The Crime Writers’ Association

The CWA Remembers David Stuart Davies

The CWA has lost one of its most loyal members in David Stuart Davies, a novelist, editor, and playwright who achieved an international reputation as an expert on Sherlock Holmes. David was born in Huddersfield, the town where he lived for much of...


Debut Dagger Tips: Joanne Spain

Joanne Spain’s life was changed by her decision to enter the CWA Debut Dagger competition in 2013. She credits her experience with the CWA contest with helping to shape her now-flourishing writing career. Now, having secured a two-book deal with Qu...


The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

This popular festival returns to the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate on the 20th-23rd July 2017, to mark the 15th annual celebration of the genre. 2017’s Programming Chair Elly Griffiths, the current holder of the CWA Dagger in the Library, has put toge...


Bloody Scotland 2023

This annual festival of crime writing in historic Stirling features events aimed at readers and writers alike. Learn about the latest developments in your favorite crime genres, including thrillers, cosies, and Scandinavian noir. Hear about what’s ...


Irish Book Week: 19-26 October

You don't have to be Irish, or live in Ireland, to celebrate the best of Irish literature. Simply participate in one or more of the daily themes and post about it using the tags #IrishBookWeek and #IrishBookaDay! For more information, please see the ...


Short Story Dagger

Short Story Dagger This award is for any crime short story first published in the UK in English during the Judging Period, whether on its own or within an anthology or collection. Upon publication it must have been for sale to the public, either in ...


CWA Dagger Awards Gala Dinner

THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2017 GRANGE CITY HOTEL, LONDON EC3N 6.30pm for 7pm This year we are very excited to announce our after dinner speaker will be the creator and writer of TVs Death in Paradise Robert Thorogood. Robert will be joined by Barry Forsha...


Clifton Litfest

Clifton LitFest takes place Friday 15 November-Sunday 17 November. On 17 November, at 3.30pm, join Bryan J. mason, Emily Koch and Gilly MacMillan as they discuss the importance of a sense of place in crime novels. Jade Chandler, publishing director o...


Writing a crime thriller with your sister is MURDER!

Neet Neilson and Marina Clement, talk about the pros and cons of writing with a partner, how they survived the experience and what to look for if thinking of collaborating on writing a novel. They will read excerpts from the two sisters (Jinny and Al...


Noireland Crime Writing Festival

POSTPONED TO 10 OCTOBER DUE TO CORONAVIRUS. Belfast’s international crime fiction festival takes place at the Clayton Hotel, Belfast on Saturday 10th October with a line-up to die for: Anthony Horowitz, Belinda Bauer, CWA Gold Dagger 2018 winner St...


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