Writers Debby Broughton-Hay and Tony Black joined local councillors and Carnegie library staff to promote Crime Writers Month. Whodunnit?
Potential Poirots, Sherlock Holmes hopefuls and Agatha Christie devotees are in for a treat this month, as a host of well known crime writing names come to South Ayrshire to talk about their work, host workshops and launch new works.
The events, hosted at Carnegie and Troon libraries, mark South Ayrshire Council's contribution to National Crime Writing Month – promoted by the National Crime Writers' Association - and feature some of the most successful crime writers in the country.
In addition, a series of guided walks through Old Ayr will also offer a masterful insight into crimes and misdemeanours of days gone by.
So, if you've ever accepted an invitation from Colonel Mustard to join him for drinks in the conservatory, then you're going to love the criminal capers on offer this month!
Councillor Bill Grant, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure commented: "Last year's crime writing week was a real success and the idea to expand this into a month long celebration of this genre is a superb idea.
"There's an abundance of fresh writing talent coming through just now and I'm pleased that some of the best authors also happen to be Scottish. Having them come to South Ayrshire to launch and talk about their work is a real bonus and I trust they will go on to greater success in this country and further afield."
Crime Writing Month starts at Carnegie Library on Wednesday 6June from 7.30pm, with new author Michael Malone first on the scene to launch his crime novel 'Blood Tears' – his debut crime novel. Tickets are £3 each from the library.
On Monday 11June from 7.30pm, Carnegie Library hosts special guest author Moira McPartlin, as she hosts a social evening to talk about 'The Incomers' – her compelling story of Ellie Amadi's journey from west Africa, her arrival in Scotland to join her new husband, a white estate factor and the reaction she faces from local villagers.Tickets are £2 from the library.
The following day on 12 June, well known writer Debby Broughton-Hay will be holding a Murder Mystery Writers' Workshop at Troon Library between 2pm and 4pm, where anyone interested in writing crime drama, crime fiction or 'a whodunnit' is welcome to attend for advice, guidance and support. Tickets are £3 each and are available from the library.
Debby's workshop will be repeated on Wednesday 13 June between 7pm and 9pm. Tickets are £3, available from Carnegie Library
Acclaimed Scottish crime writer Tony Black then visits Carnegie Library on 14 June to launch his new book 'The Storm Without' at 7.30pm. Described by Irvine Welsh as 'my favourite British crime writer', Tony is a respected journalist whose work has appeared in a host of Scottish newspapers and magazines.
The event is free and tickets are available from Carnegie Library, but please be quick as demand is likely to be high.
There's a feline flavour at Troon Library on Wednesday 20June at 2pm when author Tom McKerley talks about his book 'Bloodlines: Touch Not The Cat' – a wonderful genealogical mystery novel co-written with well known Dutch author Ingrid Schippers. Tickets are £2 each from Troon Library.
South Ayrshire's Crime Writing Month comes to a finale on Wednesday 27June at Troon Library, when Tony Black drops in to talk about his book 'Murder Mile.'
Murder Mile is the second outing for DI Rob Brennan, a complex and brooding character who makes Rebus look positively chipper by comparison. Tickets are £3 each, available from Troon Library.
Weaving a criminal path in between the workshops, talks and launches, local historian Tom Barclay leads a series of crime walks around old Ayr – a walking tour of town centre sites associated with the rebels, smugglers, body-snatchers, common criminals and thief-takers who have all played dramatic parts in the town's colourful past.
Each walk lasts one hour and costs £3, setting off from Carnegie Library on the following dates and times:
- Thursday 7June, 6.30pm
- Wednesday 13 June, 2pm
- Tuesday 19 June, 2pm
- Thursday 21 June, 6.30pm
Councillor Grant concluded: "It might be clichéd, but there's so much on offer here it really would be criminal to miss out on South Ayrshire's Crime Writers Month!"
To purchase tickets please visit Carnegie or Troon libraries and you can enjoy all of these events with an 'Access for All' ticket for just £10. For more information on any of the talks, workshops or book launches visit our libraries section.