Rankin, Hannah and Cleeves among first CrimeFest anthology contributors

Crime fiction festival CrimeFest will release an anthology of short stories next year to mark its 10th anniversary, with new stories from contributors including Ian Rankin, Lee Child, Sophie Hannah and Ann Cleeves.

The paperback title, containing a foreword by Peter James, will be published in the UK by No Exit Press (£9.99) and by Poisoned Pen Press ($15.95) in the US.  All proceeds will go to the reading library of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

A spokesperson for the Bristol-based festival said: “It will also pay homage to the enormous contribution Scandinavian authors have made to the genre, with stories by the godmother of Scandinavian crime fiction Maj Sjöwall [to be translated by Catherine Edwards] – her last novel with husband Per Per Wahlöö was published in 1976 – as well as the much-revered Icelandic author Yrsa Sigurðardóttir.”

Other contributors to have been confirmed so far include: Simon Brett, Bill Beverly, Jeffery Deaver, Martin Edwards, Kate Ellis, Michael Stanley, Andrew Taylor, Peter Guttridge, John Harvey, Mick Herron, Donna Moore, Caro Ramsay, James Sallis and Zoë Sharp.

Adrian Muller, CrimeFest co-host, said: “Jane Burfield, a devoted delegate and benefactor of the arts in Canada, approached us with a generous offer to sponsor something special for our 10th anniversary. The idea with immediate appeal to everyone involved was to publish an anthology of new stories, with the proceeds going to our long-term charity the RNIB. Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and I are beyond thrilled by the line-up of authors who have agreed to contribute.

"We’re delighted to be working with No Exit Press and Poisoned Pen Press, independent publishers known for their excellence; and with Martin Edwards we have one of the best editors of anthologies in the business. Participating authors include Diamond Dagger recipients, CWA and international award-winning authors, and the majority of them are friends who have loyally supported CrimeFest throughout the years.”

Any delegate signing up to celebrate the event in 2018, and who has attended at least one CrimeFest in the past, is guaranteed a complimentary copy of the anthology. The book’s cover will be revealed exclusively to CrimeFest 2017 attendees. Organisers are also offering newsletter subscribers the chance to name the anthology, with the winner receiving free passes to CrimeFest 2018 including the Gala Awards Dinner and accommodation at the 4 star Bristol Marriott hotel.