and crimes of author Craig Robertson

Crime writer Craig Robertson confesses to a fondness for cemeteries and his local 19th-century pub, as well as taking plenty of inspiration from his home town of Stirling. I could probably be accused of being a bit of a fraud in one aspect of my writing. All but one of my books are set in…

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Murder and mystery grip Granite Noir 2020

With the very best in home grown and international crime fiction, a courtroom drama, poison cocktails, music and murder mystery escape games, Granite Noir returns to Aberdeen in February 2020. Now in its fourth year, Granite Noir is inspired by the Granite city – its history, its atmosphere and its strong sense of place –…

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Lifting the lid on the very best of Tartan Noir

What is Tartan Noir? Which authors belong to this global crime fiction phenomenon? Which books should you read first, next, again, or not at all? Len Wanner investigates the genre’s four main sub-genres – the detective, the police, the serial killer, and the noir novel. Covering four decades of literary history, he provides close readings…

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Granite Noir announces its first two guests

Granite Noir, Aberdeen’s international crime writing Festival, returns in February 2020 with an exciting line-up of Scottish, UK and International authors. While the full programme won’t be announced until early December, organisers have released the names of two headline speakers as part of an early-bird booking package. Sara Paretsky is the award-winning American author who…

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Former policeman uses his eye to write new novel

Peter Ritchie uses his past experience gained from a career as a senior police officer to write this crime fiction novel with astonishing authenticity and intrigue. The book has such character and charm that it makes the life of crime seem almost appealing, if it weren’t for the violence, illegality and constant paranoia that accompanies…

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Bloody Scotland was another crime success story

The Bloody Scotland crime writing festival had an attendance of over 10,000 for the first time. McIlvanney Prize winner, Manda Scott, set the tone for the weekend when she announced that in the spirit of cooperation reflected by the climate protests she wished to abandon rivalry and share the prize with her fellow finalists –…

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When Rankin meets Rankin at Scots restaurant

Edinburgh has seen all kinds of artistic collaborations over the years – but this month brings a first. Renowned London chef, Neil Rankin and top Scottish author, Ian Rankin will be jointly hosting a lunch at Ondine restaurant celebrating their love of food and literature. The event on August 21 is the latest in a…

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New writers given a chance to shine at festival

Aberdeen’s crime fiction festival, Granite Noir, will be back for a fourth year in 2020 – with plans already underway for the biggest and most ambitious event yet. Having established itself as one of Scotland’s signature literature festivals, Granite Noir has doubled its attendance levels since its inception in 2017. Each year, the Locals in…

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