Sturgeon and Mercurio join Patterson at Harrogate crime festival

Thriller writer James Patterson will be joined by Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, authors Ian Rankin, Jo Nesbo and "Line of Duty" writer Jed Mercurio at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in July.

Chair of the 2019 programming committee, Mari Hannah, unveiled a packed line-up for the event. Now in its 17th year, the festival takes place at Agatha Christie’s old haunt, the Old Swan Hotel, in Harrogate from 18th to 21st July.

Other writers appearing include Harlan Coben, MC Beaton, Stuart MacBride, Jeffery Deaver, Belinda Bauer, Eva Dolan and Erin Kelly.

Val McDermid will be interviewed at the festival by Sturgeon while Nesbo will also launch his much anticipated new Harry Hole thriller, Knife, at the festival. A special TV panel will feature Mercurio, who wrote BBC hit "Bodyguard".

Hannah said: “The Theakston programming committee has a reputation for attracting the finest crime writers to the festival from around the world and we’ve done it again. The response to this year’s line-up has been incredible. I’m looking forward to welcoming readers in July.”

Simon Theakston, executive director of T&R Theakston and title sponsor, said: “Our celebration of the genre is no doubt the best in the world. 2019 is another remarkable line-up and it is a huge privilege to welcome one of the world¹s biggest selling authors, James Patterson, a remarkable advocate for reading who has donated millions to reading initiatives in schools, colleges and libraries.”