The Harrogate Festival returns

After last year’s smashing success, followed by a bit of uncertainty thanks to funding issues, the 2nd Harrogate Crime Writing Festival gets underway later today. I am trying very hard to control my envy of those who are there this time around while I must sit at home and pretend to work, but at least I know that this year will likely prove as good–and slightly bizarre–an experience as last year’s was. Although I’d be shocked if the Tribute band to an Abba Tribute band made a return appearance…

Anyway, the festival gets underway with Radio 4 host Jenni Murray interviewing recent Gold Dagger Winner Minette Walters, followed by the launch party where you can engage in one of my favorite pasttimes–drinking with crime writers. Actually, the best thing about the host hotel is that it has a spacious bar, where most anything can happen–agents belting out showtunes, authors switching publishers, and society types sashaying around with the most ridiculous hats known to mankind. If you don’t believe me, ask a certain Ms. Moore all about it.

But I’m digressing again. Harrogate once again features a great mix of panels, parties, lectures on forensics and all facets of crime-writing, from books to television to radio. Some of the many panels I wish I could attend include the Tartan Noir one (with chair Val McDermid, Louise Welsh, Christopher Brookmyre and Denise Mina) Laura Lippman’s interview of American Guest of Honor Karin Slaughter, and the Sunday morning quiz pitting Girls Against Boys.

No wonder Harrogate’s fast becoming the best crime fiction festival in Britain, and certainly one of the best anywhere.