Author Talks

What makes a great crime novel

From Agatha Christie to Lee Child, from police procedurals to psychological thrillers, crime fiction covers a range of sub-genres that appeal to so many readers. But what is it about crime (fiction!) that’s so attractive?

Of course, not all crime novels are the same. In part, that’s down to the reader’s taste. A fan of cosy crime isn’t going to get the same pleasure from gritty noir. Even so, there are elements across all of the sub-genres that a reader will be looking for – whether they realise it or not. But which ones?

Award winning author Graeme Cumming explores crime fiction with his audience, asking these questions and more. Using examples from his own writing and that of others, he’ll highlight what works for readers – and what doesn’t.

With opportunities to participate and ask questions, this is a must for fans of crime fiction and aspiring crime writers.

How to become a bestseller

It might be hard to believe, but Graeme Cumming has been a bestselling novelist. He finds it hard to believe as well. But it happened.

Of course, there’s a story to tell about how that came to pass. And, being a storyteller, Graeme shares it in his own inimitable style.

Along the way, he’ll explain how he came to write in the first place, the challenges of writing a novel for publication – and the challenges of getting it published. And then he’ll introduce you to the biggest challenge an author faces. All of this culminates in how he achieved every author’s dream: seeing his book at number 1.

Like all good stories, though, there is a twist.

The question is: will you see it coming?