Murder One, Ireland’s International Crime Writing Festival, returns to Dublin from 17 – 20 October 2024
Supported by the Arts Council and DLR Libraries, Murder One, Ireland’s International Crime Writing Festival, returns to Dublin for its 7th year with a host of not to be missed events, talks, masterclasses and workshops taking place in Dun Laoghaire’s landmark DLR Lexicon Library & Cultural Centre. The festival will feature international crime writing talents including Andrea Mara, C.L. Taylor, BA Paris and Vaseen Khan, and opens with Peter James, who has sold over 23 million books worldwide,
(Credit Nick Bradshaw The Irish Times)
With Amazon sales data revealing that crime, thriller and mystery novels are the most popular book genres over the last 12 months, it is no surprise that crime writing continues to grow year on year. Whether you want to become the next crime fiction international bestselling author or you just love fantastic thrillers and mysteries, Murder One truly has something for everyone over the course of the festival and will have you hooked throughout! Run by bestselling crime author, Sam Blake, together with festival director, Bert Wright, Murder One promises to be a weekend to remember.
Friday, 18th October kicks off with a practical masterclass with international Irish bestseller Catherine Ryan Howard where budding crime writers can learn how to plot the perfect crime story. Catherine will talk attendees through each stage of her writing process from interrogating the initial idea to getting to the ‘The End’ of her first draft. This will be the only masterclass Ryan Howard gives this year, so it’s not to be missed!
(Image Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin- The Irish Independent)
Wondering how exactly to make a great first impression with a literary agent or publisher? Then be sure to join top literary agents, Simon Trewin and Polly Nolan on Friday afternoon to find out how to capture an agent’s attention from your very first email!
Day one will finish up on a high with Breda Brown chatting to international bestseller, Peter James, as he discusses his latest novel, One of Us is Dead.
Highlights for Saturday, 19th October include authors Brian McGilloway, Karen Perry, B.A. Paris & Claire McGowan discussing how friendships can take a sinister turn… Two top selling crime writers, Andrea Mara and C.L. Taylor will join Sam Blake for a chat about how they develop new book ideas that grip readers from the very beginning…and Jo Spain and Jane Casey will chat with John Deane-O’Keeffe about their screen successes.
The final day of the festival, Sunday, 20th October, will bring more twists and turns with bestselling author of the Eddie Flynn novels, Steve Cavanagh chatting with Edel Coffey about creating one of the greatest characters in crime fiction published today…followed by a discussion with authors Stuart Neville, Amanda Cassidy and Vaseem Khan on the importance of location in their nail-biting novels.
Not forgetting younger budding crime writers too; this year, Murder One has a school’s programme that will take place on Thursday, 17th October in the DLR Studio Theatre. Events will include ‘The Tower Ghost Schools’ Event’ with author Natasha Mac a’Bháird and a Story Event for Schools with Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde, and much-loved author and performer, Dave Rudden.
Attendees can also enjoy a number of free live readings from authors including Michelle Teahan, Kitty Murphy, Michelle Dunne, James Murphy and Clara Dillion and many more over the Saturday and Sunday.
Commenting on the festival, author & organiser of Murder One Festival, Sam Blake, said “Now in its 7th year, we are delighted to return to Dun Laoghaire with a fantastic line up once again of Irish and International crime authors. We would like to thank the Arts Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Libraries for their invaluable support and we look forward to welcoming returning and new lovers of crime writing to Murder One this October.”
Bert Wright, added, “With another packed lineup in place this year we are really excited to return to the DLR Lexicon for a weekend of thrills, mystery and more that will be great fun for all.”
Tickets for all the events are on sale now. Visit www.murderone.ie for booking details and further information on all the scheduled events or follow Murder One Festival on socials today – X (@MurderOneFestival), Facebook (@MOneCrimeFest) or Instagram (@MurderOneFest)
