Martina Cole, Michael Connelly, Mark Billingham, Lisa Gardner, Kathy Reichs, Elly Griffiths and Mick Herron will be appearing as part of the killer line-up curated by this year’s Festival Programming Chair and Rebus author, Ian Rankin.
Ian Rankin 
Martina Cole
For the Crime Festival’s 18th year, Festival Programming Chair, Ian Rankin has selected the incomparable No. 1 bestseller Martina Cole who will be sharing the stories behind her iconic career; Kathy Reichs will introduce A Conspiracy of Bones, the riveting new thriller featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan; and Festival favourite Mark Billingham returns to Harrogate to celebrate 20 years of Tom Thorne, one of British crime fiction’s most iconic detectives.
Kathy Reichs © Marie-Reine Mattera 
Mark Billingham
Michael Connelly, the international phenomenon with over 74 million copies sold worldwide, will be at Harrogate to share his latest unputdownable thriller Fair Warning, featuring veteran reporter Jack McEvoy; the master of psychological suspense Lisa Gardner will give the Harrogate audience an insight into the twists and turns of When You See Me; Elly Griffiths will discuss her much-loved Dr Ruth Galloway mystery series (will Ruth ever find true happiness?); and the fabulous Mick Herron will mark ten years of his award-winning spy sensation Slough House series and introduce his new novella set in the same world, The Catch.
Lisa Gardner 
Mick Herron 
Elly Griffiths 
Michael Connelly
From 23-26 July, Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel – the legendary scene of Agatha Christie’s mysterious disappearance in 1926 – will welcome over 100 world famous authors for a celebration of the crime genre like no other.
Ian Rankin, best-selling Rebus author, said:
“It is for good reason that Harrogate is so well loved by authors and audiences alike, and the pressure has been on to make sure that this year lives up to its stellar reputation! But working with the Harrogate team has been a joy and we’re incredibly proud of the celebration of crime writing we have in store. Beginning with the announcement of our incredible Special Guests, the countdown to this year’s legendary long weekend is well and truly on and I can’t wait unveil the rest in April.”
Sharon Canavar, CE of Harrogate International Festivals, said:
“Our mission at Harrogate International Festivals is to present the most unforgettable cultural experiences and year on year Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival continues to surpass all expectations. It has been a delight working with Ian Rankin and we’re thrilled that the 2020 Special Guest line-up reflects the absolute best in the crime-writing business – we look forward to revealing the full programme.”
Simon Theakston, Executive Director of Theakston, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be supporting the biggest and best crime writing festival in the world, right here in Harrogate – it is a truly unique opportunity to discover the secrets behind the genre’s greatest characters, listen to world-renowned authors and celebrate the wonderful world of crime writing. All this and the chance to enjoy a very satisfying glass of Old Peculier at the same time.”
The full programme line-up will be announced on 2nd April 2020
Booking: Rover Tickets – including Weekend, Friday and Saturday – are now on sale, along with Weekend Break Packages. For more information and to book tickets, please call +44(0)1423 562 303 or email crime@harrogate-festival.org.uk.
Live and Deadly 