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22
Jul 2021
Chris Whitaker wins top crime novel award in Harrogate
Chris Whitaker's book has won the prestigious crime novel of the year award on the opening night of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.
The four-day event, organised by the arts charity Harrogate International Festivals, is widely recognised as the biggest in crime writing.
We Begin at the End, a story of crime, punishment, love and redemption set in California, is credited by Whitaker for saving his life after he was mugged and stabbed as a teenager.
Whitaker, who received the prize at the Old Swan Hotel tonight, was nominated for the award for the first time. He was chosen by a public vote, the prize academy and a panel of expert judges.
He received £3,000 and an engraved oak beer cask.
Northern Irish author Brian McGilloway’s political thriller The Last Crossing, which explores The Troubles from the perspective of former operatives who like to think they have moved on, was highly commended.
Read more:
- Richard Osman coming to Harrogate for Theakston Crime Writing Festival 2021
- Programme revealed for Harrogate's crime writing festival
Simon Theakston, executive director of T&R Theakston, said:
Special presentations were also made to Ian Rankin and Mark Billingham, the winners of the outstanding contribution to crime fiction award for 2021 and 2020 respectively.
Mr Rankin said:
The festival continues until Sunday. Special guests include Mark Billingham, Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths, Mick Herron, Clare Mackintosh, Val Mcdermid and Richard Osman.
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