Charlie Higson to appear at Reading Crime Writing Festival

Investigate the darker side of the town as Reading Crime Writing Festival returns for a second year - reports Get Reading.

For three thrilling days this autumn a host of authors will reveal the secrets behind penning a crime novel and give you the chance to write your own in the popular short story competition.

From Friday, September 11, to Sunday, February 13, 35 renowned writers including Inspector Morse author Colin Dexter will host a series on criminal events.

The event, run by the council and Reading Libraries, welcomes the return of Mark Billingham and Frances Fyfield and Sonning Common-based writer Patrick Lennon. Young Bond author Charlie Higson is also on board.

For those interested in fact rather than fiction, the popular Brought in for Questioning series of free talks will return for aspiring crime novelists to grill the experts.

Forensic pathologist Dr Ken Shorrock will host It’s Not like Silent Witness, while senior archivist at Berkshire Records Office Mark Stevens will talk to the crowds about Broadmoor Revealed: The Victorian Asylum.

The getreading-sponsored event will also delve deep into the history of female villains with a talk from Dr Great Depledge entitled Women Behaving Badly, looking at women in 19th and 20th Century English crime fiction.

Throughout the weekend a number of crime-filled events will take place including a special murder mystery dinner, a crime pub quiz and activities for children with a Burglar Bill puppet show.

Budding crime fiction writers can also show off their skills by completing short story competition The Long One by finishing off an introduction written by Patrick Lennon.

But, for those who don’t have a novel inside them, The Short One is a twitter-length competition where crime stories have to be around 140 characters.

Winners will have their stories published in getreading and the Reading Post and receive tickets to Reading Arts events.

Graeme Hoskin, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for culture and sport, said: “We are very excited at the prospect of welcoming crime writing enthusiasts to Reading in September.

“We are thrilled to have attracted many world-class crime authors and speakers, and with more than 30 authors over the three days the festival is sure to be of interest to people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Thanks to `` for the alert.

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