Peter James announced as special guest for Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

Peter James has been announced as the final “special guest” for the 2024 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, taking place from 18th to 21st July in Harrogate.

James is the author of the Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series (Pan Macmillan), which has been adapted into an ITV drama starring John Simm. He will mark his 20th Roy Grace book at the festival with an exclusive preview of One of Us is Dead, which will be published by Pan Macmillan in September 2024. The author is scheduled to be in conversation with TV presenter Louise Minchin, and will also talk about his new standalone novel, They Thought I Was Dead (Macmillan), revealing the fate of Roy Grace’s missing wife Sandy. 

“I had a wonderful time as programming chair in 2016 and I look forward to returning as a special guest this year, spending a delightful summer’s evening with my fans and fellow authors! I’ve no doubt a pint or two of Theakston Old Peculier might be involved,” said James, who has appeared at the festival eight times.

Festival chair Ruth Ware has curated a line-up of headliners for the 2024 event, comprising Richard Osman, Jane Casey, Elly Griffiths, Erin Kelly and Vaseem Khan. Authors Dorothy Koomson, Shari Lapena and Abir Mukherjee also appear on the special guest list, alongside Liz Nugent and Chris Carter. 

The festival is delivered by Harrogate International Festivals, and the full programme for the event will be announced on 14th May. More information on the festival and tickets are available online.