Slaughter, Hallett and Mukherjee taking part in National Crime Reading Month

Karin Slaughter, Janice Hallett and Abir Mukherjee are among those taking part in author events throughout June to celebrate National Crime Reading Month (NCRM), run by The Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) and The Reading Agency. 

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA). Maxim Jakubowski, chair of the CWA, said: “National Crime Reading Month is all about bringing new books to readers and new readers to this richly varied genre. We want everyone to #PickUpAPageTurner this June.” 

Karen Napier, c.e.o. of The Reading Agency, said: “Through our adult reading work, we know how important crime writing is both for lifelong reading lovers and for those who are just starting out on their reading journey. We’re delighted to be taking part in NCRM once more this year and help new readers discover great reads.” 

The event launches on 1st June with Waterstones Piccadilly featuring two of The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads authors, Dreda Say Mitchell and Louise Candlish, chaired by Mukherjee.   

In Scotland, NCRM will be launched by research professor in forensic science Jim Fraser, author of Murder Under the Microscope (Atlantic). He’ll be speaking at Edinburgh Central Library. 

A special panel event is being held on 2nd June at the British Library focusing on Kate Jackson’s new book, How to Survive a Crime Classic Novel (British Library Publishing). Jackson will be joined by bestselling authors Mark Billingham, Mukherjee and Victoria Selman.  

The Northern Crime Syndicate will entertain library-goers across the north-east with ’Whose Crime Is It Anyway?’ Authors including Trevor Wood, Robert Scragg and Fiona Erskine will improvise a bestseller in an hour, with the audience’s help. 

There will also be standalone author talks, such as an evening with journalist, screenwriter and author of The Appeal (Viper) Hallett, at South Ruislip Library. 

Speaking on the allure of "cosy crime", which has dominated book sales, Hallett said: “Cosy crime fiction is a celebration of a conundrum. It’s a workout for your critical mind as you attempt to untangle the fiendish knot of the plot… once you start reading, you’ll be captivated, absorbed, enthralled and ultimately entertained.” 

In Dublin, Slaughter, will be in conversation with journalist and crime writer Edel Coffey, organised by the Murder One International Crime Writing Festival.  

Sam Blake, an NCRM organiser and CWA board member, said: “Crime fiction has drawn audiences since the Penny Dreadfuls. It’s hugely popular and dominates our bookshelves and TV screens. There’s something for everyone and we hope by demonstrating the breadth of the genre that NCRM will engage even more readers and encourage them to discover authors they haven’t read before.”